New NRA partnership encourages restaurants to reduce food waste

September 14, 2009

The National Restaurant Association is strengthening its support of food-donation programs with a new partnership with the Food Donation Connection (FDC), an…

BREAKING NEWS: Fast Casual Alliance, NRA create new industry council

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 14, 2009

The Fast Casual Alliance and the National Restaurant Association will join forces to create the new Fast Casual Alliance – An NRA Industry Council. The group…

Western 2009: LRS demos its Key Call System

At the recent foodservice expo, Jim Livingston shows how the company's table locating system can save labor costs and organize food delivery.

Chipotle announced ad contest winners

September 13, 2009

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced the winners of its user-generated "My Chipotle" advertising contest. The contest asked fans to submit ads highlighting…

Fast casual riding high despite recession

September 13, 2009

Sales in the fast casual segment are projected to top $20 billion this year, according to a story in the Dallas Morning News. That's a gain of 25 percent. …

Smashburger taps SHS for PR services

September 13, 2009

Smashburger has named Sullivan Higdon & Sink as its public relations agency of record for the Wichita, Kan., and Tulsa, Okla., markets, the company has…

Premium burgers satisfy consumer cravings for more value, Technomic finds

September 13, 2009

Consumers are relying on restaurants to provide value in hamburgers through premiumization. According to a new report from foodservice industry consultant…

National Restaurant Association names new board officers

September 13, 2009

The National Restaurant Association has announced the election of its new officers during the association's September board meeting in the nation's capital. …

Dean Lindsay delivers Fast Casual Summit keynote

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 13, 2009

The Fast Casual Executive Summit got its official start today at the Hotel Palomar in Dallas. The Summit, being held Sept. 14-15, launched with a luncheon…

NRA outlines industry imperatives

The association is focusing on strengthening the industry and its services as it implements its five-year strategic plan.

FC Summit: Brand leaders say emotional connection key

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 13, 2009

The top three ingredients fast casual operators must have in place in order to build a successful concept are food, service and an unusual, creative…

Western 2009: Auphon demos integrated online ordering

At the recent foodservice expo, the company shows how its site OftenDining.com connects directly to Auphon Dining POS for a user friendly customer experience…

Fast Casual Summit kicks off with food tour

Industry executives gathered in Dallas on the eve of the annual conference for a tour of some top and up-and-coming fast casual restaurants.

Pinkberry lands at LA airport

September 10, 2009

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and HMSHost Corp. have opened Pinkberry at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It is the first airport site for…

UFood launches new yogurt flavors, two new giveaway promos

September 10, 2009

Boston-based UFood Grill has announced new UBerry soft serve yogurt flavors at its Landmark Center/Fenway location. The flavors, vanilla and chocolate, are…

ChefTec Software adds Allergen Alerts solution

September 10, 2009

Culinary Software Services Inc., provider of back-of-house technology for the foodservice industry, has announced the addition of Allergen Alerts to its…

Eco-friendly foodservice wholesaler debuts online store

September 10, 2009

Green Choice Vendors Distribution, a wholesale distributor of sustainable products and packaging for foodservice, has launched its online store…

Einstein Bros. Bagels signs Lubbock franchise deal

September 10, 2009

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has signed a multiunit development agreement with Bluebonnet Hospitality Management to franchise Einstein Bros. Bagels…

Raising Cane's opens 86th restaurant

September 10, 2009

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers has opened its 86th location overall and its 11th Texas store in Plano, site of the company's recently opened restaurant support…

Western 2009: Freshtxt.com offers solution to pagers

Restaurants can alert guests of available seating via text messaging, while the solution also handles online reservations and queuing.