National Restaurant Association elects new board chairman

August 19, 2009

Michael C. Gibbons, president of Mainstreet Ventures Inc. and a member of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, has been elected as chairman of the board of…

Poll: Americans more optimistic about restaurants, most industries

August 19, 2009

A recent Gallup poll has found that Americans are more positive this year about most major businesses and industries — including restaurants — than they were…

Jamba's new food menu hits Chicago

August 19, 2009

Eighteen Jamba Juice locations in Chicago have introduced the restaurant's new food menu of better-for-you wraps, salads, flatbreads and fruit tea infusions.

Taco Del Mar celebrates Global Forgiveness Day with free tacos

August 18, 2009

Fresh Mex chain Taco Del Mar is spreading good karma, peace and love in anticipation of Global Forgiveness Day, the company has announced. Guests can go to the…

Panera bucking the discount trend

August 18, 2009

While many other fast casual chains have been discounting their food, Panera Bread has been targeting those customers who can still afford to shell out an…

Starbuck settles allegations over gift card refunds

August 18, 2009

District Attorneys in Northern California have reached a $225,000 settlement with Starbucks over the company's alleged failure to refund gift card balances to…

Tijuana Flats names new CEO

August 18, 2009

Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. has named chief operating officer Brian Wheeler as the company's new CEO. Former CEO Camp Fitch will now serve as chairman of…

Labor management key to fast casual cost savings

Operators who improve on training now are more likely to have profitable stores and happy employees.

Jury declines damages in Starbucks vending machine suit

August 17, 2009

A Denver jury has declined to award damages to a Longmont, Colo., man and his business partner who sued Starbucks and several other companies, according to a…

Fatburger releases statement on recalled meat

August 17, 2009

Earlier this month, Commerce, Calif-based Sterling Pacific Meat Co. recalled more than 3,500 pounds of ground beef products that might be contaminated with E.

Mama Fu's intros new menu items

August 17, 2009

Mama Fu's Asian House is adding some new dishes to its menu, the company has announced. New dishes include: General's Wings appetizer, a pound of crispy…

IBM and EMN8 partner on restaurant self-service solution

August 17, 2009

IBM and EMN8 have announced their agreement to jointly manufacture, market and support EMN8's self service order and pay kiosk products. EMN8 products are…

Kagle resigns from Jamba board

August 16, 2009

Robert C. Kagle has resigned from the board of directors of Emeryville, Calif.-based Jamba Inc., effective immediately, the company has announced.   Kagle…

Burgerville apologizes to bicyclist over drive-thru ban

August 16, 2009

Burgerville has announced that it will open its drive-thrus to customers on bicycles, according to a story in the Oregonian newspaper. The move came days after…

Technomic finds growth opportunities for restaurants in consumer catering

August 16, 2009

The recession has taken its toll on the restaurant industry, including brands that have grown their catering services by focusing on box lunches or party trays…

Boost orders, loyalty with direct digital marketing programs

Mobile marketing is a cost-effective tactic for increasing orders and improving the guest experience.

Sandella's opens San Diego County franchise market

August 13, 2009

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe franchise opportunities are now available in locations throughout San Diego County.   Carolyn Cohen and Stephen Crystal hold the…

Qdoba targets Central Ohio for growth

August 13, 2009

Now that Baja Fresh has left the Central Ohio region, Qdoba has plans to further develop the region.   According to an article in The Columbus Dispatch, Qdoba…

Einstein Bros. continues growth through licensing

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group is more than halfway past its goal of 180 licensed locations by the end of 2009

Beautiful Brands launches Greenz franchise program

August 13, 2009

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has officially launched its franchise program for Dallas-based Greenz, the company has announced. BBI is currently…