McDonald's not pulling from Starbucks customer base

July 29, 2009

Despite McDonald's massive advertising efforts for its McCafé specialty coffee launch, the chain doesn't seem to have grabbed too many actual Starbucks…

Panera Bread article reaction: What would your manager do?

July 29, 2009

An article in the Springfield, Ill., The State Journal-Register, tells the story of a Panera Bread manager who went above and beyond the call of service. …

Smashburger blows into Windy City

July 29, 2009

Smashburger has announced yet another franchise deal, this time with Chicago caterer Food for Thought Enterprises through their development arm, Smash Illinois…

Panera Bread's net up 28%

July 28, 2009

Panera Bread's same-store sales for the second quarter ended June 30 decreased 0.4 percent while comps for franchise-operated cafes decreased 0.2 percent, the…

Bearclaw Coffee, Mr Pita to open co-branded locations

July 28, 2009

Bearclaw Coffee Co. has formed a strategic co-branding alliance with Askar Brands, parent company of Papa Romano's Pizza, Mr. Pita Sandwiches, Stucchi's Ice…

Rubio's to announce Q2 results

July 28, 2009

Rubio's Restaurants Inc. will hold a conference call Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its results for the second quarter ended June 28. The company…

First Black-eyed Pea Express opens

July 28, 2009

The first Black-eyed Pea Express restaurant has opened in Austin featuring a streamlined menu of home-style items that are prepared in just 3-5 minutes. …

Fungus hits tomato crops in Northeast

July 28, 2009

A severe outbreak of late blight fungus is sweeping through tomato crops throughout the Northeast and also could affect potatoes, according to a story in the…

Research reveals produce in foodservice opportunities

Restaurant operators want to use more fresh produce but need help incorporating those items onto the menu.

How Boloco capitalized on social media experiment

July 27, 2009

Boston-based Boloco, a fresh Mex Mex chain with 16 units, saw its coupon retention rate increase from 350 to 900 redemptions after it posted an image of…

Starbucks to match employee 401(k) contributions

July 27, 2009

Starbucks will match employee contributions to the Future Roast 401(k) Savings Plan for the 2009 plan year, CEO Howard Schultz said in a memo.   In December…

Fast casuals, overpopulation to blame for casual dining downfall

July 27, 2009

An article in the Orlando Sentinel has identified several reasons behind the decline of casual-dining restaurants.   In addition to the popularity of fast…

Tropical Smoothie fundraiser raises $275K

July 26, 2009

Tropical Smoothie Café's second fundraiser for Camp Sunshine has raised $275,000, far exceeding the company's first fund-raising total of $125,000 collected…

Shane's Rib Shack to provide ownership opportunities

July 26, 2009

Shane's Rib Shack is extending beyond the traditional franchise model to help those looking to become a Shane's owner/operator.   Shane's is offering to…

NPD Report: Restaurant units down by 4,000

July 26, 2009

According to a new report published by The NPD Group, there were 4,000 fewer restaurants in the United States this spring than what was reported in the spring…

Pizza Fusion Mesa receives LEED certification

July 26, 2009

Organic pizza chain Pizza Fusion has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the United States Green Building Council for its Mesa, Ariz., restaurant. The…

Starbucks gives glimpse inside reimaged store

July 26, 2009

Starbucks newly reimaged location, now called 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea, opened Friday in Seattle.   The store will sell a rotating menu of beer and wine…

Fast Casual Summit to tackle industry challenges

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The Fast Casual Executive Summit speakers include Au Bon Pain CEO Sue Morelli and the CEO of Red Mango.

Einstein Noah sets Q2 release date

July 23, 2009

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. will release its second quarter 2009 financial results after the market close Aug. 6. A conference call will follow at …

Minimum wage takes a hike today

July 23, 2009

The federal minimum wage increases today from $6.55 to $7.25. U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, said the…