Starbucks gives away free ice cream via Facebook

July 7, 2009

Examiner.com: In celebration of National Ice Cream Month, Seattle-based Starbucks is giving away about 800 pints of ice cream each hour on Facebook. There will…

GE Energy debuts new LED lamps for restaurants

July 7, 2009

CLEVELAND — GE Consumer & Industrial has introduced two new lamps that enable restaurants and other commercial customers to make significant strides toward…

La Boulange partners with MonkeyMedia to develop catering program

July 7, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO — MonkeyMedia Software, a provider of Web-based operations solutions for the foodservice industry, has announced that La Boulange has selected…

Nothing But Noodles opens in Albuquerque

July 7, 2009

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Noodles Development LP, franchisor of Nothing but Noodles, has announced the opening of its third Albuquerque-area restaurant. The opening…

White House outlines U.S. food safety upgrade

Steps designed to enhance food safety include new industry guidelines for produce.

UFood opens at Parkland Memorial Hospital

July 6, 2009

BOSTON — UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that its Texas franchisee, Puente-Brancato Enterprises Inc., has signed a lease agreement for a UFood Grill…

Quiznos appoints new general counsel

July 6, 2009

DENVER — Quiznos has named Pat Meyers as its general counsel, the company has announced. Meyers rejoins Quiznos after two years as a partner and chief legal…

Chipotle to host $10,000 ad contest

July 6, 2009

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that it will pay one winner $10,000 for their ad submission and may put the winner's favorite food combination on…

Pinkberry launches new summertime flavors

July 6, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Pinkberry has announced the launch of new summer frozen yogurt flavors — coconut, passionfruit and tropical swirl. The new flavors join the…

NPD reveals food trends for coming decade

July 6, 2009

CHICAGO -- Market research company The NPD Group has released its new report, A Look into The Future of Eating, outlining growing food trends.   The report…

Wingstop hits six consecutive years of comp sales growth

July 6, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced that comp store sales for its most recent quarter increased 3.3 percent, the 24th consecutive quarter — or six years — of comp…

NRA Chairman Michael Kaufman

Fast Casual's Paul Barron interviews NRA Chairman Michael Kaufman during the 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago.

Conn., Tenn. governors respond differently to states' menu labeling bills

July 5, 2009

The Connecticut Post: Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has vetoed legislation that would have required chain restaurants to post nutritional information on their…

Bruegger's adds Sun-Drenched Tomato and Bagel Salad

July 5, 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's is offering a unique Italian-inspired salad to its bakeries with the addition of its Sun-Drenched Tomato and Bagel Salad, the…

Pat & Oscar's rolls out $5 pizza meals

July 5, 2009

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — "Five Big Choices, Five Little Bucks," is the theme on the menu this summer at Pat & Oscar's Restaurants. The restaurant chain…

Smashburger names new regional ad agency

July 5, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY — Smashburger has announced it has named Intrepid, a hybrid communications firm specializing in public involvement and media relations, as its…

Vapiano signs Manhattan franchise deal

July 5, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Christophe Scherman has purchased the rights to open Vapiano restaurants in New York City, the company has announced.   Scherman attended…

California Tortilla hosts secret password day

July 5, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. — California Tortilla will host a "Secret Password Day" on July 22 in honor of their recent victory in Washingtonian Magazine's "Best Burrito…

Fast casual food trends: 2009 and beyond

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From probiotics to family meals, restaurant brands tackle healthful menu items and value offerings.

Starbucks expands bakery offerings

July 1, 2009

SEATTLE — Starbucks Coffee Co. is introducing several new baked goods in an effort to give customers healthier and better tasting food options. "Starbucks…