Beautiful Brands to franchise BBQ fast casual

September 27, 2009

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced the addition of Dallas-based restaurant Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse to its portfolio of restaurants to market…

How to crack down on foodborne illness

When it comes to employee health issues, restaurant operators should not be afraid of employment laws and the ADA.

NYC analyzing impact of menu labeling on coffee purchases

September 24, 2009

New York City's health department is conducting a study to determine if consumer ordering habits have changed now that restaurant chains are required to post…

Aramark launches on-campus burger brand

September 24, 2009

Aramark Higher Education has launched Burger Studio, a student-designed on-campus burger brand.   Using electronic touchscreen ordering kiosks, students can…

Taco Del Mar names new CFO

September 24, 2009

Taco Del Mar Franchising Corp. has appointed Rick Braa as the company's new chief financial officer.   Braa comes to Taco Del Mar with an extensive career in…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe sends sweepstakes winner to Hollywood

September 24, 2009

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced the winner of its sweepstakes celebrating the movie release of SHORTS, starring Jon Cryer, William H. Macy and James…

A review of Chipotle's iPhone app

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

FastCasual.com publisher Paul Barron gives his impression of Chipotle's free mobile application.

Jamba Juice launches franchise information Web site

September 23, 2009

Jamba Juice has debuted its new franchise Web site, the company has announced. The new franchise site, also accessible directly from the company Web site, is…

Spicy Pickle completes financing transactions

September 23, 2009

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc., the operator and franchisor of the Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Café brands, has completed two financing transactions…

Chipotle to offer free kids' meals

September 22, 2009

According to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, Chipotle will launch a new kids' menu Sunday, along with a new free kids' meal promotion.   Every Sunday between Sept. 2…

Starbucks unveils iPhone app

September 22, 2009

Starbucks Corp. has caught the iPhone buzz with its launch of a store-location and menu application, and is testing a second app that will let customers use…

Costa Vida adds fish tacos to the menu

September 22, 2009

Costa Vida has announced the addition of fresh-baked, made-to-order fish tacos to the chain's health-conscious menu options. Costa Vida's fish tacos consist of…

TargetCast Networks purchases Ripple TV, expands fast casual footprint

September 22, 2009

TargetCast Networks Inc. (TCN) has acquired Ripple TV, creating a national ad-based digital out-of-home (DOOH) network in more than 1,400 locations on 3,42…

Smashburger franchise deal focuses on airport locations

September 22, 2009

Smashburger has announced its partnership with PhaseNext Hospitality — a minority- and woman-owned multi-concept franchise operator focusing on non-traditional…

Fast Casual Executive Summit: Tough times bring operators together

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The most successful brands are opening up to one another as the industry awaits signs of recovery.

Smashburger signs seven-unit Oklahoma City deal

September 21, 2009

Smashburger has signed a deal with Klepper Capital Group LLC. to operate seven restaurants in the Oklahoma City metro area. The first store will open in March…

Baja Fresh opens second NYC location

September 21, 2009

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the grand opening of its second New York City location.   The store celebrated its opening Sept. 16 by selling $…

NPD: Lingering unemployment will delay restaurant industry recovery

September 21, 2009

Current economic indicators point to recovery, but persistent high unemployment will continue to plague the restaurant industry several months after the…

Togo's stands by pastrami sandwich with money-back guarantee

September 21, 2009

Togo's Eateries Inc., the California sandwich chain known for its made-to-order sandwiches, will announce the launch of an its Pastrami Guarantee with a new…

Panera Bread continues with Indianapolis expansion

September 21, 2009

Panera Bread Co. will open its most recent Indianapolis location Sept. 23. The new store is in downtown Indianapolis at Claypool Court and features an outdoor…