NPD finds young adults a shrinking restaurant customer base

April 2, 2009

CHICAGO — In addition to a challenging economy, restaurant operators also are dealing with shifting customer demographics as parents decide to leave the kids…

Shane's Rib Shack partners with Coke Zero

April 1, 2009

ATLANTA — For the second year in a row, Shane's Rib Shack is celebrating May, the official BBQ month, by giving away free ribs to the first 100 friends at…

Zaxby's opens first Houston location

April 1, 2009

SPRING, Texas — Zaxby's has opened its first Houston-area location in Spring, Texas, the company has announced. The new restaurant operates from 10:30 a.m. to…

UPDATE: Revised menu-labeling still alive in W.Va.

April 1, 2009

The Charleson (W.Va.) Gazette: After rejecting menu labeling legislation on Monday, the West Virginia Senate advanced a revised version of the bill that now…

Einstein Bros., Noah's Bagels introduce low-cal menu options

April 1, 2009

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Bros. Bagels and Noah's Bagels are introducing an all-new Lighter Fare menu, with three lunch items and two breakfast items, each…

Chipotle intros smaller portions, lowers prices

April 1, 2009

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has started a test of new menu items in its Denver-area restaurants. The menu changes are the most significant Chipotle…

Pollo Campero to offer free chicken sandwiches

April 1, 2009

DALLAS — On April 2 participating Pollo Campero stores will offer free fried and grilled chicken sandwiches to customers in celebration of its new sandwich…

Frenchy's chicken expands to Northwest Houston

April 1, 2009

HOUSTON — Creole chicken brand Frenchy's is expanding to the Northwest Houston market, the company has announced.    Frenchy's second fast casual restaurant…

No restaurant-industry turnaround in '09, analysts say

April 1, 2009

Reuters: The U.S. restaurant industry is unlikely to turn around in 2009 as a deepening recession, credit crunch and rising unemployment gnaw at performance…

Sellers Markets opens third San Francisco location

April 1, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO — Sellers Markets, a popular San Francisco fast casual restaurant, has opened its third location at 721 Market St., just steps from Union Square.

Will national menu labeling take hold?

Support grows for federal standards as more communities propose their own rules for calorie count postings.

Sneak peek: NRA 2009

April 1, 2009

Organizers stress event's importance in dismal economy.

Cosi to remain independent

March 31, 2009

Crain's Chicago Business: Cosi Inc. said Tuesday it has completed a review of strategic alternatives and will remain an independent company. The Deerfield…

Union International Food recalls pepper, spices

March 31, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, has announced that consumers should avoid eating spices…

California Tortilla adds teriyaki burrito and bowl for Q2

March 31, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. — California Tortilla has updated their limited-time offer menu for the company's second quarter with the launch of the Teriyaki Burrito and…

Digital Dining POS partners with HotSchedules

March 31, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — HotSchedules has announced its partnership with Digital Dining, provider of integrated restaurant POS systems. The partnership now allows…

NEXTEP kiosks to deliver at Wow Bao

March 31, 2009

CHICAGO — Wow Bao, a Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant concept, has selected NEXTEP Systems to provide touchscreen ordering kiosks for their State…

Intura Solutions signs agreement for European distribution

March 31, 2009

ARLINGTON, Texas — Intura Solutions LP, manufacturer of point-of-sale and enterprise management software, has announced that it has signed a distribution…

Starbucks begins UK launch of instant coffee

March 31, 2009

SEATTLE — The initial launch of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew into select London Starbucks coffeehouses has begun, the company has announced.    The UK launch…

Pizza Fusion signs international expansion deal

March 30, 2009

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Organic pizza chain Pizza Fusion has signed a master franchise development agreement for Saudi Arabia with Samir Food Co. Ltd., the…