Organic To Go deregisters with SEC

March 25, 2009

SEATTLE — Organic To Go has announced that it has filed Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission terminating the registration of its common stock…

Everpure launches SMARTWORKS program to foodservice operators

March 25, 2009

CHICAGO — Commercial water-treatment products supplier Everpure has announced the launch of SMARTWORKS, a turnkey water analysis program that provides…

Costa Vida opens in American Fork, Utah

March 25, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY — Costa Vida, known for its Baja-inspired menu offerings, has announced the opening of its newest location in American Fork, Utah. Costa Vida…

NRA readies for 2009 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show

March 25, 2009

CHICAGO — The 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will be held this year May 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.   This year's…

Brand profile: Pita Pit

Joining the green movement reaps savings, recognition and franchises.

Spoon Me launches franchise effort

March 25, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY — Frozen yogurt and smoothie concept Spoon Me has announced it has started to provide franchise opportunities throughout North America.   Spoon…

McDonald's vs. Starbucks taste test

Although McDonald's McCafe products were preferred over Starbucks, Starbucks continues to win with its customer experience.

Maryland looks to enforce soda fountain fee

March 24, 2009

ABC 2 News: The Maryland comptroller wants to enforce a nearly century-old law that established a $25 to $60 annual soda fountain license fee that many…

MonkeyMedia to host catering teleconference

March 24, 2009

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Monkeymedia.net has announced the next installment of its Brown Bag Lunch live teleconference series, scheduled for April 2 at…

How are fast casuals dealing with economic conditions?

Willy Nicolini, senior VP of company operations for Au Bon Pain, and Louis Basile, founder of Wildflower Bread Company, talk about what fast casuals are doing…

Noodles & Company continues Va. growth

March 23, 2009

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Noodles & Co. has announced it will open its second Alexandria, Va., location April 3 at 11 a.m. The restaurant is located at 770…

Starbucks beverages inspire ice cream line

March 23, 2009

SEATTLE — Starbucks Coffee Company and Unilever have unveiled a new premium ice cream line inspired by some of consumers' favorite Starbucks beverages. …

Rubio's comps decrease while revenue rises

March 23, 2009

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants Inc. has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 28, 2008.   For the quarter…

Fast casuals target urban markets

Higher household incomes and increased foot trafffic make downtowns a viable choice.

Quiznos introduces $4 Toasty Torpedo sandwiches

March 22, 2009

DENVER — Quiznos has announced the launch of new Toasty Torpedoes, inspired by the famous slim Italian and French baguette sandwiches served in Europe. Priced…

ASK THE EXPERTS: What's new in POS technology?

March 22, 2009

Over the past 25 years, point-of-sale systems have evolved from manual cash registers to computerized management tools. Although the restaurant POS has turned…

Starbucks, Costco and Whole Foods offer Union Bill alternative

March 22, 2009

Bloomberg News: Starbucks Corp., Costco Wholesale Corp. and Whole Foods Market Inc. offered an alternative to the union-backed "card-check" legislation that…

California Tortilla wins gold "Addy" award

March 22, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. — California Tortilla took home a Gold "Addy" Award from the Ad Club of Metropolitan Washington on March 19. The award recognizes the popular…

Port City program waives royalty fees for franchisees

March 22, 2009

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Port City Java has launched a "No Royalty" promotion to stimulate franchise investment throughout the Carolinas. According to the promotion…

Sen. Mick Mulvaney latest Salsarita's franchisee

March 22, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — South Carolina's District 16 Sen. Mick Mulvaney plans to open a Salsarita's Fresh Cantina location in South Charlotte's Blakeney area this…