COVER: What is sustainability?

February 3, 2009

It's more than just a buzzword, and it's resonating with your customers   

Truitt Bros.: A profile in sustainability

February 3, 2009

The family-owned company is an industry leader in education and advocacy

Seeing green

February 3, 2009

Cost vs. benefit is a key factor in the decision to incorporate sustainability

Is the soda fountain fizzing out?

February 3, 2009

The carbonated drink market is changing as specialty drinks gain ground

5 technologies you should be using

February 3, 2009

There is no shortage of innovative foodservice technologies — but you have to know they exist   

Have you changed your dining habits?

Research firm The Hartman Group asked people on the street whether they've changed their habits when it comes to eating out.

Seattle's Best Coffee expands U.S. franchise program

February 2, 2009

SEATTLE — Seattle's Best Coffee has announced it will expand its franchising program to offer cafe opportunities in the United States. The strategic decision…

Nashville residents say they favor menu labeling

February 2, 2009

The Nashville City Paper: The Nashville, Tenn., Metro Health Department has released a survey revealing that a vast majority of Nashville residents favor the…

NPD reports restaurant industry stable for most of 2008

February 2, 2009

CHICAGO — The restaurant industry remained stable for most of 2008 with visits and dollars up over the previous year, but traffic dipped in the fourth quarter…

Meal deals gain fast casual presence

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

While QSR's tout $1 menus, fast casuals are defining their own version of value.

Sandella's continues West Coast expansion

February 2, 2009

WEST REDDING, Conn. — Sandella's Development Agent Marc Hughston and franchisee Sudhir Kumar have each signed leases in Orange County, Calif., that will bring…

zpizza signs Seattle development deal

February 2, 2009

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — zpizza has finalized its contract with franchisee Ritu Shah-Burnham to open three new restaurants in Seattle. Ritu is focused on…

Columnist names Denver's best fast casuals

February 1, 2009

Westword: A columnist for Denver's alternative publication, Westword, has named the city's six best fast casual restaurants. The list was created after article…

Food Concepts Intl. intros fast casual concept

February 1, 2009

LUBBOCK, Texas — Food Concepts International, parent company of Abuelo's Mexican restaurants, is launching a new fast casual restaurant concept, Nieto's…

Report highlights 2009 flavors, ingredients outlook

February 1, 2009

NEW YORK — The fifth annual "Food Flavors and Ingredients Outlook" report has been released by market research publisher Packaged Facts. The report…

Technomic report: Kids' menus go upscale

February 1, 2009

CHICAGO — Independent restaurant operators are leading an emerging "kid-adult" fusion trend by promoting adult-style offerings to kids in greater numbers.

El Pollo Loco debuts Chicken Carnitas

January 29, 2009

COSTA MESA, Calif. — From Jan. 29 through the middle of May, El Pollo Loco will offer Chicken Carnitas, prepared using traditional methods with citrus and…

Caribou to give away free decaf

January 29, 2009

The Business Journal: A day after Starbucks Corp. announced it will continuously brew decaffeinated coffee only until noon to trim costs, Caribou Coffee Co.

NRA: Restaurant industry outlook continues to soften

January 29, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry continued to weaken in December, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…

Starbucks to cut 6,700 jobs, close 300 units

January 28, 2009

SEATTLE — Starbucks Corp. has reported financial results for its first quarter ended Dec. 28, 2008, and announced additional cost savings initiatives for…