Vapiano receives capital for expansion, hires new CEO

January 6, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fresh casual restaurant and lounge Vapiano has received funding from three European banks for a total of 45 million Euro (U.S. $62.…

King County menu-labeling rule doesn't faze customers

January 6, 2009

The Seattle Times: Calorie-count posting requirements for chain restaurants in King County, Wash., went into affect Jan. 1, but customers seemed to take little…

Largest restaurant-networking Web site marks anniversary

January 6, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO -- FohBoh (Front of the House, Back of the House), the largest online professional business community for the foodservice industry, has announced…

Bacon topping products recalled

January 5, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced that Patrick Cudahy, a Cudahy, Wisc.-based firm, is…

Judge says Quiznos not concerned about franchisees

January 5, 2009

BlueMauMau: Federal judge Morris Hoffman issued a ruling in December that said Quiznos seemed more concerned with its competitor Subway than its own…

Cousins hires franchise sales director

January 5, 2009

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Cousins Subs has announced the addition of Mark P. Cairns to its corporate team as the director of franchise sales.   Cairns comes to…

Moe's launches Joey Jr. value meal

January 5, 2009

ATLANTA — Moe's Southwest Grill has announced it is now offering the Joey Jr. Bundle with chips, salsa and a drink for $4.99 at participating locations.   The…

Togo's offers $3.99 value deals

January 5, 2009

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Togo's Eateries Inc. has announced the Jan. 7 start of its New Daily Special promotion, which will reduce the price of one featured sandwich…

Chipotle names Moran co-CEO

January 5, 2009

DENVER — Steve Ells, founder and chief executive officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., has announced the promotion of Monty Moran to co-CEO, along with the…

New payment options increase efficiency

How pay-at-the table, mobile tablet solutions are changing the check-out line.

Technomic study: Sandwich chains grow despite economy

January 4, 2009

CHICAGO — A number of top limited-service sandwich chains overcame the downhill economy by exhibiting growth, reports foodservice consultancy Technomic. The…

Genghis Grill opens two locations

January 4, 2009

DALLAS — Genghis Grill has marched into 2009 with with the opening of two new franchisee locations, one in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and one in Chesterfield, Mo.

Einstein Bros. opens fifth Illinois location

January 1, 2009

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Einstein Bros. Bagels opened its fifth Illinois location on Dec. 29 in Schaumburg.   The restaurant spans nearly 3,000 square feet, seats up…

Panera stock performed well in 2008

January 1, 2009

The Motley Fool: Panera Bread stock was one of several that increased in value in 2008. Other top performers included JetBlue, Wal-Mart and Netflix.   Click to…

Negative same-store sales contributed to dour 2008

January 1, 2009

Yahoo! Finance: Declining consumer confidence took a bite out of restaurants' sales and profits in 2008, leading to bankruptcy filings and the closure of more…

Starbucks launches new tea-based beverages

December 30, 2008

Dallas Business Journal: Starbucks Corp. is changing course slightly by emphasizing its tea offerings at the end of 2008. The company is introducing three new…

Garden Fresh names Fleishman-Hillard agency of record

December 30, 2008

SAN DIEGO — Fleishman-Hillard International Communications has been named as the new agency of record for San Diego-based Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., parent…

NRA reports record low performance index

December 30, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry worsened in November, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

The year ahead

Seven take-to-the-bank predictions for 2009. 

Jamba Inc.'s CMO to step down

December 29, 2008

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Jamba Inc., parent company of Jamba Juice Co., has announced that by mutual agreement Paul Coletta, senior vice president, chief marketing…