Panera Bread to enter Canada, launch new pizza

May 7, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread plans to enter Canada with its first international locations and launch a product targeting evening customers.   The company told…

Panera April sales up 2.8%

May 7, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Co.'s reported an increase of 2.8 percent for system-wide same-store sales for the four weeks ended April 25.   Same-store sales at…

To wine or not to wine

Serving wine may be a venture worth looking into. Several fast casuals are boosting dinner sales with the alcoholic beverage.

Learn about self-service technology at the NRA Show

May 7, 2006

Editor's note: This is the fifth story in an eight-part series about the NRA Show.   Are you considering deploying self-service machines in the near future?

Mia Ham kicks Baja Fresh campaign into gear

May 4, 2006

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Two-time Olympic gold medalist and women's fitness advocate Mia Hamm is spearheading a new initiative to encourage families across…

Go to class at the NRA Show

May 4, 2006

Editor's note: This is the fourth story in an eight-part series previewing the 2006 NRA Show.   At this year's National Restaurant Association Hotel, Motel…

Rubio's revenue rises but profit falls in Q1

May 3, 2006

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants posted modest first-quarter earnings for the 12-week period ended March 26.    Comparable-store sales increased 0.…

Starbucks Q2 profit rises 27%

May 3, 2006

SEATTLE — Starbucks Corp. reported its second-quarter profit rose 27 percent. According to a news release, there was a brisk customer demand for its coffee…

How to Use Customer Complaints to Your Advantage

May 3, 2006

Praise or Complaint? Do you know what your customers think?

TGI Friday's apologizes for finger in food

May 2, 2006

Associated Press: The management of a restaurant has apologized after a diner found a piece of a human finger on his hamburger soon after a worker…

Restaurants shut down because of rallies

May 2, 2006

ChristianPost.com: As U.S. citizens protest the current immigration policy, foodservice companies are taking a hit. Immigration rallies shut down 29 branches…

Lenny's Sub Shop moves into the South

May 2, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, announced an agreement to increase its presence in Georgia and expand the franchise…

Coffee supply crisis on the horizon

May 1, 2006

Reuters: Coffee futures may spike next year because of a looming shortage of green coffee beans caused by growing consumer demand coupled with an off year in…

Panda Express implements NCR POS

May 1, 2006

ATLANTA — Panda Restaurant Group selected a point-of-sale (POS) solution from NCR Corporation at its Panda Express and Hibachi San restaurants throughout the…

Commentary: Dunkin' not far behind Starbucks

May 1, 2006

Advertising Age: With a focused brand, consistent customer experience and brilliant marketing, Starbucks has persuaded millions to trade up from our 50-cent…

Camille's helps Children Hunger Alliance

May 1, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Camille's Sidewalk Café, a Tulsa, Okla., has recently joined forces with Ohio's Children's Hunger Alliance (CHA), a non-profit organization…

Find out what's new in the kitchen at the NRA Show

April 30, 2006

Editor's note: This is the third story in an eight-part series about the upcoming NRA Show.   At this year's National Restaurant Association's Restaurant…

Chipotle will rework cost structure

April 30, 2006

MarketWatch: Chipotle Mexican Grill, for eight years under the auspices and guiding arches of McDonald's Corp., is bracing itself for life alone. Oak Brook…

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters creates ''Silver Celebration Blend''

April 30, 2006

WATERBURY, Vt. — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc., a specialty coffee roaster based in Waterbury, Vt., will celebrate its 25th birthday by releasing a…

There's more to salad than just lettuce

Panera Bread, Einstein Bagel Bros. and Atlanta Bread serve salad, so do Fazoli's, McAlister's and Schlotzsky's. Casual-dining restaurants serve up $8-$1…