Retail vs. restaurant competition heats up

June 21, 2012

The daily mealtime competition between restaurants and retailers has become more intense in the past two years, as economic conditions have affected…

Burger King, Cosi franchisee implements PCI security solution

June 21, 2012

C.R. Restaurant Inc., a multi-unit franchisee in the quick-serve and fast casual market, has implemented SecureConnect managed security solutions in all 30 of…

Chicago gets fourth Panera Cares cafe

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 20, 2012

Chicago is joining Dearborn, Mich., Clayton, Mo., and Portland, Ore., as cities featuring a Panera Cares Community Cafe. The company is turning its Chicago…

Veggie Grill names Debbie Porter director of marketing

June 20, 2012

Veggie Grill has announced that Debbie Porter has joined the team as the director of marketing.  Porter joins CEO Greg Dollarhyde and co-founders Kevin Boylan…

Red Mango, Texting Awareness Foundation team up for driver safety

June 20, 2012

Texting and driving is the No. 1 killer of teens in America, and Memorial Day through Labor Day are known as the 100 deadliest days of summer from critical…

Firehouse Subs pork & slaw sandwich launches nationally

June 20, 2012

Based on consumer demand, Firehouse Subs has announced the national launch of its King's Hawaiian Pork & Slaw sandwich. The sandwich will be available for…

Seattle's Best crowdsources for 'next great coffee drink'

June 20, 2012

Seattle's Best Coffee, part of Starbucks Corporation, is teaming up with celebrity chef Jeff Mauro to launch the Red Cup Showdown – a coast-to-coast search at…

JJ's Red Hots plans first opening

June 19, 2012

JJ’s Red Hots will bring its handcrafted, chargrilled hot dogs and sausages to Charlotte, N.C.

Wingstop to fly into Oregon

June 19, 2012

Wingstop has announced that the 515-unit chain has signed a multi-unit development agreement to open 12 new restaurants throughout the state of Oregon.

Barberitos contest nets 187-pound weight loss

June 19, 2012

Barberitos launched its 2012 Healthy Campaign in January to promote weight loss and wellness. The campaign kicked off with an alternative healthy menu and a…

Starbucks broadens Latin American presence

June 19, 2012

Starbucks Coffee Company has reaffirmed its commitment to Latin America with two major openings -- its first store in Costa Rica, and its first Farmer Support…

Localgiftcard.com to connect small businesses, consumers nationwide

June 19, 2012

A new website called LocalGiftCards.com will enable customers to support small businesses when purchasing gift cards.

Chipotle to announce Q2 results

June 18, 2012

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2012 financial results July 19, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Togo's opens in Arizona

June 18, 2012

Togo’s Eateries, Inc. has announced the opening of its newest restaurant in Gilbert, Ariz.

Franchise lending up 6 percent year over year

June 18, 2012

Lending to franchise businesses saw a drop of about 0.5 percent from April to May, according to the monthly Franchise Lending Index from the International…

Chipotle reaches dairy milestone

June 17, 2012

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that it has reached an important milestone in its efforts to serve sour cream and cheese made with milk from…

Yogurtland opens in NYC

June 14, 2012

California-based frozen yogurt chain Yogurtland will unveil its first store in the state of New York in late-July/early-August on First Avenue in Manhattan.

Poll: Hourly employers optimistic about hiring outlook

June 14, 2012

While private employers added a disappointing 82,000 jobs in May, employers that are part of hourly employment network Snagajob, are "optimistic" when asked…

Zoës Kitchen intros new menu items

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 14, 2012

The launch of Steak Kabobs and Orzo Tabouli Salad marks the first major menu additions for Zoës Kitchen in four years.

Webinar to discuss efficiencies in hiring practices

June 13, 2012

FastCasual.com and Hot Schedules are hosting a joint webinar June 28 to discuss efficiencies in restaurant operators' hiring practices.