2011 Top 100 Movers and Shakers

FastCasual.com's sixth annual review of the restaurant segment's Top 100 movers and shakers takes a look at the brands and innovations leading the industry.

Sodexo partners with Mai Pham to launch Star Ginger

March 1, 2011

Sodexo Inc. has signed a 10-year master retail license agreement with celebrity chef Mai Pham to bring her latest concept, Star Ginger Asian Grill & Noodle…

Panda Express founders pledge $2.5 million

February 28, 2011

Andrew and Peggy Cherng, founders of Panda Restaurant Group, have pledged $2.5 million to Cal Poly Pomona's Collins College of Hospitality Management.

Pho expands executive team

February 20, 2011

Vietnamese restaurant group Pho has appointed Zoe Tindall as its first financial director. Tindall is a former finance director of Yo! Sushi.

Sushi bar How Do You Roll? opening in San Antonio

February 20, 2011

The San Antonio Business Journal reports that Austin-based maki sushi bar How Do You Roll? will open in San Antonio this spring.

P.F. Chang's names Lane Cardwell as CEO

February 13, 2011

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., operator of P.F. Chang's restaurants and Pei Wei Asian Diner, has announced that former board member F. Lane Cardwell will…

Chipotle earnings: Recession, what recession?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

February 10, 2011

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010.

Panda Express on expansion fast track

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Asian restaurant chain plans to grow 70 percent throughout the next five years.

Pei Wei blogger embarks on international journey

January 19, 2011

Pei Wei Asian Diner was looking for a blogger to join its executive chef on an 18-day culinary tour across Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea.

Panda Express returns Firecracker Chicken LTO

January 18, 2011

Panda Express, the nation’s leader in Asian dining experiences, kicks off the 2011 Chinese New Year holiday by bringing back a special menu item for a limited…

Panda Restaurant Group picks talent management provider

January 6, 2011

Panda Restaurant Group Inc. has tapped Taleo Corporation to provide its on-demand talent management solutions for recruiting, onboarding, assessments and…

Pick Up Stix rings in 2011 with new owner

December 20, 2010

Carlson Restaurant Inc. has sold its 74-unit chain Pick Up Stix to Lorne Goldberg, principal of West Coast Capital.

Genghis Grill expands to southern U.S.

December 13, 2010

Genghis Grill has announced the expansion of four more restaurants in Moore, Okla., Sandy Springs, Ga., Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Texarkana, Texas. These new…

Panda Express rolls out major growth plan

November 28, 2010

Just last year, foodservice industry consultant Technomic called the Asian segment "under-realized." Most Asian food business comes from full-service…

FastCasual.com seeks Top 100 nominations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 11, 2010

FastCasual.com is seeking brand nominations for this year's Top 100 Movers & Shakers, set to publish in February.

Chipotle’s founder explores Asian segment

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 3, 2010

A small team from Chipotle Mexican Grill, led by founder, chairman and co-CEO Steve Ells, is working on an Asian restaurant concept set to follow the Chipotle…

Pei Wei Asian Diner reports flat Q3 comps, traffic

October 27, 2010

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. has reported financial results for the third quarter ended October 3, 2010.

Genji Sushi opens fast casual eatery

September 21, 2010

Genji Inc., parent company of Genji Sushi, has opened a fast casual restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.

Street food adoption papers approved

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

I find it fascinating that some experiences stay with you forever while 1,000 others fade to nothing - as if never born. Have you ever had an experience that…

Mama Fu’s signs Pittsburgh development deal

by

August 29, 2010

Mama Fu's has signed a three-unit area development agreement for its first locations in Pittsburgh, Pa. The first Mama Fu's location is slated to open during…