Opinion: Free Wi-Fi draws office crowds

August 8, 2006

Technology Evangelist: Since discovering Panera's free Wi-Fi service, our company has eaten at Panera at least once a week; both at restaurants near our…

Bruegger's offers free cold coffee for a week

August 3, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's is offering free samples of its new raspberries and cream iced coffee. The Green Mountain Coffee Roasters drinks are available…

Panera reports flat July sales

August 1, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. reported flat comps for July. The company said sales increases for the month were negatively impacted by sales lost at eight…

Panera profits rise sharply for Q2

July 25, 2006

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. — Panera Bread credited increased traffic for a solid second quarter.   System-wide same-store sales grew 3.2 percent during the…

Panera signs area development agreements with existing franchisees

July 25, 2006

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. — Panera Bread is proving to the restaurant world it's not finished expanding.   The St. Louis bakery café recently announced area…

Noah's Bagels expands in Washington

July 25, 2006

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — New World Restaurant Group Inc., headquartered in Golden, Colo., announced the opening of a new location Noah's Bagels on Mercer…

Fast-casual restaurants increase check averages with desserts

Chocolate-chip cookies, ice cream and brownies may not be headline menu items, but they boost profits.  

Baker Bros signs area developer in Arkansas

July 20, 2006

DALLAS — Baker Bros. American Deli, a fast-casual concept headquartered here, has executed an exclusive area development agreement with Lawrence and Sherry…

Man arrested for using wireless Internet

July 17, 2006

SJ-R.com: On a recent weekday, Jim Stevens, 58, was using the free wireless Internet connection at a Panera Bread Co. store. "There was Internet somewhere…

Atlanta Bread opens full-service concept

July 12, 2006

SMYRNA, Ga. — Atlanta Bread Company recently opened its first full-service restaurant — Zaria Café and Bakery.   The first location opened in Vinings…

Paradise Bakery & Café boosts menu with gourmet coffee line

July 11, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Paradise Bakery and Café has partnered with Royal Cup Coffee to launch a new line of gourmet coffee in its 43 U.S. restaurants. …

Investors purchase Fresh Bakery Café

July 11, 2006

Charlotte Biz Journal: A group of Charlotte investors has purchased the Just Fresh Bakery Café & Market chain with the goal of adding as many as 1…

Panera posts strong Q2 same-store sales

July 5, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company reported a solid second quarter.   The company said company-owned same-store sales increased 3.7 percent while franchise…

Bruegger's celebrates 4th of July with Red, White and Blue Bagels Fundraiser

July 4, 2006

To celebrate the United States' independence, Bruegger's partnered with Operation Homefront to support deployed U.S. servicemen and women.   Bruegger's…

The Great Harvest family

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Breaking bread with genuine people.

Panera Bread creates Panera Kids menu

June 18, 2006

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. — On June 21, Panera Bread will introduce Panera Kids, a children's menu featuring organic and all-natural offerings.   According to a…

KnowFat Lifestyle Grille sets ambitious goals

June 18, 2006

Boston Herald: KnowFat Lifestyle Grille has commitments for 60 new franchise locations to open over the next six years in markets including Des Moines, Iowa…

Black Gold

Push your profits by matching your premium food with a premium coffee

Corner Bakery hires Noodles executive to lead franchising

June 14, 2006

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe, a fast-casual bakery cafe owned by CBC Restaurant Corp., has hired P.J. Evans to lead the chain's franchise development efforts.

The Bruegger's turnaround

The once fast-growing chain has learned slow-growth is better.