Fast-casual franchising: Is your chain ready?

You don't want to franchise too quickly.  Most experts say to wait at least five years before announcing franchising plans.    

Einstein Bros. aids fight against breast cancer

October 18, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo. — Einstein Bros. Bagels, one of the brands under New World Restaurant Group, is continuing its partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer…

Panera Bread partners with Take Back Your Time Day

October 16, 2006

SEATTLE — Panera Bread is joining the efforts of Take Back Your Time Day, an event where people are supposed to take a break and enjoy their relationships. …

Bruegger's reports solid Q3

October 16, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. reported its strongest third quarter in recent years.   The fast-casual bakery café reported comp increases of…

Bruegger's adds apple bagel, pumpkin-spiced coffees for autumn

October 15, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's is adding limited-time-only menu items that complement the fall season.   The additions include apple bagels, Green Mountain…

Bruegger's to serve Kettle chips

October 10, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Classic Foods Inc. announced that Bruegger's will offer the Kettle Classics line of chips.   "Bruegger's is the perfect place to relax…

Panera Bread to buy 13 franchise stores for $15.3M

October 10, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread will spend $15.3 million to buy 13 franchised bakery-cafés and the area development rights for certain markets in Iowa, Nebraska and…

Sept. comps rise 5.9% at Panera Bread

October 4, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. reported system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 5.9 percent for the four weeks ended Sept. 26, 2006. According to a…

Atlanta Bread Co. sued for discrimination

October 2, 2006

Florida Today: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced Oct. 2 it filed employment discrimination suits against three franchise companies…

Panera selects xpient Solutions

September 25, 2006

Panera Bread fights breast cancer

September 24, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread is inviting its customers to join in the fight against breast cancer by eating a bagel for breakfast during National Breast Cancer…

Chipotle, Panera appeal to Whole Foods crowd

September 21, 2006

Madison Times: While Whole Foods isn't often thought of as a restaurant, it has been drawing in hordes of customers hungry for its organic offerings. It leads…

Einstein Bros. rolls out organic and Fair Trade coffee

September 21, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo. — Einstein Bros. is expanding efforts to support sustainable, small-scale coffee farmers around the globe with the introduction of Global…

Camille's Sidewalk Café creates holding company to develop more brands

September 17, 2006

TULSA, Okla. — Camille's Sidewalk Café announced the creation of Beautiful Brands International (BBI), a restaurant holding company that will develop…

Bruegger's introduces whole wheat Softwich

September 13, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. is introducing a whole-wheat Softwich recognized by the U.S. Whole Grains Council.   According to a news…

Au Bon Pain names franchisee of the year

September 13, 2006

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain recently awarded its top franchisees for their contributions to the company. The awards and recipients include:   Franchisee of the Year…

ARAMARK to open fast-casual chain

September 13, 2006

PHILADELPHIA — ARAMARK Healthcare announced it will open the Soluna Café & Bakery, its first brand of free-standing, fast-casual restaurants, later this…

Corner Bakery Café appoints new president

September 7, 2006

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe, a 90-unit fast-casual bakery cafe, named Jim Vinz president, effective Aug. 23. Vinz will assume the duties of president  and…

August comps flat at Panera Bread

September 5, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company reported system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 1.3 percent for the five weeks ended Aug. 29, 2006. The company…

Restaurant design: Fast-casual look attracts customers

Donatos and Panera add to their brand with an attractive exterior design.