Blogs surface in fast casual

Consumers are writing about your operation. The Burrito Blog writes: "My biggest complaint about Baja is their pre-fabricated menu items."

Starbucks to donate $10 million for water programs

March 22, 2006

SEATTLE— Starbucks plans to contribute at least $10 million over the next five years to non-profit organizations working to alleviate the world water crisis.

Wall Street Journal recognizes Panera Bread's stock performance

March 19, 2006

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Wall Street Journal included Panera Bread to its 2006 'Shareholder Scoreboard.' Across the 1,000 largest companies evaluated, Panera was…

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafes to replace Seattle's Best in Ralphs Grocery Stores

March 16, 2006

LOS ANGELES—The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Los Angeles-based specialty coffee and tea retailer, has announced that their strategic partnership with Ralphs…

Starbucks introduces Rwanda coffee

March 15, 2006

SEATTLE—Starbucks Coffee Company introduced Rwanda Blue Bourbon coffee, its first ever from Rwanda and the 10th coffee in its Black Apron Exclusives line-up.…

Caribou Coffee opens in Sioux Falls

March 14, 2006

Argus Leader: Caribou Coffee will make its debut in Sioux Falls, S.D. The new store has a drive-thru and inside seating for about 65 people. "It's kind of a…

Starbucks expects 500,000 cups given away

March 14, 2006

Starbucks didn't know exactly how much coffee it had given away for its first "National Coffee Break" March 15. But Starbucks spokesperson Chris Gimbl expects…

Middle Eastern investors own Caribou Coffee and Church's Chicken

March 12, 2006

Washington Post: Middle Eastern investment in the United States is once again picking up steam, showing big gains since the tense period following the Sept.

First Watch Restaurants expand to Cleveland

March 12, 2006

BRADENTON, Fla.—Specializing in unique breakfast, brunch and lunch dining, First Watch Restaurants Inc. is entering the Cleveland market. The…

Alterra Coffee owns Milwaukee

Alterra Coffee has created a cult-like following within the large Midwestern town.

Port City Java same-store sales rise 12% in Feb.

March 9, 2006

WILMINGTON, N.C.—Port City Java Coffeehouse Cafes announced its comparable same-store corporate sales for Feb. increased 12.2 percent. According to a news…

Bruegger's assists Feed the Children

March 9, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner and the luck of the Irish in the air, Bruegger's bakeries nationwide are gearing up for their…

Panera system-wide sales up 7.9%

March 8, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. reported Wednesday its system-wide bakery-café sales increased 7.9 percent for the five weeks ended Feb. 28.   The St.

Starbucks settles labor dispute

March 7, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO — Starbucks Corp. has entered into an informal settlement agreement with the National Labor Relations Board to resolve complaints filed by the…

Atlanta Bread sues former head chef

March 6, 2006

Associated Press: Atlanta Bread Company International Inc. has sued its former head chef, claiming he stole the menu and store designs for a new restaurant…

Seattle's Best to open on Marine facility

March 5, 2006

Stars & Stripes: Seattle's Best Coffee will open a store at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.   The goal is to "create a relaxing, European-style coffee…

Starbucks to serve breakfast sandwiches

March 5, 2006

SEATTLE — Starbucks announced its creating a breakfast menu. In its hometown cafes, Starbucks tested toasty egg and cheese sandwiches three years ago. …

Experts create the first virtual brand

Camp Out Grill is not real. For now, it's a virtual brand.

Wendy's may sell Baja Fresh

March 2, 2006

Wendy's International Inc. said it would consider selling its Baja Fresh Mexican Grill chain and speed up the spinoff of its Tim Hortons coffee-and-doughnut…

Starbucks reports 8% same-store increase

March 2, 2006

SEATTLE — Starbucks reported an 8 percent jump in same-store sales for February amid an overall revenue bounce of 25 percent to $468 million. The cafe chain…