Restaurant design: Fast-casual look attracts customers

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

Panera and Boston Market top Technomic's report on fast-casual restaurants

August 28, 2006

CHICAGO — Panera Bread and Boston Market topped Technomic's Top 100 Quick Casual Chain Restaurant Report. The research company released the report Aug. 28. The…

Major franchise group signs Panera agreement in Arizona

August 21, 2006

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. — Panera Bread announced a new agreement with Dennis and Shane Hitzeman and Tom McDonald to develop bakery cafés in the south Phoenix…

Starbucks to sell books

August 20, 2006

Chicago Tribune: In May, Hyperion announced at the annual Book Expo America convention in Washington that it would add a new novel by Mitch Albom to its list.

Bruegger's Enterprises reports strong Q2

August 17, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. reported a strong second quarter.   The company said comps increased 5.8 percent at company locations and 3.…

Ad agency wins estimated $5M Panera account

August 15, 2006

St. Louis Business Journal: Advertising agency Mullen won the estimated $5 million creative and media account for the Panera Bread Co., Mullen confirmed…

Noah's New York Bagels celebrates 17 years, debuts anniversary blend

August 14, 2006

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — In honor of its 17th anniversary, Noah's Bagels is offering its guests a great, new caffeinated beverage, according to a press release.

Airport security measures hardly impact store sales

  Panda Express and Starbucks do not anticipate major bumps. But some experts say it's too early to judge.  

New World Restaurant Group reports 3.6% comps increase

August 9, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo. — New World Restaurant Group Inc. announced improved financial results for its second quarter ended July 4, 2006.   Comps were up 3.6 percent…

Au Bon Pain creates new concept for suburban customers

August 8, 2006

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain will open a new suburban prototype in Woburn, Mass., Aug. 10.    The company seeks to serve an active customer base with diverse dining…

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…