Smashburger franchise deal focuses on airport locations

September 22, 2009

Smashburger has announced its partnership with PhaseNext Hospitality — a minority- and woman-owned multi-concept franchise operator focusing on non-traditional…

Smashburger signs seven-unit Oklahoma City deal

September 21, 2009

Smashburger has signed a deal with Klepper Capital Group LLC. to operate seven restaurants in the Oklahoma City metro area. The first store will open in March…

Baja Fresh CEO acquires Canyons Burger

September 14, 2009

Growth Concepts, an Orange County, Calif.-based restaurant investment group led by Baja Fresh CEO David Kim, has acquired Atlanta-based Canyons Burger Co. …

Premium burgers satisfy consumer cravings for more value, Technomic finds

September 13, 2009

Consumers are relying on restaurants to provide value in hamburgers through premiumization. According to a new report from foodservice industry consultant…

FC Summit: Brand leaders say emotional connection key

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 13, 2009

The top three ingredients fast casual operators must have in place in order to build a successful concept are food, service and an unusual, creative…

Fast Casual Summit kicks off with food tour

Industry executives gathered in Dallas on the eve of the annual conference for a tour of some top and up-and-coming fast casual restaurants.

Founders to franchise Canyons Burger Co.

September 8, 2009

Executives with Atlanta-based Canyons Burger Co. has announced plans for the brand's future growth through franchising. Canyons was founded by industry…

Former Potbelly chief development officer launches burger concept

September 8, 2009

Tom Jednorowicz, former chief development officer for Potbelly Sandwich Works, and real estate developer Doug Reichl, have created and opened Meat Heads…

Smashburger expands Fort Worth presence

September 7, 2009

Smashburger has signed a deal with Cow Town Sizzle Inc., to operate 12 restaurants in the greater Fort Worth metro area. The Cow Town Sizzle Inc. venture is a…

Burgerville pilots nutritional-information program

September 3, 2009

As menu-labeling legislation continues to be pushed nationwide, Burgerville is testing a system that will put personalized nutritional information on each…

The Operational and Health Benefits of Beans

Beans offer restaurant operators flexibility and a lower cost, as well as providing customers with healthier options. The stable shelf life and long holding…

Beef recall questioned

August 27, 2009

According to an article in Capital Press, the federal Food Safety and Inspection Service insists that it is staying on top of potential contamination at meat…

QSRs shift focus to premium burgers

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

With big-name brands such as McDonald's offering Angus beef burgers, segment competition sizzles.

Smashburger inks Las Vegas, Southwest Utah franchise deal

August 25, 2009

Smashburger has signed an agreement with SB Las Vegas LLC to operate 20 restaurants in the Las Vegas metro area, as well as in St. George and Cedar City, Utah.

Fatburger releases statement on recalled meat

August 17, 2009

Earlier this month, Commerce, Calif-based Sterling Pacific Meat Co. recalled more than 3,500 pounds of ground beef products that might be contaminated with E.

Burgerville apologizes to bicyclist over drive-thru ban

August 16, 2009

Burgerville has announced that it will open its drive-thrus to customers on bicycles, according to a story in the Oregonian newspaper. The move came days after…

Friendly's opens fast casual concept

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Friendly's Express will offer core menu items, shorter wait times and smaller check averages.

Which Wich founder opens burger joint

August 2, 2009

Jeff Sinelli, the founder and owner of Dallas-based Which Wich, has opened a new restaurant concept in May focused on Mexican-style burgers.    The…

Retail Brand Group gets into burger biz

RBG launches The Original Burger Company set to debut on three college campuses this fall.

Smashburger blows into Windy City

July 29, 2009

Smashburger has announced yet another franchise deal, this time with Chicago caterer Food for Thought Enterprises through their development arm, Smash Illinois…