Starbucks debuts American-made merchandise

June 12, 2012

Starbucks today debuted its first line of American-made merchandise, including coffee mugs, available in cafes around the country. The line supports Starbucks…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill expands into D.C./Baltimore market

June 8, 2012

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced the company's expansion into the Washington, D.C./Baltimore market. Garbanzo is planning to open five…

Accelerating Restaurant Franchise Growth by Seeding New Markets

How to start small, collaborate and manage a brand for smart expansion.

Caribou Coffee enters realm of music distribution

June 6, 2012

Caribou Coffee Company Inc. has announced that it has entered into an exclusive distribution deal with Minneapolis-based country band, Rocket Club, to release…

Commentary: Does your brand image match its experience?

It is imperative that marketing and operations work hand in hand to produce a strong brand.

Moe's Southwest Grill heads to Big Apple

June 6, 2012

Moe’s Southwest Grill opened its newest location at the Angola Travel Plaza in New York on June 1. The move to offer travelers along the New York Thruway marks…

Starbucks to acquire La Boulange bakery for $100 million

June 4, 2012

Starbucks Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire Bay Bread, LLC and the La Boulange bakery brand for $100 million in cash and expects the acquisition…

The Melt adds breakfast

June 4, 2012

Grilled cheese concept The Melt is now serving breakfast at its three San Francisco locations, starting at 7 a.m. The menu includes the Egg-In-A-Hole Melt…

Revel Systems releases new version of POS system

June 4, 2012

Continuing to drive point-of-sale (POS) innovation, Revel Systems Inc., maker of its iPad cash register, has announced worldwide availability of the newest…

Webinar to focus on hourly workforce management

June 4, 2012

FastCasual.com, in partnership with Charleson, S.C.-based PeopleMatter, is hosting the June 19 webinar, "Top 5 Ways Multiple Systems are Killing Your ROI," at…

Cosi stock falls below Nasdaq requirement

June 3, 2012

Così Inc. has announced that it has received notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market indicating that, for the last 3…

Beautiful Brands sets record in 2012 first quarter

June 3, 2012

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has reported record franchise unit sales and store openings of its franchised brands for the first quarter of 2012. This…

Wyatt Hurt joins MOOYAH team as senior director, operations

June 3, 2012

MOOYAH Burgers Fries & Shakes has announced that it has hired Wyatt Hurt to leads its operational team.

Penn Station franchisees victims of data breach

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 3, 2012

Penn Station, Inc. and some of its franchisees have learned of unauthorized access to credit and debit card information in certain franchisee-owned Penn…

CEO: Pie Five will 'change the way people think of pizza'

Pizza Inn's sister concept celebrates first anniversary as part of the growing fast casual space.

Sandwich sales, segment on the rise

June 1, 2012

More consumers report purchasing sandwiches away from home today compared to just two years ago. According to market research firm Technomic, this increase is…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill expands menu

May 31, 2012

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced the addition of kabobs and Hibiscus Mango Iced Tea Fusion to its menu selection.

Dickey's Barbecue to launch diversity program

May 31, 2012

Dickey's Barbecue is introducing a new program aimed at increasing opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. 

Blair Taylor named Starbucks chief community officer

May 31, 2012

Starbucks Coffee Company has announced that it has appointed Blair Taylor as chief community officer. Taylor currently serves as president and CEO of the Los…

NRA's restaurant industry outlook remains positive

May 30, 2012

The outlook for the restaurant industry remained positive for the coming months, as the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI…