Is Zoës Kitchen poised for a breakout year?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Going public landed $42 million on the Mediterranean-inspired concept's balance sheet, and Zoës Kitchen is ready to put those dollars to work growing its…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe posts 11.4-percent comp growth in 2014

January 13, 2015

Tropical Smoothie Café wrapped up 2014 with 11.4-percent sales comps, a 28-percent increase in new franchise agreements, 55 new stores and AUVs of $526,000.

Top stock pics for 2015 dominated by QSR, pizza, fast casual

January 9, 2015

Quick-service, fast casual and pizza brands dominated top picks in the 2015 Best Restaurant Stock Pick Competition hosted by ICR.

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc. hopes investors will RAVE about new name

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc., the parent company of Pie Five Pizza Co. and Pizza Inn, has announced that it is changing its name to RAVE Restaurant Group Inc.…

NRA announces BAR event

December 30, 2014

The National Restaurant Association is expanding its beverage and alcohol program at the spring NRA show.

Chipotle will discuss Q4, FY 2014 results on Feb. 3

December 22, 2014

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has announced that it will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2014 financial results on Feb. 3 at 4:3…

Researchers use text-mining software to predict success, failure of DC restaurants

December 16, 2014

The computer-assisted text analysis was more accurate at predicting restaurants' demise than ratings alone (although it is most powerful when used in…

What it takes to build long-term vision

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

Write down where you want to be in one year, three years or five years as a way to better understand where you are headed and how you are going to get there.

Competition for talent among hot trends for employers in 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The upswing in the economy means competition for talent will heat up in 2015. That means employers need to up their game when it comes to attracting and…

Luby's sets release date for Q1 2015 report

December 10, 2014

Fuddrucker's parent company will release Q1 2015 financial results after the markets close on Dec. 17.

Digital strategy produces 119% jump in Tijuana Flats' online ordering

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

A simplified website, local SEO optimization, Pandora ads and special events for bloggers helped lift sales and drive traffic to Tijuana Flats stores.

Jamba partners with Peak Franchise Capital for refranchising effort

December 8, 2014

Peak Franchise Capital, based in Irving, Texas, will help facilitate the sale of Jamba stores in key California markets, including San Francisco, San Diego and…

The four 'Cs' driving Jason's Deli's success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jason's Deli racks up around $2.5M in AUVs. It's achieving that success by sticking with its core strengths, listening to customers, maintaining control and…

In 5 years, your whole day could revolve around Starbucks

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

December 5, 2014

Just when you thought the coffee behemoth can't possibly get any bigger, it announces a five-year plan to grow even more through non-traditional…

Jamba Juice reports increased sales, progress toward 'asset light' model

December 4, 2014

Jamba Juice refranchised 13 stores and added 51 new global franchise stores through the end of the third quarter, and reported mid-single digit percentage…

Illegal Pete's: 'We want to be living wage plus'

Illegal Pete's has earned a reputation for attracting and keeping high-quality employees. How do they do it?

'Black Friday' a boon to restaurants, too

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mall-based restaurants can see a significant spike in sales around the holiday season, bolstered by high traffic volumes and consumers' desire for indulgence.

Buffalo's Express added to LA-area Fatburger location

November 26, 2014

Buffalo's Express brings chicken wings with 13 different sauces to the combined location's better burger-based menu.

Consumer confidence grows, but costs pressure profits

November 24, 2014

Despite increased consumer confidence, increased costs -- beef is up 39 percent -- are making it tough for restaurants to earn a profit.

Boston Market catering, takeout up 20 percent over last year

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

November 21, 2014

Heat & Serve options have surged 20 percent over last year, and catering is up 18 percent.