The 2012 Fast Casual Top Movers and Shakers [Infographic]

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The top restaurant chains, people, trends and technologies shaping the fast casual segment.

Chipotle reaches dairy milestone

June 17, 2012

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that it has reached an important milestone in its efforts to serve sour cream and cheese made with milk from…

Caribou Coffee prefers middle path to sales success

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Caribou Coffee's senior vice president of marketing and product development prefers a slow and steady pace when it comes to brand positioning.

Yogurtland opens in NYC

June 14, 2012

California-based frozen yogurt chain Yogurtland will unveil its first store in the state of New York in late-July/early-August on First Avenue in Manhattan.

Penn Station data breach grows in scope

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The number of Penn Station locations impacted by a data breach first reported in early June has grown from 43 locations to at least 80. Between March and the…

Zoës Kitchen intros new menu items

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 14, 2012

The launch of Steak Kabobs and Orzo Tabouli Salad marks the first major menu additions for Zoës Kitchen in four years.

Webinar to discuss efficiencies in hiring practices

June 13, 2012

FastCasual.com and Hot Schedules are hosting a joint webinar June 28 to discuss efficiencies in restaurant operators' hiring practices.

Tropical Smoothie brings back National Flip Flop Day

June 12, 2012

As summer kicks off, Tropical Smoothie Café is gearing up for their official holiday, National Flip Flop Day, June 15. Each year, the smoothie and sandwich…

I Dream of Falafel offers “Genie in a Basket”

June 12, 2012

Beginning in July, I Dream of Falafel will offer guests its new “Genie in a Basket,” individual picnic baskets that customers can take to the park, to the pool…

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…