FREEBIRDS to host foil art contest

March 29, 2012

FREEBIRDS World Burrito, has launched its first ever foil art photo contest. FREEBIRDS fans are encouraged to capture and submit their best foil art photo…

Chipotle battles new criticism from growers' group

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

CIW has challenged major chains before, promoting farm workers' rights.

Togo's Eateries partners with Novita Training to fuel development

March 28, 2012

Togo’s Inc. has announced that they have hired Novita Training to develop and implement franchise training programs for Togo’s managers and restaurant…

Newk's Express Café partners with PeopleMatter

March 28, 2012

PeopleMatter, a provider of talent-management solutions specifically built to serve hourly workforces, has announced a partnership with Newk's Express Café to…

NRA honored for Kids LiveWell

March 28, 2012

The National Restaurant Association has earned the 2012 ASAE Gold Circle Award for its media relations campaign launching the groundbreaking Kids LiveWell…

Starbucks under fire for use of beetle blood in flavoring

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In response to its use of cochineal extract, a Change.org campaign asks Starbucks to remove the ingredient from use.

What's in your egg salad?

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

When I was about 8 years old, my mother finally left me alone in the kitchen to create something of my own devise. I couldn't use the stove, but I could use…

MAD Greens adds MonkeyMedia Software's catering platform

March 26, 2012

MonkeyMedia Software, a provider of complete catering solutions for multi-unit restaurant operators, has announced a partnership with Denver-based MAD Greens…

Jason Falls to keynote Foodservice Social Media Universe

March 26, 2012

Social media and marketing expert, Jason Falls is the keynote speaker at this year’s Foodservice Social Media Universe (#FSMU) conference at the Swissotel in…

Social media: A necessary evil?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Market Force just completed a consumer study of social media usage. Not surprisingly, every year we've looked at usage we've seen the numbers going up. About…

The Chalak Group secures $17 million in funding

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 25, 2012

The Chalak Group has raised $17 million in equity financing that will be used to expand its Genghis Grill and Baker Bros. American Deli chains, in addition to…

Tropical Smoothie Café promotes menu makeover

March 25, 2012

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced a new menu rollout for all 305 locations nationwide that includes a 40 percent reduction of sodium in all chicken-based…

La Madeleine unveils spring line of LTOs

March 25, 2012

La Madeleine has launched its new spring menu that features tartines, light pasta and a citrus salade. The selections will be available through May 15.

NRA's Operator Innovations winners to be revealed during “Destination: Celebration” event

March 25, 2012

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will play host to the show’s first-ever “Destination: Celebration” event -- a kick-off party…

Piada: Fast casual Italian style

The fast casual concept has a menu focused on Italian street food.

MOOYAH expands in North Texas

March 22, 2012

Denton, Texas, has become the next city on MOOYAH's expansion list as it plans to open a location there March 26.

Three Restaurant Franchising Myths Debunked

Operators may think franchising is too expensive or difficult, but knowing the facts can help a restaurant grow.

Presented by FastCasual.com

Panda Restaurant Group marks 20,000th associate hire

March 21, 2012

Panda Restaurant Group (PRG) has reached an important company milestone with the hiring of its 20,000th associate. PRG's mission is to build an organization…

Boloco hires new VP of IT

March 21, 2012

James Lux has been named as the newest member of the Boloco team as its vice president of Information Technologies. Jim will work from Boloco's global…

Daphne's California Greek launches national franchise plan

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The new franchise program is expected to double Daphne's unit count over a three-year period.