Tossed to open in LA's financial district

March 14, 2012

Tossed has announced the opening of its newest location in the heart of Los Angeles' financial district, directly across from the Aon Center. The restaurant…

The 7 fundamentals of employee feedback

Providing employee feedback benefits both the individual and the team, but keep it simple and sincere.

Tropical Smoothie names new VP, marketing

March 13, 2012

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced the hiring of Cyndi Richardson as vice president of marketing. In this role, Richardson will be responsible for creating…

FREEBIRDS adds to executive team

March 13, 2012

FREEBIRDS World Burrito has named two new executives to its team: Dave Coussirat will serve as the new director of operations for Texas and Oklahoma and Bonnie…

Togo's establishes $15 million fund for growth

March 13, 2012

Togo’s Eateries Inc. has announced the formation of a $15 million fund to fuel its development in future years. The funding is available through a franchisee…

Jamba Juice launches new juice blends

March 13, 2012

Jamba Juice Company has debuted three new squeezed-to-order juice blends, expanding its current menu of juice and smoothie products. The juice blends are a…

Would YOU resist a robber?

The young manager knelt in front of the safe, a thousand thoughts cluttering his head. His fingers were nearly frozen with fear as he fumbled with the…

Caribou Coffee uses social media to spearhead evolution

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Caribou Coffee underwent a brand relaunch in late 2009 and is using social media to ensure its evolution continues down the right path.

Boston Market names chief brand officer

March 12, 2012

Boston Market Corporation has named Sara Rosenberg Bittorf as chief brand officer. Bittorf, who most recently served as vice president of marketing for…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill introduces compostable plates

March 12, 2012

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced the introduction of compostable entrée plates and Level 1 recyclable plate lids as part of its ongoing…

Noodles & Company expands in Central Indiana

March 12, 2012

Noodles & Company has announced that is has expanded its development agreement with long-term franchise group Sagamore Dining Partners LLC, based in…

HuHot Mongolian Grills kicks off video contest

March 12, 2012

HuHot Mongolian Grills is inviting patrons to “Feed Your Inner Warrior,” through a video contest this March with cash prizes.

Tavistock Restaurants signs first FREEBIRDS area development deal

March 11, 2012

Tavistock Restaurants has signed its first area development agreement with FB Midwest Development LLC, which calls for the opening of 27 franchised FREEBIRDS…

Planet Smoothie warms up winter with tropical flavors

March 11, 2012

Planet Smoothie will launch its Flavors of the Tropics campaign March 19 that will promote Sambazon products including the limited-time Açaí smoothies and…

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group appoints chief restaurant officer

March 11, 2012

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has announced the appointment of Brian L. Unger to chief restaurant officer, a newly created position at the company. Unger…

Starbucks takes localization approach to Europe

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In 2009, Starbucks Corp. renovated several Seattle locations to better reflect the neighborhoods in which the coffeehouses were settled. The company is now…

Johnny Carros joins MOOYAH as franchise consultant

March 8, 2012

Restaurant-industry veteran Johnny Carros is joining MOOYAH as its new franchise business consultant, the company has announced.

Zoes Kitchen Facebook contest to give away "The Good Life"

March 7, 2012

Zoes Kitchen is launching a Facebook giveaway, Zoes Good Life, that will give one winner a huge grand prize. From March 6 – April 3, fans who "Like" Zoes…

Corner Bakery Cafe hires VP of franchise sales

March 7, 2012

On the heels of signing several multi-unit franchise deals in 2011, Corner Bakery Cafe has named hospitality industry veteran Jonathan Benjamin as vice…

The difference between social marketing and social operational insights

Operators can extract both marketing and operational insights from online feedback, but first they must understand the differences between the two.