Qdoba improves operating margins

May 17, 2012

Jack in the Box Inc. reported a profit of $21.6 million for the second quarter ended April 15, compared to $6.8 million for Q2 2011.

Fast casual segment rises above competition

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

A new study conducted by market research firm Technomic has found that sales at the top 150 fast casual chains grew 8.4 percent in 2011. In comparison, 201…

Starbucks makes executive changes

May 16, 2012

Starbucks Coffee Company has announced several leadership changes to accelerate its innovation and growth. The company announced the following leadership moves…

Blurring of the lines between QSR and Fast Casual

By Mindy Armstrong, Insights Manager, Food IQ 

Centerbridge Partners commences tender offer outstanding shares of P.F. Chang's

May 15, 2012

In connection with a previously announced merger agreement entered into to acquire P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., Wok Parent LLC, Wok Holdings Inc. and Wok…

Togo's adds real estate manager to exec team

May 15, 2012

Togo's Inc. has announced that it has hired Zina Hyman as real estate manager for the company. Hyman most recently served as director of Leasing for Dasher…

Mobile: What your customers are using

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Panel discusses trends in the table and delivery service spaces as they apply to restaurant strategies.

April sales set record at Fazoli's

May 14, 2012

New marketing and hospitality programs launched in early April, combined with a recently revamped menu, expanded service and a new unit design, have helped…

FREEBIRDS opens latest California unit

May 14, 2012

FREEBIRDS World Burrito has announced its opening in Elk Grove, Calif., bringing the number of locations in California to 14. To celebrate, FREEBIRDS will give…

Orange Leaf launches custom fro-yo app

May 14, 2012

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt has launched My Orange Leaf, (www.myorangeleaf.com), an online microsite and accompanying update to its existing mobile app…

Panda Restaurant Group celebrates National Nurses Week

May 13, 2012

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has announced that Panda Restaurant Group has increased their fundraising 123 percent over the previous year. In 2011…

Report: Restaurant sales up slightly in April

May 13, 2012

Following two months of disappointing declines, industry performance improved slightly in April as same-store sales returned to positive territory while guest…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill to expand outside home state

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is expanding outside of its home state for the first time since the chain's launch in 2007.

Freshii celebrates Chicago anniversary

May 10, 2012

Freshii is gearing up to honor its four-year anniversary in Chicago with a celebration from June 11–17 at all six locations.

High-impact, positive growth energizes 2012 NRA Show

May 10, 2012

The 93rd annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and 5th annual International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event posted strong growth…

CherryBerry targets Idaho, Utah for growth

May 10, 2012

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with Craig Dresser to develop its CherryBerry Self-Serve Yogurt…

MonkeyMedia Software makes first donation to Share Our Strength

May 10, 2012

In an effort to support Share Our Strength's mission to end childhood hunger, the founder and president of MonkeyMedia Software made its first donation to the…

Smashburger launches wedge salad burger LTO

May 9, 2012

Smashburger has announced the introduction of its Wedge Club Burger – available in restaurants for a limited time.

Is social media part of your marketing mix?

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

We all know that our friends and families influence us if they give us a recommendation…or a ‘stay away!’ …for a vendor or business. And those recommendations…

The power of a personal connection

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I have been absent from these pages for much too long. The good news is that it is the result of a lot of business travel and very robust sales throughout the…