Baja Fresh returns to Windy City

February 1, 2012

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the grand opening of its newest location in Niles, Ill. The 2,100-square-foot Baja Fresh is owned and operated by…

New Boloco lineup reflects flavors of India

February 1, 2012

The globally inspired menu at Boloco is giving consumers an inside look at the flavors of India with the launch of three new menu items: The Simple Curry and…

YO!Sushi to open U.S. locations

February 1, 2012

London-based YO!Sushi signed its first U.S. franchisee in 2011 and plans to open its first two American locations this year in Washington, D.C., with leases…

Asian Box to debut in San Francisco

February 1, 2012

San Francisco-based FK Restaurants & Hospitality will debut its fast casual Asian Box concept in Palo Alto, Calif., this month. The restaurant, inspired by…

The Secret Decoder Ring and Loss Prevention

Over the holidays I watched “A Christmas Story” for the gazillionth time. One of the scenes in the movie is Ralphie getting his secret decoder ring to unlock…

Togo's to open 28 units in 2012

February 1, 2012

Togo’s Eateries Inc. experienced an unprecedented year of growth in 2011 with the signing of 23 agreements for new restaurants and the opening of seven new…

Greenz wellness to promote healthy diners

January 31, 2012

Dallas-based Greenz, salads for z' adventurous, is using a three-tier wellness program for its guests that includes special menu guides (such as points-based…

Qdoba reaches 600-store milestone

January 31, 2012

Qdoba Mexican Grill will celebrate the grand opening of its 600th restaurant in Roseville, Mich., on Feb. 6. To celebrate the milestone, the restaurant, which…

Panchero's Mexican Grill names inaugural Franchisee of the Year

January 31, 2012

For the first time in company history, Panchero's Mexican Grill has named a Franchisee of the Year winner.

UFood Restaurant Group, Euro Café to launch co-branded concept

January 30, 2012

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that the company has signed an agreement with Euro Café Corporation to create co-branded restaurant concepts. The…

US Foods earns International Food Safety and Quality Certification

January 30, 2012

US Foods has announced that it expects to be the first national foodservice distributor in the country to be certified in food safety and quality according to…

Cosi comps reflect positive growth

January 30, 2012

Così Inc. has reported positive same-store sales figures for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 26, 2011.

Einstein Bros. tests kettle-style bagels in Portland, Ore.

January 29, 2012

Denver-based Einstein Noah Restaurant Group has announced plans to offer several "kettle-style" boiled kosher bagels from Kettleman Bagel Company's original…

Noodles & Company launches national Coca-Cola Freestyle deployment

January 29, 2012

Noodles & Company has announced the national launch of the Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser.

EVOS readies for future growth

January 26, 2012

EVOS has announced plans for its new corporate expansion through continued guidance from its newly appointed board of advisors, chaired by restaurant industry…

BBI signs big deal for Smallcakes

January 26, 2012

Beautiful Brands International has announced an agreement with multi-unit developers Brad and Francy Bauer to open 20 new Smallcakes A Cupcakery stores in…

I could not have said it better myself

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Put a bunch of fast casual restaurateurs in a room together and before long it is likely that a discussion will break out on what sets us apart from our fast…

Starbucks endorses same-sex marriage

January 25, 2012

Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. has issued a statement in support of same-sex marriage legislation in Washington State.

Smashburger breaks through 2011 with 55% unit growth

January 25, 2012

Smashburger has announced a summary of its 2011 accomplishments and its plans for 2012. The fast causal concept opened 51 new units in 2011, which includes…

Commentary: Do higher prices drive customers away?

Talk to your customers before you make the improvements to ascertain that they're willing to pay for the improvement.