Fast Casual segment heads into Q1 with new store openings

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Fast casual chains such as Baja Fresh, Fuddruckers and MOOYAH are among several concepts starting the New Year with new openings across the United States. The…

Taco Bell taking cues from higher-end rivals

January 15, 2012

Amidst declining unit counts and a consumer perception of poor food quality, executives at Taco Bell are working to reimage the former Yum! Brands star.

Veggie Grill expands beyond Calif. roots

January 12, 2012

Veggie Grill is about to open its first location outside of Southern California in Beaverton, Ore. Veggie Grill is able to move into the Portland, Ore., market…

Fazoli's rings in 2012 with record sales year

January 12, 2012

Fazoli’s wrapped up 2011 with record-setting sales increases, completing a 17-month streak in guest traffic and sales growth.

Fresh To Order to build growth on 'fast fine' platform

January 12, 2012

New menu items, re-imaged restaurants, leadership changes and grand openings are just a few of the developments ahead that will drive growth for Fresh To Order…

Starbucks promotes blonde ambition

January 11, 2012

Starbucks Coffee Company has announced the availability of Starbucks Blonde Roast, a lighter roast coffee from the company designed to meet the needs of the 5…

La Madeleine adds to 'Smart Choices'

January 11, 2012

La Madeleine Country French Cafés are adding several new options to its everyday SMART CHOICES menu. The new alternatives are available now through March 20.

Charley's Grilled Subs promotes Bob Wright to president

January 11, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs has promoted Bob Wright to president and chief operating officer to help guide the brand into the future.

Chipotle to open second ShopHouse

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 11, 2012

Steve Ells is looking to open a second ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen location near the original Washington, D.C., restaurant.

Five Guys takes online ordering to international markets

January 10, 2012

OLO has announced the expansion of its mobile and online ordering service for restaurants outside the U.S. on behalf of Five Guys Burgers & Fries. The new…

Moe's goes touchscreen with Coca-Cola Freestyle

January 9, 2012

Moe's Southwest Grill has announced it will launch the Coca-Cola Freestyle in all 420 locations. To date, the machine has been in use in 140 Moe's locations.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation approves 28 new grants

January 9, 2012

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has announced 28 approved grant requests, valued at $337,000. Since 2005, more than $3.5 million has been allocated…

Wingstop celebrates successful 2011

January 9, 2012

Wingstop celebrated a groundbreaking year in 2011 – opening 34 new restaurants, including its 500th location in Brooklyn, N.Y. – and reaching more than eight…

California Tortilla says "VegMe!"

January 9, 2012

California Tortilla wants guests to eat their vegetables this month and they are giving back to the community in the process.

Capriotti's names Patrick Walls as president

January 9, 2012

Capriotti’s has announced the appointment of Patrick Walls to the position of president of the company. Walls served for two years as the company's chief…

Webinar to focus on mobile loyalty trends

January 9, 2012

More than 1 billion smart phones will be in use across the globe by 2015, according to technology research firm IDC. For restaurant operators, the…

Putting a ribbon on the recession

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Conventional wisdom (or at least the wisdom of the National Bureau of Economic Research) says that the Great Recession began in December of 2007 and ended in…

Envysion wins Red Herring award

January 8, 2012

Envysion Inc., a provider of Managed Video as a Service (MVaaS), has announced that it has been selected as the winner of the Red Herring Global 100 award in…

Zaxby's brings back celebrity commercials

January 8, 2012

Zaxby’s has announced the return of its Fried Pickles and is featuring its Chicken Finger Sandwich Meal as part of the chain’s latest promotion. The menu items…

Einstein Bros. Bagels to sponsor 2012 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona marathon

January 8, 2012

Einstein Bros. Bagels has announced that it will sponsor the 2012 P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon to benefit the National MS…