Weather leads to restaurant performance decline

February 27, 2011

The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index stood at 100.2 in January, down 0.8 percent from its December level. Despite the decline…

Ron Shaich: The accidental philanthropist

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How Panera Bread's chairman and former CEO used skill, knowledge and know-how to launch an industry movement.

Emerald City Smoothie to open first international locale

February 24, 2011

With more than 60 locations operating across the United States, Emerald City Smoothie is embarking on its first international journey with a new-store opening…

Au Bon Pain finds success in store redesigns

February 24, 2011

Au Bon Pain’s store redesign in several Boston locations has proven positive for the bakery-café chain of more than 300 locations.

NBC offers free Chipotle for America's Next Great Restaurant promo

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 24, 2011

NBC has launched a promotion with Chipotle in anticipation of its new television show, America’s Next Great Restaurant.

Thanks, Tyler

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

As Firehouse Subs continues to grow (407 restaurants and counting), it is imperative that my HQ team assists our franchisees in their efforts to establish and…

Menusoft Systems integrates mobile platform into Digital Dining POS

February 23, 2011

Menusoft Systems and Mocapay have entered into a strategic partnership to integrate Mocapay’s mobile platform into the Digital Dining point-of-sale software…

Einstein Noah to restate FY 2009 financial results

February 23, 2011

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., primary operator of Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels, and Manhattan Bagel brands, will postpone its…

Jeffrey Schlosser appointed Freshii COO

February 23, 2011

Industry veteran and former Freshii San Francisco franchise partner Jeffrey Schlosser has been appointed COO of the company. Schlosser headed up Freshii…

Qdoba units, comps increase in Q1

February 23, 2011

Jack in the Box Inc., parent company of Jack in the Box and Qdoba, reported its first quarter earnings for fiscal 2011, ended Jan. 23.

UFood Grill creates health and nutrition advisory panel

February 22, 2011

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has formed a Health & Nutrition Advisory Panel, comprised of current and retired military members, to advise the company as it…

Hold the salt: 5 quick tips for serving low sodium menu items

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Cutting out the salt to make dishes healthier is no new concept; however, cooking without the salt can be a challenging and daunting task. That’s why we…

Noodles & Co. to use PeopleMatter hiring software

February 21, 2011

Noodles & Company has signed a partnership deal to implement PeopleMatter's Hire software-as-a-service solution in its restaurants.

UC Hub Group forms new subsidiary, PB Brands

February 21, 2011

UC Hub Group announced today that it has formed a new operating subsidiary, PB Brands. 

The brand you live is the only one they'll love

by Lori Walderich — CMO, Top That! Pizza

If you think big and creatively, you should find plenty of brand-building opportunities.

Tin Star embarks on Texas-sized turnaround

By Steve Coomes

Genghis Grill promo to track 54 contestants

February 17, 2011

Genghis Grill’s Health Kwest campaign will track the journey of 54 contestants vying to win $10,000.

Australian burger concept heads to US shores

February 17, 2011

On Feb. 25, Sydney, Australia-based Oporto will open its first United States location in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The restaurant is the first of three…

Shane's Rib Shack celebrates strong 2010

February 17, 2011

Shane´s Rib Shack has signed new franchise agreements totaling more than 50 units and expected to bring 25 new stores to Alabama and 20 new stores to Central…

Webinar: Turning Website Visitors Into Customers By Building Trust Online

People do business with those whom they trust. On the Internet, this is particularly true. If you can build more trust with your customers, your revenues…