Beautiful Brands signs 25-unit deal for Smallcakes

June 20, 2011

Beautiful Brands International has announced an agreement with multi-unit developers, Brad and Francy Bauer, to open 25 new Smallcakes A Cupcakery stores in…

Rubio’s signs technology deal with Radiant Systems

June 20, 2011

Radiant Systems Inc. has signed a new agreement with Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill to implement the Aloha solution and Radiant hardware across many of its sites…

Salsarita’s acquired by former McAlister’s CEO

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Former McAlister’s Deli president and CEO Phil Friedman has acquired the Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina restaurant chain. The chain has 80 stores across 19 states…

Ben & Jerry’s launches ice cream truck in NYC

June 19, 2011

Ben & Jerry’s has launched its Scoop Truck tour in New York City and will be hitting the streets through July 29, attending community and non-profit…

Fazoli’s ramps up franchise effort with new hire

June 19, 2011

With a new menu, new prototype and a new service style driving a sales turnaround, Fazoli’s has announced the addition of James Franks as vice president of…

Value reinvented: What the industry will teach us next

The trickle down effect has blurred foodservice-segment lines in regard to value with menu development becoming more focused on value-driven culinary platforms.

What makes you say that?

I met with a potential client this past week. It was a referral from a current client that knows I can help this business with their many in-house “issues.…

National, state restaurant associations file suit over tip credit regs

June 16, 2011

The National Restaurant Association, Council of State Restaurant Associations and the National Federation of Independent Business have filed suit against the…

Is “Jane Q Diner” responsible or is the counter person?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Recently I had the pleasure and challenge of doing what I would call a “mystery dine” on a concept near the town where I live. This desire to go play Food PD…

Fast Casual Industry Council names new board members

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 15, 2011

The Fast Casual Industry Council has voted in four new members – who each will serve two-year terms on the council’s steering committee. The new members are…

Quiznos signs major deal for Brazilian expansion

June 15, 2011

As part of Quiznos' international development initiative, the chain has signed a master franchise agreement that calls for the development of 200 restaurants…

America’s Next Great Restaurant closes two of three units

June 15, 2011

Soul Daddy, which was named the winner of the America's Next Great Restaurant reality show in May, has closed its Los Angeles and New York City locations after…

Coal Burger concept heads to Texas

June 12, 2011

Just a few months after its launch, fast casual concept Coal Burger is set to open its second location in Woodlands, Texas's Town Center.

Chipotle to announce Q2 results

June 12, 2011

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time July 19 to discuss second quarter 2011 financial results.

Roark purchase of Corner Bakery Cafe confirmed, Arby's also purchased

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 12, 2011

Roark Capital Group, parent company of Moe’s Southwest Grill, FOCUS Brands, Wingstop and McAlister’s Deli, has announced that its affiliates have acquired Il…

NRA elects board members

June 12, 2011

The National Restaurant Association has announced the election of three new members to serve on its Board of Directors. The newly elected Board directors are:

Green coffee: What's driving the increase?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The recent increase in green coffee has its roots in many factors. Here’s a look at a few reasons why.

Senate votes to reject swipe-fee reform delay

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 8, 2011

The Senate voted Wednesday to reject a delay for the much needed debit-card swipe-fee reforms being released by the Federal Reserve. The reforms are scheduled…

FREEBIRDS: Halfway to 100

June 8, 2011

FREEBIRDS World Burrito has announced the June 15 opening of its latest restaurant in Ventura, Calif., marking the company’s 50th location overall.

Schlotzsky's brings back menu favorites, intros new sandwich

June 8, 2011

Schlotzsky’s is spicing things up this summer as it brings back two popular sandwich combinations and unveils a third for its ‘Hot Hitz’ summer promotion.