Fast Casual restaurants gain UK market share

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 28, 2010

Fast-casual restaurants are continuing to gain market share in the United Kingdom -- growing at a faster rate than their limited-service counterparts…

Panda Express rolls out major growth plan

November 28, 2010

Just last year, foodservice industry consultant Technomic called the Asian segment "under-realized." Most Asian food business comes from full-service…

Study: People choose combo meals regardless of value or size

November 28, 2010

In her new research, "Consumption Effects of Bundling: Consumer Perceptions, Firm Actions, and Public Policy Implications," appearing in the fall issue of…

Gift cards to boost industry sales

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Despite modest gains, the National Restaurant Association’s chief economist is predicting the continued tightening of consumer spending.

Tom & Eddie's second location to open soon

November 23, 2010

Tom & Eddie's has announced that it will open its second Illinois location December 14, at the Shoppes at Geneva Commons, west of Chicago.

Claiming the benefits of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

by Richard Yelton — Principal, Windham Brannon, P.C.

As many restaurant franchisees are currently contemplating the need to make capital improvements to their restaurants, the recently enacted Small Business Jobs…

Dirty dishware, restrooms and odor are Top 3 customer turnoffs

November 22, 2010

A recent Cintas Corporation survey conducted by Harris Interactive revealed that dirty dishes, unpleasant odor and dirty restrooms are the top reasons…

Panera Bread opens second Panera Cares cafe

November 22, 2010

The Panera Bread Foundation has opened its second non-profit community cafe – called Panera Cares – in Dearborn, Mich. The company also announced plans to open…

Stay awake, stay uncomfortable, stay kind

by Joni Doolin — CEO, People Report

We are living in a time of meta-shift. Pick your favorite historian, economist, futuris, or business sage - if you listen closely they are all telling us the…

McAlister’s Deli founders find second-time success

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Nine years after the sale of McAlister's Deli, the Newcomb family gains ground with Newk's Express Café.

Pei Wei rolls out Coca-Cola Freestyle

November 18, 2010

Coca-Cola Freestyle, the Coca-Cola Company's new interactive fountain dispenser, is now available for the first time in Phoenix.

Taking control of who has what

Do you have control of your restaurant? By that I mean everyone who has keys to the building, and storage areas, codes to the POS system, and combinations to…

Tropical Smoothie expands breakfast platform

November 16, 2010

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced the launch of its new breakfast menu, including hot sandwiches and flatbreads, as well as its Triple Berry Oat Smoothie.

Exit41 launches Facebook ordering app

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 16, 2010

Exit41 has officially launched a new web-based solution that will let Facebook fans of restaurant brands order meals via the social networking site. The app…

FREEBIRDS reveals 2011 growth strategy

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In recognition of its 20th anniversary, the creator of the Monster burrito looks to take a bigger bite out of Texas.

The value of fast casual

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I'm spending my Saturday sitting on a Southwest Airlines cross-country flight, headed home after a whirlwind tour of our Firehouse Subs restaurants in Denver…

Energy Kitchen continues NY expansion

November 15, 2010

Energy Kitchen added new breakfast combinations to its menu in September, now the company has added to its roster its tenth New York City location.

Spicy Pickle focuses on turnaround

November 15, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc., the operator and franchisor of Spicy Pickle and BG Urban Cafe Canadian brands, has announced results for its third quarter and…

Chicago solidifies NRA show through 2016

November 15, 2010

The National Restaurant Association will continue to hold its annual NRA Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer event in the…

What to consider before you Groupon

Successful restaurant marketing can increase guest counts, but if your restaurant is unprepared, it also could ruin your brand.