Fast casual Denny’s Café now open

November 14, 2010

Denny’s Corporation has opened its first fast casual restaurant in Orange, Calif. Denny’s Café offers a smaller version of the traditional Denny’s…

Einstein Bros. expansion to remain strong in Q4

November 11, 2010

As Denver-based Einstein Bros. Bagels enters its fourth quarter of 2010, it carries with it significant momentum for its franchise and license program from the…

Industry leaders define fast casual

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From decor to food quality and service, fast casual insiders weigh in on what the segment means to them, the industry and consumers.

Nature's Table to sprout up in Washington, D.C.

November 10, 2010

Restaurant entrepreneur Dhvani Vyas has signed a master franchise agreement to open more than 40 Nature's Table Café restaurants in the Washington, D.C., metro…

Starbucks' changing corporate culture

November 10, 2010

A new article by Reuters has questioned the new corporate culture of Starbucks and its impact on store-level employees.

Despite Q3 losses, investment firm gives Jamba Inc. a “Buy”

On paper, healthy juice and grub fast casual chain Jamba Inc. looks to have had a hard Q3: total revenue for the quarter decreased 16 percent from last year…

ADA reports on families' fast food consumption

November 8, 2010

The American Dietetic Association Foundation has released preliminary results of a new survey on family eating habits, attitudes and physical activity. The…

Penn Station charters new growth territory

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As the sub-sandwich chain celebrates 25 years, its founder and president keep their eyes focused on the future.

La Madeleine’s rolls out holiday classics

November 4, 2010

La Madeleine Country French Café is kicking off the holiday season with the addition of its once-a-year turkey and new ham selections. The menu items…

Chipotle’s founder explores Asian segment

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 3, 2010

A small team from Chipotle Mexican Grill, led by founder, chairman and co-CEO Steve Ells, is working on an Asian restaurant concept set to follow the Chipotle…

Quiznos expands to Kuwait

November 2, 2010

Customers in Kuwait will now be able to enjoy Quiznos' toasty subs thanks to the company's latest master franchise agreement. Plans are calling for 15 new…

Jamba Juice nearing refranchise completion

November 2, 2010

Jamba Juice has signed a purchase agreement for 15 stores in Denver with existing multiunit franchise operators Scott Maltz, David Wagonfeld and Larry Kaufman.

Sweetgreen continues Washington, D.C., expansion

November 1, 2010

In July 2007, Washington, D.C.-based Sweetgreen opened its first location in the neighborhood of Georgetown. The restaurant was launched by college friends…

Saladworks to enter Texas

November 1, 2010

Saladworks has signed an agreement with a multi-unit developer for three locations in the Dallas area. The first Saladworks location in this market is slated…

Togo's adds toasted sandwich line

November 1, 2010

Togo's Sandwiches has unveiled a new line of toasted sandwiches, now available at any of their 242 locations.

UPDATED: Denny’s to open fast casual cafe

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 31, 2010

On Nov. 5, Denny's Corporation will open a new fast casual concept, Denny's Café, in Orange, Calif. The restaurant, a separate venture from its Denny's Fresh…

Barbecue category driven by niche and ethnic flavors, preparations

October 31, 2010

Barbecue concepts, like nearly all restaurants, have found growth elusive as of late. But Technomic’s newest study sheds light on those that are outperforming…

Genghis Grill launches interactive television channel

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Last week at Genghis Grill's franchise conference, the group unveiled its latest customer-engagement tool: Genghis Grill TV.

Restaurant performance outlook posts modest improvement

October 28, 2010

Driven by improving same-store sales and customer traffic levels, as well as growing optimism among restaurant operators, the outlook for the restaurant…

GE Capital, Franchise Finance provides $8.7 million to Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee

October 27, 2010

GE Capital, Franchise Finance provided $8.7 million in financing to Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee, Four M Capital LLC. The funds are being used for the…