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…

Mintel: Consumer trends begin with long-term benefits

October 27, 2010

While consumers are still reeling from the aftershock of the global economic crisis, Mintel has predicted nine key consumer trends for the year ahead that…

Healthy Fast Food signs Salt Lake City development deal

October 26, 2010

Regents Management LLC has signed an agreement to open two Salt Lake City-based U-SWIRL Cafes, with three more set to open there within the next five years.

Buffalo Wild Wings flies above analyst expectations

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 26, 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2010, that have risen above analyst expectations of 43 cents…

UFood Restaurant Group submits Franchise Registry application

October 26, 2010

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has submitted an application for listing on the Franchise Registry with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Franchise…

Panera Bread Q3 earnings build on leading edge

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 26, 2010

Panera Bread's systemwide same-store sales for the company's third quarter, ended Sept. 28, have increased 6.9 percent. Company-owned comps increased 5.…

Zagat: Customers want time limits on free restaurant Wi-Fi

October 26, 2010

Zagat Survey has released the results of its 2011 America's Top Restaurants guide, reporting the opinions and habits of more than 153,000 avid diners. The…

Jimmy John's employees reject unionization

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

October 24, 2010

Nearly 200 Minneapolis-based Jimmy John's employees voted down Friday an effort to unionize.

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group set to release Q3 results

October 24, 2010

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that it will release its third quarter 2010 financial results after the market close Nov. 4. A conference…

Data security takes a layered approach

In 2009, 23 percent of the hospitality industry experienced a data breach, with restaurants and hotels leading the majority of cases. Here's how new…

Chipotle earnings bring the heat

October 21, 2010

???Chipotle's third quarter 2010 earnings continue to add fire to the already hot restaurant chain.

Healthy Fast Food closes secondary offering

October 21, 2010

Healthy Fast Food Inc., parent to U-SWIRL International Inc., the owner and franchisor of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt cafes, has announced that it has closed its…

Fazoli’s caps year of growth with Wal-Mart pilot

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Over the past three years, Lexington-based Fazoli’s and its team of veteran executives have worked hard to overcome the chain’s once downward slide. But since…

Cosi Inc. reports positive comps growth in Q3 2010

October 20, 2010

Cosi Inc. has reported a systemwide same-store increase of 5.2 percent for the company's third quarter ended Sept. 27. The increase was partially driven by a…

The young green consumer

by Kim Frankovich — VP of Sustainability, Solo Cup Company

If you want to know what’s happening, or will be happening, in the area of sustainability, look no further than America’s college and university campuses.

Moe's Southwest Grill returns fan favorites

October 18, 2010

Moe's Southwest Grill's most popular limited time offerings are making a comeback between now and the end of the year.

Starbucks sees future with beer, wine

October 17, 2010

In celebration of its 40-year history, Starbucks Corp. is hoping to boost evening sales with the offering of beer and wine. The company also is looking to…

Spicy Pickle provides franchise update

October 17, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. (SPFI) has reported on its outlook for the remainder of 2010 and through 2011.

2010 Fast Casual Summit Presentation: Intelligence Brief

Intelligence Brief: How Healthcare Reform will Impact Your Restaurant was presented during the 2010 Fast Casual Executive Summit to answer questions…

2010 Fast Casual Summit Presentation: Armed & Dangerous

Armed & Dangerous: Buildinng Brand Leaders of the Future highlights how restaurant operators can use their employees and customers as their biggest brand…