Cellit researches mobile marketing tips

March 2, 2011

Chicago-based Cellit, a provider of mobile customer relationship management (CRM) systems for restaurants, analyzed more than 25 million text messages sent to…

DSE: WAND shows off new Cosi POP

by Christopher Hall — w, t

March 1, 2011

At this year's Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, WAND Corp. showcased its broad array of digital menu board solutions, but also highlighted a…

Sodexo partners with Mai Pham to launch Star Ginger

March 1, 2011

Sodexo Inc. has signed a 10-year master retail license agreement with celebrity chef Mai Pham to bring her latest concept, Star Ginger Asian Grill & Noodle…

FreshBerry expands Middle East operations

March 1, 2011

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced the opening of 12 new FreshBerry stores in the Middle East. It’s the biggest overseas expansion for the…

NPD: Restaurant visits up in second half of 2010

March 1, 2011

Although visits to U.S. restaurants are still below the level registered six years ago, there were signs of improvement in the second half of 2010, according…

EXIT41 expands client roster with Sweetgreen, Le Pain Quotidien

March 1, 2011

Exit41 has signed three new restaurant clients for its Social Ordering solution, which includes integrated online, mobile, Facebook and phone-in ordering…

Schlotzsky’s returns three chee-zy promo

February 28, 2011

Schlotzsky’s has returned its Cheezy Three-zy sandwiches,  -- the Chicken & Bacon Smoke Cheezy, Turkey & Bacon Smoke Cheezy and Ribeye Steak &…

Mintel research: Customers want healthy breakfast options

February 28, 2011

According to the latest research from Mintel, 66 percent of customers want restaurants to provide them with healthier breakfast options. The healthy eating…

Commentary: 13 reasons NOT to open a restaurant

Thinking about opening a restaurant? Consider these 13 points before you jump into unknown territory.

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…