Panera Bread prepares to open third pay-as-you-go

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 11, 2011

A Panera Bread location in Northeast Portland, Ore., was closed Jan. 11 to transition into the company's third pay-as-you-go restaurant. The store will reopen…

Chipotle heats up Chicago with soup

January 11, 2011

The windy city of Chicago will join Chipotle's hometown of Denver as the only other market to offer soup on the menu.

Study: More dining out, smaller checks in 2011

January 11, 2011

Good news first: Americans are expected to dine out more in 2011. Not-so-good news: it's predicted they'll spend about 5 percent less per meal while doing so.

Brinker alum named Denny's CEO

January 10, 2011

Denny’s Corporation has announced the appointment of John C. Miller to the position of president and chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2011. Miller…

Firehouse Subs expands Coke Freestyle rollout

January 10, 2011

Firehouse Subs will become the first chain to conduct a market-wide transition to the Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser.

Zaxby's reintros sandwich using famous TV mom

January 9, 2011

Zaxby's has reintroduced its Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Meal and is using the "Everybody Loves Raymond" TV mom Doris Roberts to spread the news. Roberts also…

Wingstop heads south of the border

January 6, 2011

Wingstop is spreading its wings even wider in Mexico through a 20-unit expansion agreement with international franchisee WIS de Mexico S.A. de C.V.

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe rolls out flatbread pizzas

January 6, 2011

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe has announced a systemwide and immediate roll out of its new Artisan Flatbread Pizza.

Panda Restaurant Group picks talent management provider

January 6, 2011

Panda Restaurant Group Inc. has tapped Taleo Corporation to provide its on-demand talent management solutions for recruiting, onboarding, assessments and…

Jamba Juice launches line of probiotic yogurt beverages

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 6, 2011

Jamba Juice has announced the launch of its Jamba Probiotic Fruit and Yogurt Blends made with Jamba's specially formulated Probiotic Boost. The beverages…

U.S. Foodservice breaks ground on $24M distribution center

January 5, 2011

U.S. Foodservice-Albuquerque broke ground on a $24 million distribution center that will enable the company to provide better service to customers throughout…

Red Mango 2010: Record growth

January 5, 2011

Red Mango has announced a record year of expansion in 2010 that included the awarding of franchise agreements totaling 147 locations. The company also opened…

Beautiful Brands adds to growing portfolio

January 4, 2011

Beautiful Brands International has announced the addition of Kansas City-based cupcakery, Smallcakes, to its portfolio of restaurants to market and franchise…

Starbucks marks milestone with new logo

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Starbucks has altered its iconic logo, removing the company name from the label that showcases its memorable mermaid…

Starbucks extends VIA offering, product footprint

January 3, 2011

Building on the momentum of the Starbucks VIA Ready Brew product line, Starbucks has announced the availability of Starbucks VIA French Roast in all U.S. and…

Fazoli’s bakes up 400-calorie menu

January 3, 2011

Just in time for those New Year's resolutions, Fazoli’s is introducing four new, limited-time Mini Bakes, all with 400 calories or less.

Restaurant Performance Index posts November decline

January 2, 2011

As a result of a downtick in same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) fell below…

Potbelly rolls out Alteryx BI platform

January 2, 2011

Potbelly Sandwich Shop has implemented the Alteryx Geographic Business Intelligence technology platform to manage its sales processes and expansion strategy as…

Heeeers 2011!

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

The media has been focused on recapping the previous year as they do each December. I have never been clear if this is to point out the cleverness and accuracy…

Four score: Loop Pizza Grill testing variety-friendly deal

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

As major chains continue to battle it out in the unending $10 pizza wars, some smaller systems are quietly flexing their own competitive price advantages.