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.

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.