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…

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…