New Daphne’s CEO outlines brand future

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

When Daphne’s Greek Café founder George Katakalidis filed for bankruptcy protection in January, the news came as a shock to many restaurant industry insiders.

OTC Stock Review issues UFood Restaurant Group report

September 15, 2010

OTC Stock Review has initiated coverage on UFood Restaurant Group Inc., franchisor and operator of UFood Grill.

Bridging the gaps

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

When I was in the fifth grade, I had a classmate who was completely obsessed with Prince and the Revolution. When Purple Rain was released in 1984, he watched…

Quiznos signs MFA for Argentina, Chile and Ecuador

September 14, 2010

Quiznos has announced that a master franchise agreement has been signed to expand into Argentina, Chile and Ecuador as part of the company's strategy for…

Qdoba chef educates guests on the flavors of Mexico

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Ted Stoner is a busy man. As Qdoba's head chef and director of strategic product development, Stoner spends his time traveling North and South America looking…

Panera Bread selects TMx Enterprise labor management solution

September 12, 2010

TimeManagement Corporation has signed an agreement with Panera Bread to license the TMx Enterprise 5 solution, a labor scheduling software product, after a…

Starbucks to drop tall orders from drive-thru

September 9, 2010

In an attempt to prepare for mandatory calorie postings, Starbucks Corp. has made the decision to drop its smallest drink from drive-thru menus, as reported by…

Fast Casual Executive Summit to address new operating landscape

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 8, 2010

It has taken the fast casual segment more than 20 years to establish itself as a restaurant category leader. Now that it has, operators are continuing to…

Big-name food trucks hitting the road

September 8, 2010

What began as a modest neighborhood hot dog slinger has snowballed into a full-fledged craze glorified on The Food Network and emulated by big-name chains…

Chipotle to present at Merrill Lynch investment conference

September 7, 2010

Representatives from Chipotle Mexican Grill will present at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Investment Conference.

Jamba Juice to sell 13 Fla. locations

September 7, 2010

Jamba Juice has signed a purchase agreement for 13 stores in Florida with Arturo Zindel, Jordi Zindel, Guillermo Perez Vargas, and Angel Herrera, principals of…

Jamba Juice reveals new breakfast platform

September 6, 2010

Jamba Juice has introduced its Better Start. Better Day Campaign. It highlights breakfast menu items including Hearty Start, Power Start and Balanced Start…

Zagat rates Atlanta Bread Top 5 in healthy options

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In the recently released 2010 Zagat Fast Food Survey, which included 136 national restaurant chains, Atlanta Bread received Top 5 distinctions in two key…

Spicy Pickle Q2 revenue drops slightly

September 2, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. operator and franchisor of its Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafe brands, has reported its results for the second quarter…

Seattle’s Best hits goal of 30,000 points of distribution

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September 2, 2010

Seattle's Best Coffee, part of Starbucks Corporation, has reached a major milestone in the strategic plan it outlined earlier this year, achieving its goal of…

Genghis Grill reaches 50 locations

September 1, 2010

Genghis Grill – The Mongolian Stir Fry, will open its 50th location September 4 in Houston.

Bruegger’s sales up 2.5% to $58.7 million

August 31, 2010

Bruegger’s Enterprises Inc. has reported positive sales growth during the second quarter ending July 13, 2010, with a 2.5 percent sales increase to $58.…

UFood Grill continues airport expansion with five new locations

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August 30, 2010

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has signed an area development agreement with the Robinson Hill Hospitality Group of Chicago for additional UFood Grill units…

Restaurant industry recovery stalled in July

Like a flight out of a stormy harbor, the restaurant industry's performance hit a string of jarring turbulence last month. The National Restaurant…

Mama Fu’s signs Pittsburgh development deal

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August 29, 2010

Mama Fu's has signed a three-unit area development agreement for its first locations in Pittsburgh, Pa. The first Mama Fu's location is slated to open during…