The four 'Cs' driving Jason's Deli's success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jason's Deli racks up around $2.5M in AUVs. It's achieving that success by sticking with its core strengths, listening to customers, maintaining control and…

In 5 years, your whole day could revolve around Starbucks

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

December 5, 2014

Just when you thought the coffee behemoth can't possibly get any bigger, it announces a five-year plan to grow even more through non-traditional…

Jamba Juice reports increased sales, progress toward 'asset light' model

December 4, 2014

Jamba Juice refranchised 13 stores and added 51 new global franchise stores through the end of the third quarter, and reported mid-single digit percentage…

Illegal Pete's: 'We want to be living wage plus'

Illegal Pete's has earned a reputation for attracting and keeping high-quality employees. How do they do it?

'Black Friday' a boon to restaurants, too

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mall-based restaurants can see a significant spike in sales around the holiday season, bolstered by high traffic volumes and consumers' desire for indulgence.

Buffalo's Express added to LA-area Fatburger location

November 26, 2014

Buffalo's Express brings chicken wings with 13 different sauces to the combined location's better burger-based menu.

Consumer confidence grows, but costs pressure profits

November 24, 2014

Despite increased consumer confidence, increased costs -- beef is up 39 percent -- are making it tough for restaurants to earn a profit.

Boston Market catering, takeout up 20 percent over last year

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

November 21, 2014

Heat & Serve options have surged 20 percent over last year, and catering is up 18 percent.

Zoe's comps up 6.3 percent YTD

November 21, 2014

Zoe's attributes the comp increase to an increase in transactions and product mix, combined with a 1.3-percent increase in price.

Minimum wage: how restaurants are responding to the 'inevitable'

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Many restaurant operators believe a minimum wage increase is inevitable, and they are responding in a variety of ways.

The Habit announces IPO

November 20, 2014

Shares will be available at a price of $18 per share starting Nov. 20.

How a hotel became a hot fast casual concept

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marriott transformed its Courtyard food and beverage offerings away from the traditional buffet into a new fast casual format, resulting in a 27-percent jump…

Technology, desire to connect with customer drives Buffalo Wild Wings' success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Based on customer research and feedback, Buffalo Wild Wings invested significantly in defining, delivering and enhancing its brand experience using technology.

Specialty's Café & Bakery gains $37.5M credit facility

November 14, 2014

The financing from GE Capital will help the 50-unit chain refinance debt and grow.

Zoe's Kitchen announces secondary public offering

November 13, 2014

Current stockholders intend to offer 3,800,000 shares of common stock, with 570,000 available for purchase to the underwriters.

Zoe's Kitchen buys three franchise units, announces Q3

November 11, 2014

In addition to acquiring three units in Louisiana, Zoe's Q3 comps will range between 5.7 percent and 5.9 percent.

COO: Newk's riding high on 'second wave' of fast casual

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jim Greco, newly-appointed COO of Newk’s Franchise Company, sees an opportunity for the chain to supplant early leaders like Panera thanks to culinary-driven…

Fuddruckers same-store sales decline 4.6% in Q4

November 10, 2014

Luby's combo locations, which feature Fuddruckers and Luby's Cafeteria at one property location, were up 5.1 percent in Q4.

Four ways the game has changed for restaurant brands

Nimbleness, dynamic customer relationships, customization and millennial insights are all key to brand success, says FOCUS Brands CEO Steve DeSutter.

Fiesta Restaurant Group reports increases for Q3

November 6, 2014

Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent company of the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, reported comp growth for both brands in Q3 2014.