Panera Bread takes a marketing stand

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 28, 2012

When Panera Bread became the first major advertiser on SheKnows.com, a popular website for women, the executive team was more than enthusiastic. However, their…

Fazoli's breadsticks hit the road

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 25, 2012

Food trucks have become a great brand extension for restaurant chains and chefs looking to extend market reach. And restaurant chains continue to capitalize on…

Using customer feedback to give location-specific, actionable insight

Gleaning location-specific insight from online conversations is the key to driving positive reviews.

Seattle's Best crowdsources for 'next great coffee drink'

June 20, 2012

Seattle's Best Coffee, part of Starbucks Corporation, is teaming up with celebrity chef Jeff Mauro to launch the Red Cup Showdown – a coast-to-coast search at…

What Can Fast Casual Restaurants Learn From a Barbershop?

With music becoming an integral part of the brand and the dining experience for many concepts, Floyd’s 99 branding practices are applicable to the foodservice…

Barberitos contest nets 187-pound weight loss

June 19, 2012

Barberitos launched its 2012 Healthy Campaign in January to promote weight loss and wellness. The campaign kicked off with an alternative healthy menu and a…

Localgiftcard.com to connect small businesses, consumers nationwide

June 19, 2012

A new website called LocalGiftCards.com will enable customers to support small businesses when purchasing gift cards.

Tom & Eddie's marks 1-year anniversary

June 12, 2012

Tom & Eddie's is celebrating one year since its Deerfield, Ill., restaurant first opened on June 15, 2011.

Restaurants using iPad kiosks for customer loyalty

June 11, 2012

Tablets are replacing traditional restaurant loyalty cards in a new partnership between FavoriteEats and MokiMobility, a cloud-based mobile device management…

Stacked celebrates first anniversary with iPad giveaway

June 7, 2012

Southern California-based Stacked:Food Well Built is marking its one-year anniversary with a celebration called "Random STACKS of Kindness."

Commentary: Does your brand image match its experience?

It is imperative that marketing and operations work hand in hand to produce a strong brand.

The Melt adds breakfast

June 4, 2012

Grilled cheese concept The Melt is now serving breakfast at its three San Francisco locations, starting at 7 a.m. The menu includes the Egg-In-A-Hole Melt…

CEO: Pie Five will 'change the way people think of pizza'

Pizza Inn's sister concept celebrates first anniversary as part of the growing fast casual space.

Bruegger's launches 'Click for Kids' Facebook fundraiser

May 29, 2012

Bruegger’s is starting summer early this year with an online and in-store campaign to benefit the kids and families served by Children's Miracle Network…

Wingstop hosts 'Tap Into Wings' sweepstakes

May 29, 2012

As Wingstop prepares to launch its new Wingstop iPad app, the chain is giving away five custom-engraved Wingstop iPad 3 tablets as part of its “Tap Into Wings…

Eat or be eaten: Three steps to restaurant nirvana

To have a concept that resonates with customers, every aspect of its development must come together to create a clear, concise experience.

Pat & Oscar's rebrand: Name, locations changed

May 28, 2012

Nine former Pat & Oscar's restaurants in San Diego and Orange counties are getting a brand-new look, feel, menu and name: "O's American Kitchen."

Fuddruckers launches 16th Houston location

May 22, 2012

Fuddruckers has reached a new milestone in Houston with the debut of its 16th restaurant, marking 54 stores around the state of Texas.

Jason's Deli franchisees celebrate 10 years in Southwest Florida

May 20, 2012

Jason’s Deli is celebrating 10 years in Southwest Florida by donating a percentage of sales to 10 local charities.The Power of Ten promotion will focus…

Daphne's California Greek launches music program

May 16, 2012

After a successful soft launch beginning in late 2011, Daphne’s California Greek has officially unveiled a multi-platform, new music initiative to discover and…