Urban Eats Cafe owners recognized for business diversity

October 17, 2010

The owners of Urban Eats Café have been named to the St. Louis Business Journal's 2010 class of Diverse Business Leaders. The awards promote diversity in the…

2010 Fast Casual Summit Presentation: Armed & Dangerous

Armed & Dangerous: Buildinng Brand Leaders of the Future highlights how restaurant operators can use their employees and customers as their biggest brand…

Details, Details, Details

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

The restaurant business is all about paying attention to the details. And when it comes to the details, there are two rules to keep in mind:

Frozen = Fresh?

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I don’t consider myself a complainer of any sort. When you’re in the business, you should have sympathy for the operational challenges faced by all…

Boston Market to implement successful test overhaul in San Francisco stores

October 11, 2010

As part of Boston Market's 25th anniversary celebration, the restaurant has announced the San Francisco-area launch of a nationwide rollout of experiential…

What does research in chicken consumers tell your restaurant business?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Market Force (www.marketforce) consumer survey on chicken preferences and trends

Boston Market rebrand gets systemwide boost

October 4, 2010

In the wake of an overall company transition, Boston Market has announced the launch of a nationwide rollout of upgrades and new menu items created to…

Firehouse Subs recognizes October as Fire Safety Month

October 3, 2010

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is kicking off October's Fire Safety Month by passing out fire safety tips to ensure each family has an emergency plan.

Schlotzsky’s is first Austin restaurant to intro Coca-Cola Freestyle

September 30, 2010

Austin-based Schlotzsky's will be the first restaurant in Austin, Texas, to offer the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain. Schlotzsky’s initially plans to feature the…

Mediterranean diet spurs concept growth

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How two concepts are providing healthful Mediterranean cuisine to Detroit and Denver diners.

Bruegger's launches fall LTO

September 26, 2010

Starting September 22, all Bruegger's locations will offer diners a deal on a hearty, autumn-inspired menu options.

It’s all about today

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 18 was a fairly busy day for me. Tasked with the Saturday chores of grocery shopping, laundry and general errand running, it was a day that required…

McAlister’s digs in to operational changes

A new president and a menu and equipment overhaul will bring in the next generation of McAlister's delis.

Remember your first boss?

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Do you remember your first boss? Of COURSE you do. That person holds a unique place in your personal history. Be it a source of inspiration, perspiration, or…

orderTalk Inc. launches Jason’s Deli iTunes app

September 16, 2010

orderTalk, Inc. has announced the launch of a new app for Jason’s Deli. The app is available for download through iTunes and enables customers to place orders…

McDonald's out, Five Guys in as consumers' preferred burger

September 9, 2010

In a new survey by Consumer Reports, customers have ousted McDonald's as their preferred burger, choosing instead Wendy's, Burger King, In-N-Out and Five Guys.

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…

The changing lines of guest and employee loyalty

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Customer engagement has helped set the fast casual segment apart from the rest, but some would argue employees are losing their spark.

Are we missing something?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Recently Market Force ran a series of studies with over 4,00 consumers to investigate their attitudes and behaviors around fast casual and family restaurants…