Pita Pit releases integrated gift and loyalty card program

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December 3, 2009

Pita Pit USA announced today the creation of a new nationwide gift card and loyalty program just in time for the holiday shopping season.   Known as the "PIT…

New fast casual concept to open at Forth Worth Stock Show

October 25, 2009

Reata, a Fort Worth, Texas, based Mexican restaurant, has announced its intentions to open a fast casual concept at next year's Stock Show, according to the…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill to franchise

October 15, 2009

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Franchising LLC has announced it will begin franchising its fast casual concept to build on the success of five restaurant…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill opens fifth location

September 20, 2009

Centennial, Colo.-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has opened in Englewood, Colo., marking the concept's fifth location.   The restaurant was founded in…

Fast Casual Summit kicks off with food tour

Industry executives gathered in Dallas on the eve of the annual conference for a tour of some top and up-and-coming fast casual restaurants.

The Operational and Health Benefits of Beans

Beans offer restaurant operators flexibility and a lower cost, as well as providing customers with healthier options. The stable shelf life and long holding…

Genghis Grill continues to expand Texas presence

June 8, 2009

DALLAS — Genghis Grill has announced it has opened two new locations in San Antonio and Georgetown, Texas, bringing up to six the total of locations open so…

NPD: QSR only strength in global foodservice for 2008

June 7, 2009

CHICAGO — Among the effects of the worldwide economic downturn was fewer visits to foodservice outlets across the globe, according to market research company…

Consumers name Moe's Southwest Grill next 'It' brand

May 27, 2009

Smallbusiness.aol.com: Moe's Southwest Grill, Not Your Average Joe's, Which Wich and El Pollo Loco were just a few of the franchise brands named by consumers…

Technomic report: Fast casual chains grew 10% in 2008

May 12, 2009

CHICAGO — According to a new report by foodservice consultants Technomic, sales for the Top 100 fast casual chains grew 10.8 percent, totaling $16.7 billion…

Seven top fast casual independent operations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From Kansas City to New York City, these independent operations are changing the fast casual landscape.

Bombay Bowl opens in Denver

April 28, 2009

DENVER — Bombay Bowl has announced that it has opened a new location in Denver. The concept serves a variety of Indian cuisine such as bowls, roti wraps…

Rumbi Island Grill to open 35 Calif. units

April 15, 2009

Los Angeles Times: A deal between two local land developers and the Salt Lake City-based Rumbi Island Grill restaurant chain could bring as many as 35 new…

2007 Fast Casual Restaurant Top 100 Movers & Shakers

Chipotle stays ahead of the pack.

Presented by FastCasual.com

Genghis Grill opens four locations

March 17, 2009

DALLAS — Mongolian barbecue concept Genghis Grill has announced the recent openings of locations in the Texas towns of Clearlake, Killeen/Harker Heights…

Technomic names restaurant trends for 2009

December 18, 2008

CHICAGO — Foodservice consultants and research firm Technomic has released its top trends for the restaurant industry in 2009.   The consulting group said…

Papa Romano's, Mr. Pita to enter Ill., Ind. markets

December 14, 2008

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Papa Romano's Pizza and Mr. Pita have finalized an agreement to open multiple locations in Indiana and Illinois. The two chains…

Panda Express to celebrate Chinese New Year with LTO

December 4, 2008

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Panda Express is celebrating the Chinese New Year by bringing back Firecracker Chicken for a limited time. The entree features strips of…

Pei Wei president resigns

November 24, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Russell Owens, president of Pei Wei Asian Diner, will resign from his position effective December 2008 to pursue other interests, the…

Mr. Pita enters Charlotte, N.C., market

November 18, 2008

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Mr. Pita has opened its first restaurant in North Carolina, the company announced.    The 2,200 square-foot unit is located at 752…