The year that shaped fast casual

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Fast Casual reviews the issues, brands that had an impact on 2007.

Zoe's Kitchen opens in Houston

November 11, 2007

Houston Business Journal: Zoe's Kitchen has opened its first restaurant location in Houston.  John Wilson and J.C. Colgan are the Houston territory owners and…

Atlanta Bread intros panini, salad, pasta, soup

August 28, 2007

SMYRNA, Ga. — Atlanta Bread Co. has announced its launch of several new Latin American-inspired menu additions. The offerings are the Cubano Panini, Salsa…

Mr. Greek inks Tennessee development deal

July 30, 2007

ONTARIO, Canada — Mr. Greek has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement to develop three restaurants to the Nashville area, the company announced.   The new…

Ethnic influences on the menu

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Asian, other flavors, spice things up.  

Daphne's Greek Cafe unveils new look

July 10, 2007

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Daphne's Greek Cafe July 10 unveiled its new design concept at the opening of its Tustin, Calif., location.   The new restaurant is the…

Chicken chains expand in California

June 21, 2007

San Francisco Examiner: A franchise of El Pollo Loco will be opening five new stores in California's San Mateo County and four in San Francisco by the end of…

NRA Show Blows into Windy City

Hotel-Motel Show offers trends, insights and more.

Extreme Pita includes nutritional info with receipts

April 1, 2007

San Diego Business Journal: Extreme Pita restaurants in San Diego and Orange counties in California have begun printing nutritional information on customer…

Extreme Pita targets northern California for expansion

March 22, 2007

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Canadian franchise Extreme Pita has opened its newest restaurant at Auto Mall Parkway and Hugo Street in Fremont, Calif. The opening is…

New World Restaurant Group seeks name change

March 13, 2007

Denver Post: New World Restaurant Group, parent company of  Einstein Bros. Bagels and Noah's New York Bagels, will ask shareholders to approve a name change at…

Pei Wei Asian Diner intros Thai Dynamite

February 28, 2007

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Pei Wei Asian Diner has introduced its Thai Dynamite — a limited-time dish available as a salad or an entrée.   The Thai Dynamite Salad…

Daphne's Greek Cafe moves into Colorado

February 20, 2007

SAN DIEGO — Fast-casual Greek restaurant chain Daphne's Greek Cafe plans to open two new restaurants in Colorado by this summer, the company announced.    The…

Pei Wei comps decrease for year, 4Q

February 13, 2007

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Same-store sales at Pei Wei Asian Diner decreased for the year by 2 percent. For 4Q '06, comps fell .7 percent, reported the company's…

Popeyes creates fast-casual concept, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

December 11, 2006

ATLANTA — Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, a division of AFC Enterprises Inc., announced the opening of a fast-casual hybrid concept, Popeyes Louisiana…

Organic to Go expands, acquires capital

November 16, 2006

SEATTLE — Organic To Go (O To Go), the first certified organic fast-casual café, announced the purchase of Vinaigrettes Full Spectrum Catering of Los Angeles.

Rumbi Island Grill store hosts 'Animal Lovers' luau

November 15, 2006

BOULDER, Colo. — Rumbi Island Grill, a tropical fast-casual restaurant, will be hosting the second "Animal Lovers' Luau" fundraiser to benefit the Longmont…

Mr. Greek posts nutritional data on the Web

November 7, 2006

TORONTO — Mr. Greek Restaurants will post a nutritional guide on its Web site.   Mr. Greek retained the services of well-known nutritionist Rosie Maclean…

Indian Bread Co. owner earns prestigious entrepreneur award

October 24, 2006

India Post News Service: When Nandini Mukherjee opened a fast-casual Indian café in Manhattan, called Indian Bread Co. serving a variety of sandwiches and…

Rumbi Island Grill opens fifth Colorado store

October 9, 2006

BOULDER, Colo. — Rumbi Island Grill, a tropical fast-casual concept, is opening its fifth restaurant in Colorado.   Rumbi Island Grill's menu offers gourmet…