Fast casual finance

Economic turmoil leaves operators scrambling for ways to raise startup money.

Bailout bill bonuses

Economic bailout package offers some tasty tax tidbits for fast casual operators.

Caught in the crisis

Economic conditions batter the industry, but operators insist quality still key.

COVER: Acquiring opportunities

October 5, 2008

Deep-pocketed partners can help some concepts live up to their potential

Pick Up Stix names VP of finance

July 13, 2008

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Pick Up Stix restaurants has announced the promotion of Rich Fox to vice president of finance.   Fox began his career with Pick Up Stix…

Raising Cane's signs $30M finance deal

May 13, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance and Baton rouge, La.-based Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers have completed a $29.5 million financing…

NRA to showcase top industry trends

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Building, kitchen design and more create exhibit hall of more than 2,100 booths.

Jamba Inc. secures $25M line of credit

April 21, 2008

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Jamba Inc. has secured a $25 million line of credit with Wells Fargo Foothill LLC, the company announced. Jamba plans to use the funding…

GE Capital Solutions provides $10M for Zoe's expansion

April 14, 2008

UFood completes over-allotment of private offering

April 3, 2008

BOSTON — UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced the close of its over-allotment option of the private-placement financing, led by Spencer Trask Ventures…

GE Capital Solutions completes $40 million deal

March 17, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance, has completed a deal with Back Bay Restaurant Group totaling $40 million. The finance agreement…

Controlling fast casual growth

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

When it comes to brand expansion, patience, persistence make the difference.

Au Bon Pain acquisition closes

March 3, 2008

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain and LNK Partners, a private equity firm focused on the consumer/retail sector, have announced that they have completed the…

Au Bon Pain to be acquired by LNK

January 16, 2008

Au Bon Pain and LNK Partners, a private equity firm focused on the consumer/retail sector, have entered into an agreement under which LNK will partner with…

Affiliate of Bruegger's parent buys Smokey Bones

December 5, 2007

Business First (Buffalo, N.Y.): Barbecue Integrated Inc., an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc., parent company to the Bruegger's, Fazoli's and Boston…

Panera to buy back stock

December 2, 2007

St. Louis Business Journal: Panera Bread Co.'s board of directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $75 million in shares from a broker by the end…

Pyrogrill opens new prototype

November 29, 2007

WELLINGTON, Fla. — Jupiter, Fla.-based Pyrogrill has opened in Wellington, Fla., marking the second company-owned location, the company has announced.   The…

Chipotle CEO sells 200K shares

November 13, 2007

StreetInsider.com: Steve Ells, founder and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, has sold 200,000 company shares since the beginning of November.   Read more

College bound

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

University dining-card programs can be costly, but not participating could cost even more.