NRA honored for Kids LiveWell

March 28, 2012

The National Restaurant Association has earned the 2012 ASAE Gold Circle Award for its media relations campaign launching the groundbreaking Kids LiveWell…

Starbucks under fire for use of beetle blood in flavoring

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In response to its use of cochineal extract, a Change.org campaign asks Starbucks to remove the ingredient from use.

HuHot menu explodes with Dynamite Shrimp

March 27, 2012

HuHot Mongolian Grill is launching its Dynamite Shrimp appetizer, available only in April and May.

Bruegger's to offer tax-days incentive

March 27, 2012

In honor of tax season, Bruegger’s is offering its Big Bagel Bundle for $10.40, available at that price from April 13-17.

Culinary Tide's 2012 top trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Culinary Tides, Inc. released the report: "Top 10 Trends Analysis - Shifting Sands 2012: A cross analysis of predictions across Government, Technology, Health…

Report: Soup and salad purchases increase

March 26, 2012

As consumers seek lighter, healthier and more affordable food choices, away-from-home soup and salad purchases are on the rise, according to market research…

Tropical Smoothie Café promotes menu makeover

March 25, 2012

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced a new menu rollout for all 305 locations nationwide that includes a 40 percent reduction of sodium in all chicken-based…

La Madeleine unveils spring line of LTOs

March 25, 2012

La Madeleine has launched its new spring menu that features tartines, light pasta and a citrus salade. The selections will be available through May 15.

NRA's Operator Innovations winners to be revealed during “Destination: Celebration” event

March 25, 2012

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will play host to the show’s first-ever “Destination: Celebration” event -- a kick-off party…

Piada: Fast casual Italian style

The fast casual concept has a menu focused on Italian street food.

Rising Roll Gourmet launches Springtime LTOs

March 22, 2012

Rising Roll Gourmet welcomes the warm days of spring with the rollout of several new limited-time items.

Foodservice Social Media Universe conference seeks 'Best of' award nominations

March 22, 2012

The Foodservice Social Media Universe conference, set for Sept. 16-18, 2012 at the Swissotel in Chicago, is seeking award nominations for social media…

Smashburger takes Fresh Mex Burger nationwide

March 21, 2012

Smashburger has introduced its Fresh Mex Burger, available through April 29 in restaurants nationwide.

Mintel: Local produce edging out organic in terms of consumer importance

March 21, 2012

According to the latest research data from Mintel, locally purchased fruits and vegetables by grocery stores and restaurants are now more important to…

Foodservice distribution company expands network

March 20, 2012

Consolidated Distribution Corporation LLC, a provider of QSR, fast casual and casual dining supply chain solutions in the U.S., has opened a new Dallas…

Mama Fu's to be honored for menu innovation

March 19, 2012

Mama Fu’s Asian House will be honored for its innovative menu offerings during the 15th Annual MenuMasters Awards Celebration in Chicago on May 5, 2012.

Seattle's Best Coffee introduces drive-thru concept

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Seattle's Best Coffee, part of Starbucks Corporation, today opened its doors -- and drive-thru window -- of its new coffee drive-thru concept in Northlake, Ill.

Flying Biscuit Café launches 'On-the-Fly' menu

March 18, 2012

The Flying Biscuit Café has cooked up a solution to help time-strapped customers enjoy some its menu staples.

2012 Top 10 food trends include “heirloom foods”

In addition to the Top 5 food trends for 2012 that I discussed in my previous post, here's my prediction for trend concepts No. 6 through 10.

Jamba Juice launches new juice blends

March 13, 2012

Jamba Juice Company has debuted three new squeezed-to-order juice blends, expanding its current menu of juice and smoothie products. The juice blends are a…