Serving sizes lead label-readers astray, what will restaurant menus do?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Healthy framing has the greatest influence with consumers who are most concerned about their diets, and restaurant operators should focus on portion sizes…

Mintel: 2012 restaurant economic prospects look positive

March 13, 2012

Interest in where food comes from, as well as changes in restaurant spending will both be driving the foodservice rollercoaster in 2012, according to market…

More consumers heading to restaurants for a snack

March 13, 2012

Consumers are snacking significantly more now than they were two years ago. Almost half (48 percent) of consumers polled say they're now snacking at least…

Solo Cup unveils Trophy Plus for both hot and cold applications

March 12, 2012

A dual-temperature insulated cup with better rigidity and enhanced glossy appearance is being launched by Solo Foodservice to help operators boost beverage…

Planet Smoothie warms up winter with tropical flavors

March 11, 2012

Planet Smoothie will launch its Flavors of the Tropics campaign March 19 that will promote Sambazon products including the limited-time Açaí smoothies and…

Camille's Sidewalk Café launches smoothie line

March 8, 2012

Beautiful Brands International has announced the immediate roll out of its new menu of non-fat yogurt blends as well as a lineup of smoothie health enhancers…

NRA awards 18 Food and Beverage Product Innovations Awards

March 8, 2012

The National Restaurant Association has announced the recipients of the 2012 Food and Beverage Product Innovations Awards, which recognize consumable products…

Panda Express tests Paw Plate

March 5, 2012

Guests at select Panda Express locations will experience a new way of dining during a market test this month, when the chain replaces its traditional two item…

Order entry should be frontline when it comes to catering

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

The order-entry experience may be the single most important component of the catering order-to-cash cycle. It is the first point of contact to your…

UFood Grill introduces health-inspired value meals

March 4, 2012

UFood Restaurant Group has announced that when they open their first of three locations at the Aberdeen Proving Ground military base in Maryland, they’ll…

Cosi CEO Carin Stutz talks brand turnaround

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How Cosi's new CEO plans to rebrand, reimage and rebuild the chain.

Einstein Bros. opens first Marriott location

March 1, 2012

Einstein Bros. Bagels will opens in a Marriott hotel for the first time on March 8, 2012, in Arlington, Va.

Restaurant beer sales rise nearly 10 percent in 2011

February 29, 2012

The Beer Institute released new data showing that the value of beer sales in restaurants rose more than 9 percent in 2011, totaling about $23.6 billion in…

Health and wellness: A fight against obesity

From offering lower calorie menus to baking side items, the restaurant industry needs to do its part in supporting healthy changes.

USDA projects temporary rise in chicken prices

February 27, 2012

A shortage of poultry is expected to drive up chicken prices for consumers, according to the recently released USDA Agricultural Projections to 2021 report…

Ben & Jerry's rolls out line of Greek frozen yogurt

February 23, 2012

Ben & Jerry’s has launched a line of four Greek frozen yogurt flavors, staying on trend with the food trend. The four flavors are being released this month…

NRA: Fast casual operators optimistic about 2012 sales gains

Total restaurant industry sales will reach a record high of $632 billion in 2012, a 3.5 percent increase over 2011.

Top 5 2012 food innovation product predictions

A look at what might be the biggest 2012 food innovation trend opportunities.

Charley's Rolls out beer battered fish sandwich

February 21, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs is giving customers a reason to look forward to Lent this year by unveiling a freshly prepared Crispy Beer Battered Fish Sandwich.

Cousins Subs renews focus on products, growth and marketing

February 21, 2012

Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs is marking its 40th anniversary with new initiatives that focus on its products, franchise growth and marketing investments.