Zaxby's brings back celebrity commercials

January 8, 2012

Zaxby’s has announced the return of its Fried Pickles and is featuring its Chicken Finger Sandwich Meal as part of the chain’s latest promotion. The menu items…

Convenience stores, QSR, fast casual and the food police

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Perhaps it is consumers who should be studied further to uncover the reason for their behavioral disconnects, instead of placing all the blame on QSRs and…

Fazoli's offering incentives to keep New Year's resolution

January 5, 2012

Fazoli's is offering an incentive for those who stick to their New Year's resolution. On Jan. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., customers who bring a workout video or…

What’s on your kids’ menu?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

About 8 percent of all Americans under the age of 18 have some kind of food allergy.

Caribou Coffee 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified

January 4, 2012

Caribou Coffee has announced that all of its coffees and espressos are now sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, making it the first major U.S.

Red Mango: 2011 was record year

January 4, 2012

Red Mango has announced that it had a record year for franchise development in 2011. The company awarded agreements for more than 70 new domestic locations…

Jamba launches new Fit 'n Fruitful smoothies

January 3, 2012

On Jan. 5, 2012, Jamba Juice will launch new Fit 'n Fruitful smoothies with a Weight Burner Boost. The new smoothie platform reinforces Jamba's commitment to…

Gloves! The controversy continues – Part 1

by Paul Mcginnis — Vice President, Marketing, Ecolab Food Safety Specialties

To glove, or not to glove, that is the question. It’s a debate that has raged in foodservice circles for years and centers on the question of whether hand…

Ring in 2012 with organic food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

I predict that 2012 will be a banner year for Organic Food Product Innovation, and those who sit on the sidelines will miss the opportunity to strike gold in…

2012: The five fast casual executives to watch

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

For restaurant operators throughout the industry, 2011 had its fair share of highs and lows. While the industry rebounded slightly from the challenges present…

Foumami Asian Sandwich Bar

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Foumami Asian Sandwich Bar opened in 2010 in Boston's Financial District. The restaurant was founded by third-genereration restaurateur Michael Wang, whose…

Togo's hosting Pastrami Pounder Challenge

December 29, 2011

Togo's Sandwiches will host the "Pastrami Pounder Challenge" in celebration of National Pastrami Day, Jan. 14.

How Do You Roll? rolls into Phoenix

December 28, 2011

Austin, Texas-based How Do You Roll? has opened its first location outside of the Texas market, where the chain has seven units in operation. The newest unit…

Panda Express brings back the fire

December 27, 2011

Panda Express will celebrate the 2012 Chinese New Year holiday with the return of its limited-time Firecracker Chicken Breast. The menu item features chicken…

Gluten free goes mainstream

Gluten-free menu claims have grown 114 percent over the last three years, proving that consumers beyond those diagnosed with celiac disease are eating…

2012 will be the year of more information

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Miniature portions, specialty beverages are among the trends to watch.

Commentary: What restaurant marketing trends will emerge in 2012?

Fast casual players are starting to look like two different groups, perhaps three, including "Fine Fast Casual," "Quick Fast Casual" and "Chain Fast Casual…

Adaptation – 3 Categories Evolve

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Be mindful of where categories were during the Recession and do not stray too far from the familiar.

2011: The five stories and trends that shaped the year

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As we look back on 2011, several stories and trends stand out among the rest. Here's a look at our top picks.

Jamba, US Foods announce distribution alliance

December 14, 2011

Jamba Inc. and US Foods have announced that they have formed a supply chain distribution alliance for service in the northeastern United States. The alliance…