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…

Pizza Hut is Google's most searched restaurant for 2011

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

December 14, 2011

Pizza inquiries sweep top three spots.

Firehouse introducing customers to Coca-Cola Freestyle with Happy Hour event

December 13, 2011

Firehouse Subs recently rolled out the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine nationwide and, to introduce Louisville, Ky., customers to the technology, the restaurant is…

Beautiful Brands launches new Italian fast casual concept

December 13, 2011

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced a joint venture with Dean and Jill Bastian to develop and franchise Fresco Wood Fired Italian Kitchen. The…

Firehouse Subs, King's Hawaiian partner on Pork & Slaw sandwich

December 12, 2011

Firehouse Subs has partnered with King's Hawaiian sweet bread producer to offer the King's Hawaiian Pork & Slaw sandwich at all Firehouse Subs locations in…

Consumers not meeting MyPlate standards

December 12, 2011

The nutritionally-balanced quadrants of the USDA’s MyPlate, the new federal dietary guidelines that depict a healthful daily diet, look very different from…

The ageless meatball is the new menu trendsetter

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Meatballs are versatile and offer a big profit margin.

Report: Restaurant costs will continue to rise in 2012

December 11, 2011

Fitch Ratings, a global market credit opinion, research and data agency, expects U.S. restaurant food and beverage costs to rise by 5 percent or more in 2012…

Technomic: Breakfast daypart offers ample opportunity

December 11, 2011

While breakfast sales have grown steadily for restaurants over the past few years, consumer data shows that the market is not yet saturated and there are still…

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt heads to Aussie shores

December 11, 2011

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is opening its first international location in Melbourne, Australia, by franchise partners Joe Rossi and Phil Lancaster.