FATZ names new VP of marketing

March 30, 2011

Café Enterprises Inc., parent company of FATZ, has named Stephen Loftis as vice president of marketing for the chain.

Tossed rolls out spring-inspired wrap

March 30, 2011

Tossed is celebrating the commencement of spring with the launch of its Spicy Shrimp & Strawberry Salsa Crepe Wrap, a limited time lunch and dinner special.

Planet Smoothie launches light options

March 29, 2011

Petrus Brands' Planet Smoothie has launched Planet Light, a line of more than 20 smoothies all containing fewer than 300 calories.

Saladworks marking down Sophie's Salad in April

March 29, 2011

Throughout April, the popular Sophie's Salad at Saladworks will be priced at $6.99.

Commentary: Restaurants and the new calorie police

It is too early to completely reformulate consumer favorites into healthier items, but not too early for some menu evolution.

Gluten-free is not so free for restaurants

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

In the beginning of March, I had the pleasure of attending a hospitality trade show for both hotels and restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland. It was an…

Catering book to focus on growing channel

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

MonkeyMedia Software CEO Erle Dardick presents his perspective on how multi-unit restaurant operators can create a new revenue stream through catering sales.

La Madeleine unveils new Mediterranean menu items

March 27, 2011

La Madeleine Café is rolling out a series of limited-time menu items designed to deliver tastes of the Mediterranean. The items will be available March 2…

Quiznos rolls out new chicken bacon dipper

March 27, 2011

Quiznos has added a Chicken Bacon Dipper to its menu starting March 28. The new sandwich features a signature cheese sauce, developed by chef Zach Calkins…

Wheat pasta, soups added to Saladworks menu

March 24, 2011

Saladworks has added Barilla Whole Grain wheat rotini pasta to the growing offerings in its salad case. Asparagus & Pea, Lasagna and Loaded Baked Potato…

U.S. restaurants join Japan earthquake relief effort

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Chains and independents are sponsoring promotions and contributing funds to help with the earthquake/tsunami recovery.

Panda Express to match American Red Cross and Tzu Chi Foundation proceeds

March 22, 2011

Panda Restaurant Group Inc., parent company of Panda Express, has announced a fundraising campaign to assist with disaster relief in Japan. Panda Restaurant…

Boloco tests LevelUp group buying service

March 22, 2011

Boston-based Boloco has partnered with new group buying platform LevelUp, a pilot program from location-based game SCVNGR. The platform offers three levels of…

Stonefire Grill rolls out ‘Healthy Alternatives’ line

March 22, 2011

Southern California-based Stonefire Grill has launched a “Healthy Alternatives” menu that features entrée salads, pizzas, salmon and chicken dishes with fewer…

Daphne's California Greek unveils new brand identity

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The former Daphne's Greek Cafe has changed its logo, name and corporate culture since August 2010.

Concept review: America’s Next Greatest Restaurant

By Linda Duke

NPD: Calorie counts on menus unlikely to change ordering patterns

March 21, 2011

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) readies to submit its proposed regulations for the federal menu labeling law by the March 23, 2011 deadline, the…

Moe’s adds spicy items to fresh-Mex menu

March 20, 2011

Moe’s Southwest Grill has introduced its new Spicy Trio menu options, available March 21-May 15. 

Grimaldi's founders plan fast casual burger concept

March 20, 2011

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has announced its current expansion plans that call for new locations in Dallas, West Palm Beach, Fla., and various other sites.

Greenopia ranks top green restaurant chains

March 20, 2011

Greenopia, which researches eco-friendly retailers, services and organizations, has recently named its most sustainable restaurant chains.