Holiday retail sales projected to improve

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As holiday shoppers hit the streets, restaurant operators remain cautiously optimistic.

Fuddruckers intros Fudds Prime Burgers

November 16, 2009

Fuddrucker's has introduced Fudds Prime, 100 percent all-American premium-cut, vegetarian-fed beef from Fudds Herd, slated to launch today in participating…

Boston Market launches holiday meal deals

November 16, 2009

To help alleviate holiday stress, Boston Market's chef-inspired Catered Holiday Buffets will feature several packages this year, including Deluxe, Premium and…

California Tortilla to give away turkey chili

November 15, 2009

California Tortilla will celebrate free Turkey Chili Day on Nov. 19 as any customer making any purchase will receive a free 4 oz. cup of Turkey Chili, as well…

Jamba Inc. turned net income around in Q3 2009

November 12, 2009

Natural food and juice store Jamba Inc. released its third quarter ended Oct. 6 results, revealing an upswing in net income that had been negative in third…

Tossed upgrades image, logo

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The salad chain launches a new store prototype to unveil in Boston.

Caribou Coffee rolls out all-natural chocolate beverages

November 11, 2009

Caribou Coffee has reformulated all of its mochas and chocolate beverages to utilize real, all-natural chocolate now available in white, milk and dark…

Calbi Fusion Tacos and Burritos rolls into Universal Studios

November 9, 2009

Calbi Fusion Tacos and Burritos, the two mobile-unit Los Angeles-based Korean taco truck chain, has announced a three-month residence at Universal Studios…

Red Mango's probiotic iced teas win excellence award

November 9, 2009

Red Mango and Ganeden Biotech, the largest seller of over-the-counter probiotics in the U.S., are recipients of a SupplySide Scientific Excellence Award for…

Taco Del Mar launches Bonfire BBQ Burrito

November 9, 2009

Taco Del Mar plans to keep summer alive with the introduction of its new Mondo Bonfire BBQ Burrito. On Nov. 13, customers can try the new Bonfire BBQ Burrito…

Fast casuals lead salt-reduction charge

As menu-labeling legislation takes effect across the country, operators are looking at reducing more than calories.

Au Bon Pain to use eggs from cage-free chickens

November 5, 2009

ABP Corporation, operater of the Au Bon Pain restaurant chain, has announced its new policy for using eggs from cage-free chickens in its Massachusetts…

Bruegger's launches Toys for Tots holiday campaign

November 4, 2009

Bruegger's is teaming up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to meet the dramatic increase in requests for toys this holiday season. Through its "Kids…

Technomic report predicts alcohol sales falling in 2010

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Alcohol sales at casual- and fine-dining chains are expected to be slim in 2010, giving some fast casual operators a golden opportunity.

Burgerville launches new November menu items

November 2, 2009

In the spirit of the holiday season, and running the entire month of November, Burgerville will be offering guests a selection of items featuring a traditional…

Rubio's passes on buyout offer

November 1, 2009

Rubio's Restaurants Inc. has decided to decline an $80 million buyout offer it received from stockholder Alex Meruelo and the Meruelo Group, and Levine…

Pizza and beer night, reinvented

Adding robust craft beer offerings can put a pizzeria in a category of its own--especially in the fast casual segment.

Twohig to pay Starbucks $500,000

October 25, 2009

The Starbucks Coffee Co. has announced that that the company and Paul Twohig have resolved the lawsuit it filed against him. Earlier this month, Starbucks sued…

On the menu: Local is good, but fresh is better

An industry expert examines which buzzwords resonate best with customers.  

Innovative flavors continue to drive restaurant traffic, reports Technomic

October 21, 2009

Consumers are interested in expanding their palates when dining out and want to patronize restaurants that offer innovative flavors. A new study from Technomic…