Raising Cane's new Ohio location opens to record crowds

April 23, 2009

GROVE CITY, Ohio — Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the United States, opened its newest location to record…

El Pollo Loco challenges KFC to grilled taste test

April 23, 2009

COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco is pitting its flame-grilled chicken against KFC's oven-grilled chicken in a taste test, the company has announced.   "We…

Texas looks at menu labeling, Md. repeals soda fountain fee

April 22, 2009

KEYE-TV (Austin, Texas): The Texas legislature is considering a bill that could require restaurants with at least 20 locations in Texas to post calorie counts…

NRA 2009: Coke to display "fountain of the future"

April 22, 2009

White Coffee Corp. debuts Arabica Donut Shop Blend

April 21, 2009

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. – White Coffee Corp. has announced the launch of Donut Shop Blend, a new blend of coffee made from premium 100 percent Arabica coffee…

Starbucks goes gluten-free

April 20, 2009

Restaurants & Institutions: Starbucks Corp. will begin selling a gluten-free pastry in U.S. stores next month in response to customer requests.   The…

Ben & Jerry's to give away free cones

April 19, 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Ben & Jerry's will celebrate its 31st annual Free Cone Day on April 21 from noon until 8 p.m., the company has announced.    Ben &…

2009 NRA Show to reveal food and drink trends

April 15, 2009

CHICAGO — The 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will explore the hottest restaurant menu trends happening now, as well as the…

New Summit to focus on modern pizza business

April 15, 2009

As more fast casual operators open pizzeria concepts, those executives may find it useful to attend the first Pizza Executive Summit, slated to be held June…

Red Mango announces franchise repurchase program

April 13, 2009

DALLAS — Red Mango has announced that it has launched the "Red's Real Deal" franchise program, which provides financial incentives for new franchisees.   Under…

Red Mango announces U.S. franchise deals

April 9, 2009

DALLAS — Red Mango has announced record franchise development during the first quarter of 2009 as development deals with existing and new franchisees will…

Grand Traverse Pie Co. intros Strawberry Cream Pie

April 9, 2009

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Grand Traverse Pie Co. has announced the addition of Strawberry Cream Pie, just in time for Easter. The new 9-inch pie is made with…

Tropical Smoothie Café sends couple to Greek Isles

April 8, 2009

DESTIN, Fla. — Tropical Smoothie Café has announced the winner of its online sweepstakes celebrating the DVD release of the movie Mamma Mia! starring Meryl…

Panchero's launches catering program

April 7, 2009

CORALVILLE, Iowa — Panchero's Mexican Grill has announced the debut of its new catering program.   Launched on April 2, the Panchero's catering program…

Planet Smoothie embarks on franchise tour

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Companies get creative to woo new operators as franchise sales flatten.

Einstein Bros., Noah's Bagels introduce low-cal menu options

April 1, 2009

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Bros. Bagels and Noah's Bagels are introducing an all-new Lighter Fare menu, with three lunch items and two breakfast items, each…

Chipotle intros smaller portions, lowers prices

April 1, 2009

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has started a test of new menu items in its Denver-area restaurants. The menu changes are the most significant Chipotle…

Sneak peek: NRA 2009

April 1, 2009

Organizers stress event's importance in dismal economy.

Union International Food recalls pepper, spices

March 31, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, has announced that consumers should avoid eating spices…

California Tortilla adds teriyaki burrito and bowl for Q2

March 31, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. — California Tortilla has updated their limited-time offer menu for the company's second quarter with the launch of the Teriyaki Burrito and…