QSRs likely to win specialty coffee war in 2009

March 29, 2009

Forbes: A Stifel Nicolaus & Co. analyst predicts that quick-service operators Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc., Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's Corp. will likely…

U-SWIRL announces Las Vegas opening

March 29, 2009

HENDERSON , Nev. — U-SWIRL International Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Healthy Fast Food Inc., has announced their expansion into the Las Vegas …

Nestle Waters N.A. invests $15.6 million in Sweet Leaf Tea

March 25, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — Sweet Leaf Tea Co., the maker of organic, all-natural, iced teas, lemonades and other natural beverages, has announced that NestlÃ…

Starbucks beverages inspire ice cream line

March 23, 2009

SEATTLE — Starbucks Coffee Company and Unilever have unveiled a new premium ice cream line inspired by some of consumers' favorite Starbucks beverages. …

HR Practices

Find, hire and retain the best employees you'll ever have.

Quiznos introduces $4 Toasty Torpedo sandwiches

March 22, 2009

DENVER — Quiznos has announced the launch of new Toasty Torpedoes, inspired by the famous slim Italian and French baguette sandwiches served in Europe. Priced…

Noodles & Co. adds meatballs and spaghetti

March 18, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Noodles & Co. has announced the introduction of Spaghetti & Meatballs on menus at the concept's Ohio locations.   The five meatballs…

Real estate redo

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Economic troubles send franchisees and landlords back to the bargaining table.

Planet Smoothie extends SeaWorld Aquatica partnership

March 16, 2009

ATLANTA — Planet Smoothie has announced its second annual partnership with Aquatica, SeaWorld's one-of-a-kind waterpark.   The highlight of this year's…

N.Y. TV station tests find Starbucks, Dunkin' posting incorrect calorie counts

March 9, 2009

CBS 2 HD: An investigation by CBS 2 HD TV station in New York has tested and found inconsistencies in calorie count postings for menu items at Starbucks and…

Schlotzsky's launches Big League Clubz sandwiches

March 9, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — Between now and May 31, participating Schlotzsky's restaurants are introducing the newly formed, highly stacked Big League Clubz line-up.   On…

New Coke fountain dispenses 100 flavors

March 3, 2009

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Coca-Cola is testing what it calls the "fountain of the future," a sleek red machine, about the width of a refrigerator…

Moe's to introduce Phil E. burrito and quesadilla

March 2, 2009

ATLANTA — Moe's Southwest Grill has announced the launch of its Phill E. burrito and quesadilla.   Available until May 31, Moe's Phil E. burrito and…

Qdoba Mexican Grill launches Chili Verde

March 2, 2009

DENVER — Qdoba Mexican Grill has announced the launch of its new Chili Verde. Traditional Chili Verde, known in Colorado as green chili, is a soup or stew made…

Fast casual menus focus on the familiar

Consumers are seeking out flavors that are tried and true, but there is still room for innovation.

Monkeymedia to host catering Bag Lunch series

February 17, 2009

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Monkeymedia.net has announced the next installment of its popular Bag Lunch live teleconference series on catering & delivery, scheduled…

Baja Fresh to open in NYC

February 16, 2009

CYPRESS, Calif. — Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announce the projected grand opening of its newest location in New York City.

Bruegger's launches new panini, sandwich lineup

February 16, 2009

BURLINGTON. Vt. — Bruegger's has announced the launch of a new lunch menu featuring chef-created hot paninis and signature sandwiches, made with a new…

Boston Market intros Crispy Country Chicken

February 11, 2009

GOLDEN, Colo. — Boston Market has announced the chain's introduction of Crispy Country Chicken. The baked all-white meat chicken breast is baked until crisp…

Salsarita's to implement new systemwide menu program

February 8, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Salsarita's Fresh Cantina has announced it will continue its growth momentum for the year through the implementation of a systemwide menu…