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…

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. …

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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.