California Tortilla to announce presidential burrito race winner

October 29, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After three weeks of polling between the McCain-Chilada and O-Chili-Bama Burritos at every California Tortilla location, the restaurant will…

Sonoma Chicken Coop lands in New York

October 28, 2008

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Fast casual chain Sonoma Chicken Coop has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with business partners Mitchell Segal and Golan Zinger and…

Sandella's signs Boston expansion deal

October 28, 2008

WEST REDDING, Conn. — Sandella's Flatbread Café has closed an area development agreement with Five Mikes LLC, to bring 25 locations to the Boston metro area…

Nothing but Noodles expands to Canada

October 26, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Fast casual noodle concept Nothing but Noodles has signed a deal to enter the Canadian market in 2009.   Partners Suresh Patel and Sachin…

QSRs want slice of fast casual pie

Quick-serve restaurants move to upscale décor, menu to attract customers.

Baja Fresh moves into retail with Bluesun Corp.

October 12, 2008

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has an agreement with California-based Bluesun Corp. to offer a line of Baja Fresh Salsas, the company…

Jamba adopts shareholders rights plan

October 9, 2008

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — The board of directors of Jamba Inc. has adopted a stock purchase rights plan as a means to ward off an unsolicited attempt to acquire the…

Saladworks store sets opening-day sales record

October 9, 2008

CONSHOCKEN, Pa. — The Oct. 1 debut of Saladworks' new 2,600 sq. ft. store  in Mount Larel, N.J., set a company record with more than $18,000 in gross sales. …

Firehouse Subs signs Coke deal

October 9, 2008

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Firehouse Subs has signed a multi-year beverage contract with The Coca-Cola Co., the company announced. Firehouse Subs will serve Coke…

Jimmy John's intros new sandwich

October 9, 2008

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops has introduced its first new menu item in four years, the company announced.   The Ultimate Porker Club…

JFK airport debuts self-order outlets

October 9, 2008

 

Rumbi Island Grill to enter California market

October 8, 2008

SANDY, Utah — Rumbi Island Grill plans to enter the California market through an area development agreement with restaurateur Paulo Salgado.   The partnership…

Organic to Go sales up 72 percent

October 7, 2008

SEATTLE — Sales at Organic To Go are projected to reach $6.4 million for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, the company said in a preliminary sales release.

Caught in the crisis

Economic conditions batter the industry, but operators insist quality still key.

Just like Mom's

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

October 6, 2008

Comfort foods capture the hearts and stomachs of consumers.  

Starbucks under fire for water usage

October 5, 2008

Herald Sun (Australia): Starbucks is being criticized by environmental groups after a report in a British newspaper alleged the company wasted millions of…

Organic To Go opens flagship Seattle location

October 1, 2008

SEATTLE — Organic fast casual chain Organic To Go has opened a flagship café in Seattle, which features an open-market feel and a larger footprint than other…

Starbucks rolls out Doubleshot Espresso drinks in Japan

September 30, 2008

TOKYO — Starbucks Coffee Co. and Suntory Ltd. have announced plans to launch Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso Doppio and Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso Con Panna…

Saladworks reaches 100-store milestone

September 29, 2008

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Twenty-two years after opening its first store, Saladworks will open its 100th location. The new store, which will open Oct. 1, will be…

From single-unit success to multiunit growth

The decision to develop a multiunit franchise may give an owner more control.