Pinkberry announces Northern California expansion

November 18, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Frozen yogurt concept Pinkberry plans to expand throughout Northern California beginning with the opening of a new store in San Jose next month…

Beautiful Brands partners with donut concept

November 16, 2008

TULSA, Okla. — Beautiful Brands International, the developer of Camille's Sidewalk Café, Coney Beach and FreshBerry Frozen Yogurt Cafe, has signed a deal with…

Berry Chill debuts Thanksgiving-themed yogurt dish

November 16, 2008

CHICAGO — In honor of Thanksgiving, yogurt shop Berry Chill has created the Berry Gobbler, which features five ounces of Pumpkin Spice yogurt topped with pie…

NEXTEP to display Casino Express at G2E

November 13, 2008

LAS VEGAS — NEXTEP Systems will demonstrate the Casino Express self service food and beverage ordering system at G2E: Global Gaming Expo, to be held Nov. 18-2…

Culver's prototype cuts construction costs

November 12, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Culver's Franchising System Inc. has opened its 390th restaurant, the fourth of its new prototype that includes a new exterior and…

Focus Brands names Russ Umphenour as president, CEO

November 10, 2008

ATLANTA — Focus Brands Inc. has named Russ Umphenour president and chief executive officer, the company announced. Former CEO Steve Romaniello has been named…

Fast casuals market to millennials

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Advertising approach, atmosphere need tweaking to reach younger demographic.

Raising Canes signs lease for Dallas support office

November 9, 2008

BATON ROUGE, La. — Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers has signed a lease to open its Dallas Restaurant Support Office at Legacy Business Park at 5800 Tennyson…

Farmer Boys launches breakfast all day

November 6, 2008

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Farmer Boys restaurants are now serving breakfast all day, every day, the company announced.   Among Farmer Boys' most popular breakfast…

El Pollo Loco revenue up 4 percent

November 6, 2008

COSTA MESA, Calif.— Comparable-store sales at EPL Intermediate Inc., parent company of El Pollo Loco Inc., were flat for the company's third quarter ended…

Smooth sailing for Tropical Smoothie Cafe

New president works to improve communication with franchisees.

Shane's Rib Shack tweaks election-day promo

October 30, 2008

ATLANTA — Shane's Rib Shack is changing its previously announced Election Day promotion to a Celebrate American Democracy Day.  One free "Celebrate America…

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. …