Froots Smoothies signs Fla., Calif., expansion deal

April 16, 2008

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Froots Smoothies, the South Florida-based smoothie and gourmet wrap chain, has annouced it has signed exclusive franchise deals that will…

Jamba turnaround not without challenges

April 16, 2008

The Wall Street Journal: Jamba Inc.'s journey to simplify "healthy living" could be a lumpy ride. Competition in fruit-and-dairy drinks is intensifying…

COVER: The Asian influence

April 16, 2008

Asian fast casuals dump the lo mein stereotype.

Q&A: Panda Express founders

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

April 16, 2008

Panda Express founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng talk continued growth, start-up success.

California Tortilla adds fish tacos

April 8, 2008

ROCKVILLE, Md. — California Tortilla has announced it is bringing back fish tacos as a summertime limited-time offer (LTO). The tacos are comprised of…

Starbucks to give away new brew

April 7, 2008

SEATTLE — Starbucks is launching its newest brew, Pike Place Roast, by giving away complimentary 8 oz. cups of the new coffee to customers visiting any…

Industry 'greening' focus of NRA education sessions

April 6, 2008

CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, being held May 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will host more than 65 free…

Jamba launches 21-day breakfast challenge

April 3, 2008

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — In conjunction with the rollout of new breakfast menu items, Jamba Juice is challenging Americans to take the 21-Day Breakfast Challenge…

Tyson newsletter focuses on comfort food return

April 3, 2008

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Insights & Discovery Sideways on the Familiar, the latest newsletter from Tyson Foods, examines consumers' love of comfort foods and how…

Chefs, restaurateurs to share insight, recipes at '08 NRA Show

April 2, 2008

CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association has announced its lineup of celebrities to be included in the Celebrity Book Signings & NRA Show Bookstore…

Boneheads intros scallops, jumbo lump crab

April 2, 2008

ATLANTA — Boneheads Grilled Fish & Piri Piri Chicken has introduced three limited-time seafood menu items: Boneheads Scallops, Crispy Seafood Platter and…

Overcoming food-safety stereotypes

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Food-safety issues an operator or manager can control can make a big difference.

Sara Lee debuts sustainable coffee in U.S.

March 30, 2008

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Sara Lee Foodservice has announced it is introducing Good Origin sustainable coffee to the U.S. market.   Sara Lee is the world's largest…

Dole to host beverage competition

March 30, 2008

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Dole has announced the launch of its first Dole Raises the Bar Beverage Competition, open to bartenders, bar chefs…

Starbucks working to build coffee shrines

March 27, 2008

The New York Times: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced last week that the company had bought the Coffee Equipment Co. of Seattle, maker of the Clover…

Obee's Franchise Systems announces restructuring

March 26, 2008

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The board of directors of Obee's Franchise Systems Inc. has approved a 100-for-1 reverse split of the company's common stock.

Back Yard Burgers partners with baseball complex

March 26, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —  Back Yard Burgers has established a partnership with Gameday Baseball, a 10-field youth baseball complex in Cordova, Tenn.   Back Yard…

Noodles & Company launches asparagus dish, video

March 26, 2008

DENVER — Noodles & Company has introduced its Linguine with Fresh Asparagus bowl at restaurants across the United States. The dish features asparagus…

Potbelly intros online ordering

March 25, 2008

CHICAGO — Sandwich chain Potbelly Sandwich Works has introduced online ordering in its Chicago-area restaurants. The restaurant's entire menu is available for…

Qdoba receives Colorado's Smart Meal Seal

March 25, 2008

DENVER — Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants in Colorado have joined the Smart Meal Seal program sponsored by the Colorado Department of Public Health and…