Q&A with Martin Sprock

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The founder of Raving Brands takes a leap with Flying Biscuit Cafe.

Tropical Smoothie, Warner Bros. partner

January 14, 2008

DESTIN, Fla. — Tropical Smoothie Café will build support through Feb. 16, 2008, for the theatrical release of Warner Bros. Pictures' new comedy "Fool's…

Pinkberry adds coffee yogurt

January 14, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Pinkberry is celebrating its third anniversary with the launch of coffee frozen yogurt, the company has announced. The new flavor is available…

Nestlé continues Sjora launch

January 13, 2008

GLENDALE, Calif. — Nestlé FoodServices has launched its new Sjora beverage, made with 10 percent milk and 5 percent juice, to help restaurant operators…

Mintel releases '08 menu trends

January 9, 2008

CHICAGO — Mintel Menu Insights, a national restaurant-tracking service, has identified eight trends sure to transform the American menu in 2008 for restaurants…

California Tortilla launches edible bowls

January 8, 2008

ROCKVILLE, Md. — California Tortilla is featuring three "Incredible Edible Bowls" on the latest installment of its limited-time menu.    The Chili Bowl…

Bruegger's intros breakfast omelet sandwich

January 8, 2008

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's has introduced its limited-time Spinach and Cheddar Omelet Sandwich, marking the first time the chain has offered an omelet…

McCafes to take on Starbucks, Dunkin'

January 7, 2008

Boston Herald: As McDonald's plans to open McCafes at about 14,000 U.S. locations, the competition generated may be equally steep for Starbucks and Dunkin…

Operators cash in with catering

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Catering options increase revenue, community footprint for franchisees.

Cold Stone gets iced by fake promotion

January 3, 2008

The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press: Cold Stone Creamery was the victim of an Internet prank claiming 1,400 stores around the country would give away ice cream Jan.

Jamba Juice opens 700th location

January 2, 2008

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Jamba Juice has announced the Portland, Ore., opening of its 700th location in adddition to the Tacoma, Wash., opening of its 500th…

Cold Stone franchisees struggling despite changes

December 25, 2007

Blue MauMau: Cold Stone Creamery locations in Athens, Ga.; Loveland, Colo.; Tallahassee, Fla.; and three cities in Connecticut have closed this fall. Some…

Starbucks settles suit over scalded baby

December 25, 2007

Gloucester (Mass.) Daily Times: Starbucks will pay a Massachusetts couple $70,000 to settle a lawsuit over the spilling of hot coffee on the couple's…

Hot stuff

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Coffees and chocolates warm consumers' hearts, but they are picky.

Franktitude expands menu offerings

December 17, 2007

MIAMI — Miami-based Franktitude has unveiled a new menu that includes create-your-own salads, a line of sandwiches, wraps and panini, and an array of new…

Boneheads adds lobster, sea bass menu items

December 16, 2007

ATLANTA — Boneheads Grilled Fish & Piri Piri Chicken has introduced four limited-time seafood entrées: Fire Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster Salad…

NRA releases '08 forecast, partners with Podcast Grill

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

December 12, 2007

NetWorld Alliance, publisher of Fast Casual magazine and Podcast Grill, has partnered with the National Restaurant Association on the production of several…

Food costs to increase

December 12, 2007

The Economist: The Economist magazine has predicted that world food prices will continue to inflate, primarily caused by a rise in the government's policies…

Hot dog nation

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Chains such as Evos and Franktitude are taking hot dogs one step further.

Maui Wowi to open in Singapore

December 9, 2007

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — Maui Wowi Hawaiian has announced it has signed its first international master-franchise agreement in Singapore.    Maui Wowi, which…