Ex-Beatle could be on Starbucks music label

March 11, 2007

New York Post: Paul McCartney could he the first artist signed to a new record label owned by Starbucks. The formation of Starbucks Records is expected…

Baskin-Robbins rolls out candy bar treats

March 11, 2007

CANTON, Mass. — Specialty ice cream store Baskin-Robbins has partnered with The Hershey Co. to introduce nine Candy Bar Madness treats including ice cream…

'Top-of-Mind' marketing objectives

March 11, 2007

It done right, old adages pay off.  

Rachael Ray to promote Dunkin' Donuts

March 8, 2007

Boston Herald: Food Network host Rachael Ray has signed on as pitchwoman for Dunkin' Donuts. Ray also will consult with Dunkin's culinary team on the…

Peet's gearing up for expansion

March 7, 2007

ContraCostaTimes: Peet's Cofee & Tea is planning to add 30 new stores this year to the 136 the company already operates. The company doesn't want to be…

Subway introduces "fit" menu

March 7, 2007

MILFORD, Conn. — The Subway restaurant chain is introducing new "fit" menu items on March 12 in its restaurants across the country.   The new Subway Fresh…

Dunkin' Donuts franchisees worried about P&G deal

March 6, 2007

Boston Herald: A Dunkin' Donuts franchisee group is voicing its opposition to a deal with Proctor & Gamble to distribute the company's coffee in…

Panera comps down slightly in February

March 6, 2007

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Panera Bread Co. reported today that system-wide same-store sales at the company's bakery café restaurants decreased 0.6 percent for the five…

Quiznos names former Yum exec to marketing post

March 5, 2007

DENVER — Toasted sub chain Quiznos has appointed Steve Provost to the position of executive vice president and chief marketing officer, effective March 26. …

Caribou Coffee taps Mallet for president post

March 5, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee Co. Inc. has named Rosalyn "Roz" Mallet as president and chief operating officer of the 464-unit coffeehouse chain.   Mallet was…

Dunkin' Donuts topples Starbucks in loyalty survey

March 5, 2007

Boston Herald: Dunkin' Donuts topped Starbucks for the first time in five years in Brand Key's annual survey of customer loyalty. Dunkin's scores rose in all…

Starbucks cuts back on shareholder perks

March 1, 2007

The State (South Carolina): For the last five years, Starbucks Corp. has sent shareholders a $3.50 gift card along with a copy of its annual report. This…

4Q net income quadruples at Taco Cabana parent

March 1, 2007

Syracuse, N.Y. — Carrols Restaurant Group Inc., which operates the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurant brands and is the largest Burger King franchisee…

Bruegger's desserts go trans-fat free

March 1, 2007

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's has cut trans fat from its dessert line in all 255 bakeries, the company announced March 1.    Their trans-fat-free dessert…

Starbucks jumps on text-message trend

February 28, 2007

Seattle Times: Beginning today, mobile phone customers seeking the nearest Starbucks location can send a text message with their zip code to MYSBUX. A list of…

NYC rats expand dining options

February 28, 2007

NBC10 (Philadelphia): Rats have been filmed at a second New York restaurant, just days after more than a dozen were filmed scampering around a co-branded Taco…

Pei Wei Asian Diner intros Thai Dynamite

February 28, 2007

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Pei Wei Asian Diner has introduced its Thai Dynamite — a limited-time dish available as a salad or an entrée.   The Thai Dynamite Salad…

Noah's Bagels adds fair trade coffee

February 27, 2007

GOLDEN, Colo. — Noah's Bagels, a subsidiary of New World Restaurant Group Inc, is introducing Tribeca Blend, the brand's first certified organic and fair…

Increase customer communication

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

February 27, 2007

Effective e-mail list-management delivers the message.

Sustainable farming grows on chefs

Farm-to-table forges ahead as one of the restaurant industry's fastest-growing eco trends.