Firehouse pits sub against sub

February 14, 2011

Firehouse Subs is hosting its first sub vs. sub “Chompetition," a nationwide battle for the chain's supreme specialty sandwich.

NRA show will embrace innovation

February 10, 2011

The National Restaurant Association is seeking innovative food and beverage products that have made a significant impact on the industry, and will recognize…

NAFEM Show highlights energy savings

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 10, 2011

Exhibitors on day two of the North American Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers Show expressed optimism about the number of attendees at this year’s event…

Einstein Bros. prolongs National Bagel Day

February 9, 2011

National Bagel Day was Feb. 9, but Einstein Bros. Bagels and Noah's Bagels are celebrating through Feb. 14 by offering Facebook fans a free new bagel thin…

Jamba recognized by parents

February 9, 2011

Jamba Juice Company was recognized by Parents magazine in its February issue as one of the 25 "Best snacks for 2011." Namely, Jamba-branded Yogurt and Sorbet…

NAFEM kicks off in Orlando

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 9, 2011

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers Show kicked off in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 10 with more than 500 exhibiting companies showcasing the…

NPD: Consumers want quality, not low-cal

February 8, 2011

The NPD Group has released its latest foodservice market research report, “Consumers Define Healthy Eating When They Go Out to Eat.” The report found that…

Retailers stepping it up against restaurants

February 8, 2011

Restaurants may want to watch their backs. According to a new survey by Technomic, more consumers are sourcing prepared meals from a wider range of retail…

Which Wich expands sandwich sizes

February 6, 2011

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches has added two larger sandwich sizes — 10.5 inches and a 14-inch Superwich — to complement the classic 7-inch item. In addition…

Rick Bayless opens Tortas Frontera at Chicago O’Hare

February 6, 2011

Building on the popularity of Xoco and Frontera Grill, chef-restaurateur Rick Bayless has partnered with HMSHost Corporation to bring Tortas Frontera by Rick…

Panera Bread adds three new menu items

February 1, 2011

Panera Bread has expanded its menu through the offerings of three new items: the Thai Chopped Chicken Salad, Low Fat Wild Berry Smoothie and Breakfast Power…

My Maki lets patrons make their own sushi

January 30, 2011

My Maki has opened its first location in New York City between Third and Lexington avenues. My Maki is a build-your-own sushi concept with an ordering process…

Restaurant operators expect economic conditions to improve

January 30, 2011

According to the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI), restaurant operators have become a bit bullish about the direction of…

Mintel: A quarter of Americans will spend less dining out in '11

January 27, 2011

A study conducted by foodservice research company Mintel shows that consumers may not be fully out of the proverbial woods from the Great Recession.

Freshii offering customized diet plans

January 26, 2011

We all know about the dreaded "Freshman 15," but one fast casual chain is trying to inspire its customers to go the opposite route. Chicago-based Freshii has…

Zpizza inks California deal

January 26, 2011

Laguna Beach, Calif.-based zpizza is cultivating new stores in its home region. The company has finalized a contract with new franchisee ZP-Brea LLC to open a…

Post spill: Consumers still apprehensive about seafood

January 26, 2011

Last summer's oil spill that dumped an estimated 200 million gallons into the Gulf of Mexico still has lingering effects on consumers' eating behavior. A new…

Dickey's expands Mississippi footprint

January 25, 2011

Dickey's Barbecue Pit has expanded in Mississippi, opening a new location in Meridian this week. This unit is the chain's 139th thus far, with another 60 set…

Wingstop ready to tackle Super Bowl Sunday

January 25, 2011

Wingstop will stock up on staff and supplies for Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6, as the chain prepares for its busiest day of the year.

Moe's Original Bar B Que spreads through the South

January 25, 2011

Moe's Original Bar B Que has expanded its footprint with the opening of its 17th and 18th locations in downtown Auburn, Ala., and midtown Atlanta, respectively.