Consumers moving away from comfort

February 27, 2011

Culinary Tides Inc. has released a new report “Shifting Sands 2011,” that is a cross analysis of predictions across government, technology, health, consumer…

NBC offers free Chipotle for America's Next Great Restaurant promo

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 24, 2011

NBC has launched a promotion with Chipotle in anticipation of its new television show, America’s Next Great Restaurant.

NRA names 2011 Kitchen Innovation award winners

February 22, 2011

The National Restaurant Association has announced the recipients of its 2011 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award, which recognizes groundbreaking kitchen equipment…

Boston Market completes restaurant upgrades

February 21, 2011

Boston Market has announced that 400 of the company’s restaurants have completed upgrades meant to enhance the customer experience, increase sales and reduce…

Pho expands executive team

February 20, 2011

Vietnamese restaurant group Pho has appointed Zoe Tindall as its first financial director. Tindall is a former finance director of Yo! Sushi.

Trouble brewing between Starbucks, Green Mountain

February 20, 2011

According to The Montreal Gazette, Starbucks Corp. is trying to negotiate better terms with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. in an attempt to establish…

Caribbean, Japanese flavors increase on restaurant menus

February 16, 2011

According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), lesser-known ethnic fare has experienced a robust product growth in the consumer marketplace. 

S.M.A.R.T. Restaurant Group to deploy MonkeyMedia Software

February 15, 2011

MonkeyMedia Software, a provider of web-based software, strategy and education services for multi-unit restaurant operators, has announced that S.M.A.R.T.

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…