Qdoba plans new brand campaign to drive sales

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Q4 same-store sales fell short of expectations, but the chain has initiatives planned.

Australia's Pie Face 'meats' NYC

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

CEO hopes to tempt New Yorkers with pie at any hour of the day.

Restaurant industry steps up franchising incentives for military veterans

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Chains are actively recruiting veterans with startup discounts to reintegrate them into the workforce.

YO!Sushi exec discusses franchising in U.S.

Alison Vickers, business development director for the chain, discusses YO!Sushi's U.S. debut and its upcoming expansion plans.

Report: Food industry franchising profitability on the rise

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

More than 70 percent of franchisees surveyed said they would recommend their brand to other candidates – a strong indicator of job satisfaction.

Fast casual concepts among fastest growing U.S. companies

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Smashburger's growth is down from last year but is still the fastest-growing concept in the segment.

Brazilian chain Giraffas eyes U.S. growth

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How a leading Brazilian quick-service chain plans to expand with a fast casual model for U.S. consumers.

Qdoba franchisee same-store sales lagging

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Promotional and product activity expected to pick up in Q4.

Giardino Gourmet Salads adds to Florida healthy eating options

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Giardino Gourmet Salads launched in 2004 in southern Florida by Ody and Kenny Lugo. Today, there are seven locations throughout the region.

Podcast highlights FastCasual.com Top 100, annual benchmark report

FastCasual.com launched its 2012 Top 100 Movers & Shakers in the company's first quarter, along with its annual Fast Casual State of the Industry Benchmark…

CEO: Pie Five will 'change the way people think of pizza'

Pizza Inn's sister concept celebrates first anniversary as part of the growing fast casual space.

Jimmy John's founder a case study in risk-reward

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Jimmy John Liautaud offers some advice for franchising during NRA Show panel.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill to expand outside home state

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is expanding outside of its home state for the first time since the chain's launch in 2007.

Smashburger CEO David Prokupek's smashing success

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How Smashburger’s CEO and chairman is banking on better burgers.

Piada: Fast casual Italian style

The fast casual concept has a menu focused on Italian street food.

Daphne's California Greek launches national franchise plan

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The new franchise program is expected to double Daphne's unit count over a three-year period.

Restaurants adapt to 'new normal' with efficiency, innovation

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Mergers and acquisitions market won't be as active in 2012.

Panera Bread to intensify drive-thru operations

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Catering sales and new menu item rollouts continue to contribute to revenue, same-store sales growth.

NPD: Fast Casual only growth segment during down economy

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

According to The NPD Group, fast casual is the only restaurant segment continuing to grow throughout the current economic time, which has motivated chains in…

Commentary: Two McDonald's greats-listen and learn

By Erle Dardick