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.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill forms growth partnership with Gemini Investors

February 8, 2012

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced a partnership with Wellesley, Mass.-based private equity firm Gemini Investors to grow the chain.

Beautiful Brands adds create-your-own sushi concept to portfolio

February 8, 2012

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced the official franchise launch of its new fast casual concept, Sushi Freak. The create-your-own sushi concept…

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…

Fazoli's sets January sales record

February 7, 2012

Fazoli’s is off to a running start in 2012 with record same-store sales growth in January.

Commentary: Two McDonald's greats-listen and learn

By Erle Dardick

Panera Bread reaches 1,500-store milestone with Manhattan opening

February 6, 2012

Panera Bread has announced the opening of its 1,500th bakery-cafe and its first in Manhattan at Seventh Avenue and 29th Street.

Make the final word your best

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Each and every day, your restaurant team serves scores of customers. Your desire is to have every guest experience the very best of your brand, from the time…

Buffalo Wild Wings taps eSite for business intelligence solution

February 5, 2012

Business intelligence firm eSite has partnered with Buffalo Wild Wings to help the restaurant chain expand beyond 1,000 locations by 2013.

Baja Fresh returns to Windy City

February 1, 2012

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the grand opening of its newest location in Niles, Ill. The 2,100-square-foot Baja Fresh is owned and operated by…

YO!Sushi to open U.S. locations

February 1, 2012

London-based YO!Sushi signed its first U.S. franchisee in 2011 and plans to open its first two American locations this year in Washington, D.C., with leases…

Asian Box to debut in San Francisco

February 1, 2012

San Francisco-based FK Restaurants & Hospitality will debut its fast casual Asian Box concept in Palo Alto, Calif., this month. The restaurant, inspired by…

Togo's to open 28 units in 2012

February 1, 2012

Togo’s Eateries Inc. experienced an unprecedented year of growth in 2011 with the signing of 23 agreements for new restaurants and the opening of seven new…

Qdoba reaches 600-store milestone

January 31, 2012

Qdoba Mexican Grill will celebrate the grand opening of its 600th restaurant in Roseville, Mich., on Feb. 6. To celebrate the milestone, the restaurant, which…

Panchero's Mexican Grill names inaugural Franchisee of the Year

January 31, 2012

For the first time in company history, Panchero's Mexican Grill has named a Franchisee of the Year winner.

UFood Restaurant Group, Euro Café to launch co-branded concept

January 30, 2012

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that the company has signed an agreement with Euro Café Corporation to create co-branded restaurant concepts. The…

Pie Five Pizza Co. opens fifth unit

January 30, 2012

Pie Five Pizza Co. is celebrating the grand opening of its fifth location on North Dallas Parkway near Beltline and the North Dallas Tollway in Texas. To…

EVOS readies for future growth

January 26, 2012

EVOS has announced plans for its new corporate expansion through continued guidance from its newly appointed board of advisors, chaired by restaurant industry…

BBI signs big deal for Smallcakes

January 26, 2012

Beautiful Brands International has announced an agreement with multi-unit developers Brad and Francy Bauer to open 20 new Smallcakes A Cupcakery stores in…

Smashburger breaks through 2011 with 55% unit growth

January 25, 2012

Smashburger has announced a summary of its 2011 accomplishments and its plans for 2012. The fast causal concept opened 51 new units in 2011, which includes…