Burger 21 targets South Florida for expansion

February 16, 2012

Burger 21, a fast casual concept founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., announced that it is targeting South Florida for franchise…

Tasti D-Lite, Planet Smoothie CEO named to IFA Hall of Fame

February 16, 2012

James H. Amos Jr., CFE, chairman and CEO of Tasti D-Lite and Planet Smoothie, has been named to the International Franchise Association (IFA) Hall of Fame. The…

Saladworks opens sixth Delaware location

February 15, 2012

Saladworks is opening its sixth Delaware location in Middletown. Saladworks will celebrate the opening of its Middletown location by offering $5 salads to all…

California Tortilla rebrands airport locations to Burrito Elito

February 14, 2012

California Tortilla has unveiled Burrito Elito, a sister concept that will debut in Boston Logan and Philadelphia airports.

United Supermarkets, Red Mango test in-store concept

February 13, 2012

United Supermarkets has announced a strategic relationship with Red Mango to test an in-store concept offering healthy frozen yogurt and smoothies to its…

Charley's Grilled Subs beefs up international presence

February 13, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs, a 454-unit restaurant chain, has grown to 15 restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, the most recent of which opened Jan. 19 at the…

bd's Mongolian Grill opens first Pennsylvania location

February 13, 2012

bd’s Mongolian Grill is heating up Pittsburgh’s restaurant scene with the opening of its newest restaurant Monday.

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.

Dickey's Barbecue pit to open Nebraska restaurant

February 12, 2012

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is opening in Kearney, Neb., this spring by franchise operator Richard Cochran and his wife Cheryl.

Former Burger King CEO signs on with UK-based LEON

February 12, 2012

Brad Blum, the former CEO of Burger King and Olive Garden Italian Restaurants, has joined the board of LEON, a London-based restaurant concept, as an investor…

Cosi signs on industry veteran as consultant

February 9, 2012

Cosi Inc. has entered into an agreement with Brad Blum, owner of BLUM Growth Fund, to provide consulting services related to branding, product development…

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.