Spicy Pickle opens third Houston restaurant

October 21, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc., operator of the Spicy Pickle restaurant chain in the U.S. and BG Urban Cafe restaurant chain in Canada, has opened a third Spicy…

Fazoli’s caps year of growth with Wal-Mart pilot

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Over the past three years, Lexington-based Fazoli’s and its team of veteran executives have worked hard to overcome the chain’s once downward slide. But since…

Wingstop names David Vernon VP of Franchise Sales

October 20, 2010

Wingstop has named franchise development veteran David Vernon its vice president of franchise sales to support the concept's rapid expansion. In his role…

Cosi Inc. reports positive comps growth in Q3 2010

October 20, 2010

Cosi Inc. has reported a systemwide same-store increase of 5.2 percent for the company's third quarter ended Sept. 27. The increase was partially driven by a…

Saladworks builds in Penn., New Jersey

October 19, 2010

Saladworks has inked two new agreements with existing franchisees to further develop the Pennsylvania and New Jersey markets. The two sets of franchisees are…

Muscle Maker Grill opens in N.J.'s Warren Township

October 18, 2010

Muscle Maker Grill celebrated the opening of its Warren, N.J., restaurant on Oct. 9. The opening marks the 28th Muscle Maker Grill location.

U.K.-based YO!Sushi heads to U.S. soil

October 18, 2010

London-based YO!Sushi is entering the U.S. market through an area development program spearheaded by full-service franchise sales outsourcing firm Franchise…

Spicy Pickle provides franchise update

October 17, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. (SPFI) has reported on its outlook for the remainder of 2010 and through 2011.

Freshii lands in Houston

October 14, 2010

Continuing a suite of debuts across the U.S., fast casual chain Freshii celebrated another grand opening in Houston's Energy Corridor District in early…

Jamba Juice signs major purchasing agreement

October 12, 2010

Jamba Juice has signed a purchasing agreement for 41 stores, its largest refranchising transaction since the program's inception in 2009.

Togo's announces expansion, rebranding strategies

October 12, 2010

Togo's Eateries Inc. has announced plans for its growth strategy. Founded in 1971, the 242-unit, West Coast-based sandwich company plans to add at least 50 new…

LaVoie: Supply chain trends for 2011

Where technology and logistics are expected to lead the restaurant industry.

Freshii expanding into Nashville, San Francisco

October 11, 2010

Hot Harry's Fresh Burritos expands in the East Coast

October 10, 2010

A new Fresh-Mex concept is growing in the East Coast. Hot Harry's, which features burritos, tacos and nachos at the fast casual and catering occasions, will…

Focus Brands adds Auntie Anne's to portfolio

October 7, 2010

Focus Brands, which subsidizes Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky's, Moe's Southwest Grill and Seattle's Best Coffee, has signed a definitive agreement to…

Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi to celebrate Zoup! grand re-opening

October 7, 2010

Seinfeld's famed Soup Nazi will be making a special appearance at Zoup! in Southfield, Mich., to celebrate the location's grand re-opening.

Think Positive - Vote Positive!

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

There are varying opinions as to when the “Great Recession” began. Arguably, the roots extend back to the start of the housing bubble burst in the back half of…

HuHot Mongolian Grill launches express concept

September 29, 2010

HuHot Mongolian Grill has opened its first Express concept in Fort Collins, Colo., offering a scaled-down version of the original concept, but for grab-n-go…

Mediterranean diet spurs concept growth

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How two concepts are providing healthful Mediterranean cuisine to Detroit and Denver diners.

Saladworks signs deal for Va. expansion

September 27, 2010

The executives at Saladworks have signed an agreement with developers to open the first location in the Richmond, Va., area in early 2011.