Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express debuts in Boston

May 10, 2006

BETHESDA, Md. —World-renown chef and restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck, opened his first Boston location at the Logan International Airport. The chef partnered with…

City Wok signs new deals in California

May 10, 2006

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — City Wok, the Southern California based Chinese restaurant, recently signed four separate franchising deals, for a total of 18 new…

Chipotle triples profit for Q1

May 8, 2006

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. reported a substantially profitable first quarter.   Net income for the quarter was $8 million up from $2.6 million in…

Lenny's Sub Shop moves into the South

May 2, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, announced an agreement to increase its presence in Georgia and expand the franchise…

There's more to salad than just lettuce

Panera Bread, Einstein Bagel Bros. and Atlanta Bread serve salad, so do Fazoli's, McAlister's and Schlotzsky's. Casual-dining restaurants serve up $8-$1…

Wingstop expands in Phoenix

April 27, 2006

PHOENIX — Wingstop opened its fifth location in the Phoenix area. Wingstop has more than 450 restaurants either open or under development in 26 states.  The…

McDonald's reduces Chipotle ownership

April 26, 2006

OAK BROOK, Ill.— McDonald's Corporation announced its plan to reduce its ownership of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the near term and complete the separation of…

Pesto Bistro launches new Web site

April 24, 2006

Pesto Creative Italian Bistro announced the launch of its Web site, PestoBistro.com. The new site includes menu items, boasting an array of Italian Gelato…

Selecting a restaurant consultant

The right consultant can improve your restaurant, but the wrong one can cost you money.   

Jimmy Johns opens 10 stores in a month

April 19, 2006

CHAMPAGNE, Ill. — Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops opened its newest location in Las Vegas April 20. The store opening is the restaurants 10th since March…

Camille's opens 100th store

April 13, 2006

TULSA, Okla. — Camille's Sidewalk Café will open its 100th café this month on Tulsa's historic and exclusive Cherry Street.   According to a news release…

Tossed announces franchising plans

April 12, 2006

NEW YORK — New York-based Tossed, a fast-casual salad concept, said it plans to open 200 restaurants within five years and has long-term potential for 1,00…

Q1 comps rise 6.4% at California Pizza Kitchen

April 11, 2006

LOS ANGELES— California Pizza Kitchen reported its comparable-restaurant sales increased approximately 6.4 percent for the period ended April 2, versus an…

Making business sense of charities

Raving! Brands, Panda Express and Starbucks charities look good to the public and build brand awareness.

Wingstop posts 11th straight quarter of comps growth

April 6, 2006

DALLAS — Wingstop benefited from the Super Bowl and March Madness for a positive first quarter ended April 1.   According to a news release, comparable-store…

Reinstein brothers push Fresh City

April 5, 2006

Boston Biz Journal: The basic ingredients are the same, but brothers Larry Reinstein and Bruce Reinstein are following a different recipe in building their…

Taco Del Mar selects Colorado master developers

April 5, 2006

SEATTLE — Gary Robison and Nick Kraft of El Grande Tacos were selected as Taco Del Mar master developers for Colorado, according to a news release. Kraft and…

Caribou CEO earns $2.4MM while stock declines

April 4, 2006

Business Journal: Caribou Coffee Co. chief executive Michael Coles made $2.4 million in salary, bonuses and stock grants 2005, while his company went public…

Panera Bread Q1 revenues increase 35%

April 4, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company reported that revenue for the first-quarter ended March 28 increased 35 percent to $194 million from $144 million in the…

Panera Bread changes at the top

April 3, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. said it will replace chief financial officer Mark Hood with Jeff Kip, vice president of finance and planning, effective May 5. …