Fast casual segment outperforms industry

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Visits to fast casual restaurants grew 17 percent throughout the last three years while the rest of the industry experienced its steepest traffic declines in…

Technomic: Frozen yogurt occupies both ends of the bell curve

March 13, 2011

Technomic’s new “Market Intelligence Report: Ice Cream” found that frozen yogurt concepts occupy both the top and the bottom of the frozen desserts/snacks…

Zpizza names franchisee of the year

March 10, 2011

Zpizza has awarded its highest honor, "Franchisee of the Year," to Cesar and Karen Llarenas of Kailua, Hawaii.

Tavistock acquires E-Brands restaurants

March 9, 2011

San Francisco-based Tavistock Group has announced that it has acquired the multi-concept restaurant company that operates Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar…

Saladworks expands in California

March 9, 2011

Saladworks has announced an agreement with a multi-unit developer to open three locations in the Orange County, Calif. market, bringing up the total store…

N.J. Pizza Fusion marks down for first anniversary

March 7, 2011

To celebrate its first anniversary, the Pizza Fusion location in Red Bank, N.J., will offer $2 personal cheese pizzas March 29. The pizzas usually start at $…

UFood awarded military contract

March 6, 2011

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has awarded the company a contract to build and operate two…

Epic Burger to open third location

March 3, 2011

Epic Burger is opening its third location this summer in the heart of the Chicago’s West Loop. Epic’s inaugural location launched in Chicago’s South Loop…

Saladworks signs first franchise deals of 2011

March 3, 2011

Einstein Noah posts positive Q4 gains

March 3, 2011

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 28, 2010.

Balancing act: How to create a harmonious franchise system

When franchisees and franchisors communicate clearly disagreements can become meaningful.

BUBBA Burger to make retail to restaurant transition

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

March 2, 2011

The burger retailer’s shift from grocery store-only to fast casual concept highlights a new trend for the restaurant industry.

Sodexo partners with Mai Pham to launch Star Ginger

March 1, 2011

Sodexo Inc. has signed a 10-year master retail license agreement with celebrity chef Mai Pham to bring her latest concept, Star Ginger Asian Grill & Noodle…

FreshBerry expands Middle East operations

March 1, 2011

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced the opening of 12 new FreshBerry stores in the Middle East. It’s the biggest overseas expansion for the…

Original SoupMan announces Fisherman’s Wharf opening

March 1, 2011

Original SoupMan has announced a new venture with Lloyd Sugarman and Matt Johnson to open the company’s first West Coast restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf in San…

Commentary: 13 reasons NOT to open a restaurant

Thinking about opening a restaurant? Consider these 13 points before you jump into unknown territory.

Emerald City Smoothie to open first international locale

February 24, 2011

With more than 60 locations operating across the United States, Emerald City Smoothie is embarking on its first international journey with a new-store opening…

NBC offers free Chipotle for America's Next Great Restaurant promo

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 24, 2011

NBC has launched a promotion with Chipotle in anticipation of its new television show, America’s Next Great Restaurant.

Jeffrey Schlosser appointed Freshii COO

February 23, 2011

Industry veteran and former Freshii San Francisco franchise partner Jeffrey Schlosser has been appointed COO of the company. Schlosser headed up Freshii…

UC Hub Group forms new subsidiary, PB Brands

February 21, 2011

UC Hub Group announced today that it has formed a new operating subsidiary, PB Brands.