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.

Baja Fresh to open more NYC locations by close of 2010

September 23, 2010

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill will continue its 2010 expansion with the opening of four locations throughout the Midtown area of Manhattan. The new restaurants will…

Ruby Tuesday to expand Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

September 21, 2010

Ruby Tuesday has signed an agreement to open up to 200 Lime Fresh Mexican Grill locations. According to reports in the Miami Herald and the Knoxville News…

Freshii to take bite out of Big Apple

September 21, 2010

In a big step for the Freshii brand, the company will open its first Manhattan location Sept. 27, at 1407 Broadway at 39th Street. Celebrations will be…

McAlister’s digs in to operational changes

A new president and a menu and equipment overhaul will bring in the next generation of McAlister's delis.

Amsterdam Falafal launches franchise initiative

September 20, 2010

The Amsterdam Falafelshop, located in the Washington, D.C., area of Adams Morgan, has officially launched its franchise effort.

Buffalo Wild Wings joins 700 club

September 19, 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced today's opening of its 700th restaurant in the United States, in Tempe, Ariz., part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. To…

Beautiful Brands names leading development agent for Midwest Camille’s

September 19, 2010

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has named Jason Lowman as lead development agent for Camille’s Sidewalk Café in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa…

New Daphne’s CEO outlines brand future

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

When Daphne’s Greek Café founder George Katakalidis filed for bankruptcy protection in January, the news came as a shock to many restaurant industry insiders.

MOOYAH moves into new territory

September 15, 2010

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, & Shakes has signed six new multiunit development agreements that will represent a total of 221 new locations.

OTC Stock Review issues UFood Restaurant Group report

September 15, 2010

OTC Stock Review has initiated coverage on UFood Restaurant Group Inc., franchisor and operator of UFood Grill.

Genghis Grill opens first Ga. location

September 14, 2010

Genghis Grill is opening a new location in Buford, Ga., its first Atlanta area restaurant and its first in the state.

Fast Casual Executive Summit to address new operating landscape

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 8, 2010

It has taken the fast casual segment more than 20 years to establish itself as a restaurant category leader. Now that it has, operators are continuing to…

Jamba Juice to sell 13 Fla. locations

September 7, 2010

Jamba Juice has signed a purchase agreement for 13 stores in Florida with Arturo Zindel, Jordi Zindel, Guillermo Perez Vargas, and Angel Herrera, principals of…

Red Mango to expand So. Fla. presence

September 7, 2010

Red Mango opened its first Florida location earlier this year in Gainesville to record turnout. Now the company is poised to add 12 more locations throughout…

Newk’s Express Café to open 10 N.C. locations

September 1, 2010

Newk's Express Café has signed an area development agreement with a new franchise group to bring 10 locations to the North Carolina markets of Winston-Salem…

Genghis Grill reaches 50 locations

September 1, 2010

Genghis Grill – The Mongolian Stir Fry, will open its 50th location September 4 in Houston.