McAlister's Deli franchisee donates tips to Crime Stoppers

November 21, 2006

WCPO: Several months ago, a television anchor made a challenge to everyone to give $100 to Crime Stoppers during a phone-a-thon event. A McAlister's Deli…

Go Roma Italian Kitchen opens first Indiana location

November 21, 2006

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Go Roma Italian Kitchen, owned by Forklift Brands, opened its first Indiana store Nov. 21.   "We are very excited to bring Go Roma, our…

Focus Brands buys Schlotzsky's

November 20, 2006

Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, announced it acquired Schlotzsky's for an undisclosed amount Nov. 20.   The sandwich chain has…

Quiznos to face several major franchisee lawsuits

November 20, 2006

The Toasted Subs Association, made up of Quiznos franchisees, will be suing its franchisor in district courts across the country, the association's president…

Samurai Sam's opens in El Salvador

November 19, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill opened two franchised locations in the capital city of San Salvador.   Samurai Sam's is a fast-casual Asian…

Organic to Go expands, acquires capital

November 16, 2006

SEATTLE — Organic To Go (O To Go), the first certified organic fast-casual café, announced the purchase of Vinaigrettes Full Spectrum Catering of Los Angeles.

Cold Stone Creamery to open in China and Taiwan

November 15, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cold Stone Creamery, a fast-casual ice cream concept, has reached an agreement with the President Chain Store Corp. to open 105 stores in…

Au Bon Pain to open 200 units

November 15, 2006

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain said it will add 200 units to the chain through expansion into Kuwait and Thailand.   The company has signed master franchise agreements…

Forklift Brands opens first Boudin SF in the OC

November 8, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO — Forklift Brands has announced that the company's newest venture, bakery café Boudin SF, will open its debut location in Orange County's…

Go Roma Italian Kitchen opens first Indiana store

November 8, 2006

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Forklift Brands announced the opening of Go Roma Italian Kitchen in Merrillville, Ind., on Nov. 21.   The store will be the sixth Go Roma…

Cosi says it will open 80 stores in 2007

November 8, 2006

Editor's note: Cosi reported third-quarter same-store sales dropped 4.2 percent.   Globe News: Though Cosi Inc. reported a loss of almost $2 million in its…

Panera Bread celebrates its 1,000th bakery café

The rest of the industry is chasing us, said Panera's CEO.

El Pollo Loco signs agreements for 61 new locations

November 6, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. – El Pollo Loco inked a series of multiunit development agreements to open 61 new locations in Georgia, Missouri, Arizona, Virginia and Utah.…

Maui Tacos inks deal for 50 new franchises

November 6, 2006

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Maui Tacos, the fast-casual fresh-Mex restaurant, has signed a development agreement with Lava Flow Ventures of Sacramento, Calif., to…

Panera Bread to open its 1,000th store

November 6, 2006

Panera Bread Company will open its 1,000th Panera Bread bakery-cafe today. Panera executives, franchisees and media will attend an opening celebration in Oak…

Penn Station is steadily growing

November 5, 2006

Cincinnati Enquirer: The president of Penn Station Inc. says his fast-casual restaurant group will never seek growth for the sake of growth.   "The faster you…

Democrats take the House

There's a slew of restaurant-related issues that will be impacted by the 2006 election.

Raving Brands hires first CFO

November 1, 2006

ATLANTA — Raving Brands, an Atlanta-based fast-casual dining restaurant developer, has elevated Tom Hermann to senior vice president and chief financial…

New York Burger Co. set for franchising

October 26, 2006

NEW YORK — New York Burger Co., an all-natural QSR with two stores, has announced franchising plans.   According to a news release, Michael Seid of MSA and…

Spicy Pickle files for IPO

October 26, 2006

Spicy Pickle soon may become the smallest publicly traded company in the restaurant industry.   The 15-unit fast casual filed with the U.S. Securities and…