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. …

Premium bread takes the sandwich to new heights

If anyone needs proof the Atkins scourge on bread is long gone, take a peek at the menu mix in most fast-casual concepts. You'll see that sandwiches rule.

Rumbi Island Grill opens in Arizona

April 2, 2006

AZcentral.com: A fast-casual restaurant that offers South Pacific, Caribbean and island food is preparing to debut its first Southeast Valley location in…

Nolan Ryan and 'the Rocket' invest in Earl of Sandwich

April 2, 2006

Houston Business Journal: A group of investors including Don Sanders, founder and chairman of Sanders Morris Harris, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and seven-time…

Boston Market begins Internet contest

March 30, 2006

DENVER — Boston Market wants to see what people would do with their extra time. The Web site MyExtraHour.com is an interactive site designed to invite…

Restaurant industry continues growth

March 30, 2006

WASHINGTON D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry remained solid in February, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…