Qdoba's 2006 comps rise 5.9%

November 21, 2006

SAN DIEGO — Qdoba Mexican Grill said system same-store sales increased 4.5 percent for the fourth quarter ended Oct. 1, 2006. For the year, comps were up 5.…

Updated: Chipotle contest receives 17.3 million YouTube views

November 21, 2006

Correction: This story originally stated Chipotle received 173 million views on YouTube. Chipotle actually received 17.3 million views.   Chipotle Mexican…

Taco Del Mar rolls out platters

November 21, 2006

SEATTLE — Taco Del Mar is introducing $5.99 made-to-order platters. Among them:   Enchilada/Taco: One enchilada topped with sauce and cheese, plus one soft…

Panera loses lawsuit to Qdoba over lease issue

November 14, 2006

A Massachusetts Panera Bread lost a suit to Qdoba Mexican Grill. The victory allows Qdoba to move into the same shopping mall as Panera.   For this store…

El Pollo Loco reports stellar Q3

November 8, 2006

Although it withdrew its initial public offering in October, El Pollo Loco continues to report in-depth results.   El Pollo Loco spokesperson Julie Weeks said…

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…

Freebirds World Burrito launches online ordering

November 5, 2006

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Freebirds World Burrito announced the launch of its new online order service.   According to a news release, Freebirds created an…

Chipotle warns 4Q sales will cool

November 2, 2006

Houston Chronicle: Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. late Tuesday reported third-quarter earnings well ahead of analysts' forecasts, but the restaurant chain warned…

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…

Chipotle honored by television ad created by a 'big fan'

November 1, 2006

OC Register: In a 30-second television ad, titled "Monumental," a college student compares Chipotle's burritos to monuments from around the world such as the…

Rubio's Q3 comps up 1.8%

November 1, 2006

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Rubio's Restaurants announced financial results for the third quarter ended Sept. 24, 2006. Comps increased 1.8 percent versus 0.…

Chipotle Q3 sales skyrocket

October 31, 2006

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill reported its strongest quarter of 2006.   For 12 weeks ended Sept. 30, 2006, comparable-restaurant sales increased 11.…

Hot sauce and spicy menus attract scores of customers

Is your operation taking advantage of the "hot foods" trend?

Freebirds World Burrito executes TV ad campaign

October 29, 2006

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Freebirds World Burrito, a fast-casual fresh-Mex concept, is searching for loyal customers to share their fanatical stories about…

Taco Del Mar signs development deal with former Subway owner

October 24, 2006

SEATTLE — Taco Del mar has signed a master development agreement with a former Subway multiunit operator with 12 years of QSR experience.   Terri Turner and…

Fast-casual franchising: Is your chain ready?

You don't want to franchise too quickly.  Most experts say to wait at least five years before announcing franchising plans.    

Post Baja Fresh: State of the fresh-Mex segment

The Mexican fast-casual category is doing just fine, insiders say. "Baja (Fresh) seems to be the only one having difficulties," one operator said.

El Pollo Loco introduces $5 reward card

October 17, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco is offering a free $5 reward card to every guest who purchases a family meal through Jan. 7.    Family meals come in several…

Moe's Southwest Grill to open Hawaii first store

October 12, 2006

ATLANTA — Moe's Southwest Grill will open its first restaurant on the Hawaiian Islands in early November.    "We couldn't be more excited to be opening a…