National Restaurant Association names Sysco as Kids LiveWell partner

May 22, 2013

The National Restaurant Association announced that Sysco Corporation will serve as the sole distribution partner of the Kids LiveWell program, which was…

Daphne's California featuring light salads

May 8, 2013

Daphne's California Greek is bringing back its Chicken Strawberry Salad ($8.29) for the spring season, according to a company press release. This salad, which…

Genghis Grill weight loss contestants drop 2,000 lbs

May 2, 2013

Genghis Grill's 60-day weight loss contest, HealthKwest, is over, and Steve Ellis of Albuquerque, N.M., was the winner of the $10,000-first prize. He lost 3…

Olympic gold medalist Summer Sanders named as Jamba Juice spokesperson

April 29, 2013

Jamba Juice Co. announced today that TV sports commentator and former Olympic champion swimmer Summer Sanders will serve as a company spokesperson and member…

MAD Greens is 'mad about' local sourcing

April 23, 2013

In an effort to support local sourcing, Colorado-based MAD Greens has partnered with Boulder-based Olomomo Nut Company to create a new salad for its menu.

Elevation Burger highlights gluten-free menu options

April 23, 2013

To show its comittment to serving gluten-free menu options, Elevation Burger is now participating in the international Chef to Plate Gluten-Free Awareness…

Memphis-based sub shop offers voluntary menu transparency

April 15, 2013

Lenny's Sub Shop, a 150-unit sub sandwich franchise based in Tennessee, has rolled out voluntary calorie information for select sandwiches in all of its sub…

Customers to get free taste of new dish at Panda Express

April 11, 2013

Panda Express introduced its newest premium entrée, Samurai Surf & Turf on April 3 but is giving customers a free sample on April 17, according to a…

Noodles & Co adds asparagus, gluten-free noodle to menu

April 10, 2013

The first signs of spring are budding at Noodles & Company, where three new seasonal items are now on the menu.

Barberitos Mini Burrito helping control portion sizes

April 10, 2013

The United States is known for its extra-large portion sizes when it comes to food, but as more of the general public becomes aware of the obesity epidemic…

Time for restaurants to 'Get REAL'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

REAL, which stands for Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership, uses a flexible points-based system similar to LEED to recognize restaurants that…

MenuTrinfo founder wins entrepreneur award

April 5, 2013

Betsy Craig, founder and president of Fort Collins, Colo.-based MenuTrinfo, was named the 2013 Emerging Entrepreneur of Northern Colorado at the 14th annual…

Jamaican Jerk Bowl debuts at Tropical Smoothie Café

April 5, 2013

Tropical Smoothie Café is adding a Jamaican Jerk Bowl to its menu for a limited time only. The new bowl, which is derived from the top-selling Jamaican Jerk…

Veggie Grill takes root in San Fernando Valley

April 4, 2013

Veggie Grill, a West Coast fast casual chain that serves only plant-based food, opened this week in Encino, Calif., at 16542 Ventura Blvd. The…

Panera adds 'pay-what-you want' chili to St. Louis menus

March 27, 2013

Three years after Panera Bread launched its Panera Cares cafe, where patrons pay what they can afford, the chain is rolling out a smaller version of the…

Fuddruckers rolls out gluten-free bun

March 25, 2013

Gluten-sensitive diners can now indulge their burger and hotdog cravings at Fuddruckers; the Texas-born fast casual chain is in the process of rolling out a…

Saladworks debuting low-cal salad

March 15, 2013

Saladworks is debuting its new SpringFit Salad Monday that will be available until May 26. The salad, a blend of romaine, iceberg and spring mix lettuce…

Food and Beverage Innovation award recipients named for 2013

March 14, 2013

The National Restaurant Association has announced the recipients of the FABI Awards, which recognizes food and beverage innovations that are expected to make a…

Updated: NYC soda ban tossed by judge; city plans appeal

Opponents called proposal a "publicity stunt;" Mayor Bloomberg vows an appeal.

New kids' menu debuts at I Dream of Falafel

March 12, 2013

I Dream of Falafel has launched a new kids' menu combining local and healthy Mediterranean ingredients, according to a company press release. Kids can fill…