LYFE Kitchen plants seeds to grow nationally

March 11, 2013

LYFE Kitchen held a grand opening celebration March 8 for its second unit, located in Culver City, Calif. During the event, CEO Mike Roberts announced the…

The Counter builds entire gluten-free menu

March 6, 2013

The Counter Custom Built Burgers now has an all gluten-free menu featuring signature burger builds, buns, starters, beer, wine and shakes. The menu will be…

Gluten-free requests reach new high

March 6, 2013

In January, about one-third of U.S. adults said they wanted to cut down on gluten or avoid gluten in their diet all together, marking the highest percentage…

Red Mango launches 'skinny' dessert

March 6, 2013

Red Mango has launched a dessert with calorie counters in mind. Skinny Sorbettos are pro-biotic-infused, softly frozen dairy free desserts, inspired by the…

Commentary: Why fast casual is not the future of restaurant business

An industry expert describes how fast casual is evolving into fresh casual.

Starbucks gets juiced

February 14, 2013

Fourteen months after Starbucks acquired Evolution Fresh, an organic juice company, Starbucks has expanded distribution of the healthy, cold-crafted juices to…

Genghis Grill launches annual 'Health Kwest' contest

February 12, 2013

To jumpstart the New Year, Genghis Grill has launched its 60-day, health-influenced campaign, Health Kwest. Last year's contestants lost more than 1,00…

Study: Lower-calorie menu items increase traffic and sales

February 8, 2013

Restaurants that serve more lower-calorie options perform better financially, according to a new study by Hudson Institute. Throughout the past five years…

Malibu Fish Grill takes on LA

February 8, 2013

Malibu Fish Grill has opened its first Los Angeles unit and has plans for a second L.A. location to open later this month.

CEO of Muscle Maker Grill pumped about growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

A focus on healthy food and customer service has fueled the chain's growth.

Chipotle testing tofu

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 25, 2013

Chipotle is introducing a menu item in hopes of pleasing its vegetarian and vegan guests. "Sofritas," a tofu-based protein, said the chain's marketing…

'Lent'il soup available at I Dream of Falafel

January 24, 2013

Chicago-based I Dream of Falafel is honoring the Lenten season from Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13) through Good Friday (March 29) by providing guests with two soup…

Bison Burger sticking around at The Counter

January 22, 2013

The Counter Custom Built Burgers is making bison a permanent protein option on its 2013 menu.

Manhattan Bagel adds to healthier options

January 22, 2013

Manhattan Bagel is hoping to capture guests seeking healthier breakfast, lunch and catering options with its two new bagel thin sandwiches, the Classic Light…

Daphne's adds Crispy Shrimp Meal Deal

January 18, 2013

Daphne's California Greek is adding a Crispy Shrimp Meal Deal to its menu for a limited time beginning Jan. 21

Healthy menu innovations trump diet fads

Dietary preferences, like gluten-free and vegan, and diet programs, like Paleo and Weight Watchers, have inspired restaurants to offer healthier options.

FREEBIRDS helping guests create 500-calorie meals

January 18, 2013

In an effort to inspire customers to eat healthier, FREEBIRDS World Burrito has announced Carpe 500, a microsite with a calorie counter that helps guests build…

Smoothie King kicks off 40th anniversary with digital campaign

January 17, 2013

Smoothie King Franchises Inc. will celebrate its 40th anniversary throughout the year, with exclusive offers, giveaways and social promotions. Earlier this…

La Madeleine launches new Smart Choices entrée

January 17, 2013

La Madeleine Country French Café has added a new entrée to its Smart Choices menu. The Salmon and French Lentils option is available now through March 19 for …

Cowboy Chicken introduces low-calorie menu

January 16, 2013

Cowboy Chicken, the seven-unit, Dallas-based, fast casual rotisserie chicken brand, has introduced its new Low Cal Corral menu, offering five entrées with less…