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…

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 — Publisher, FastCasual.com

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

Chipotle testing tofu

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, 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.