Genghis Grill launches 2nd Annual Health Kwest

January 15, 2012

To jumpstart the New Year, Genghis Grill is getting ready to launch its Health Kwest campaign Feb. 1. The weight-loss campaign will last for 60 days. Last…

Veggie Grill expands beyond Calif. roots

January 12, 2012

Veggie Grill is about to open its first location outside of Southern California in Beaverton, Ore. Veggie Grill is able to move into the Portland, Ore., market…

La Madeleine adds to 'Smart Choices'

January 11, 2012

La Madeleine Country French Cafés are adding several new options to its everyday SMART CHOICES menu. The new alternatives are available now through March 20.

Einstein Bros. Bagels to sponsor 2012 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona marathon

January 8, 2012

Einstein Bros. Bagels has announced that it will sponsor the 2012 P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon to benefit the National MS…

Convenience stores, QSR, fast casual and the food police

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Perhaps it is consumers who should be studied further to uncover the reason for their behavioral disconnects, instead of placing all the blame on QSRs and…

Fazoli's offering incentives to keep New Year's resolution

January 5, 2012

Fazoli's is offering an incentive for those who stick to their New Year's resolution. On Jan. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., customers who bring a workout video or…

What’s on your kids’ menu?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

About 8 percent of all Americans under the age of 18 have some kind of food allergy.

Corner Bakery Cafe launches healthy living Facebook program

January 3, 2012

To help guests put the flavor back into healthy living, Corner Bakery Cafe has introduced a Facebook program inviting fans to kick off the new year by…

Jamba launches new Fit 'n Fruitful smoothies

January 3, 2012

On Jan. 5, 2012, Jamba Juice will launch new Fit 'n Fruitful smoothies with a Weight Burner Boost. The new smoothie platform reinforces Jamba's commitment to…

Ring in 2012 with organic food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

I predict that 2012 will be a banner year for Organic Food Product Innovation, and those who sit on the sidelines will miss the opportunity to strike gold in…

Gluten free goes mainstream

Gluten-free menu claims have grown 114 percent over the last three years, proving that consumers beyond those diagnosed with celiac disease are eating…

2012 will be the year of more information

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Miniature portions, specialty beverages are among the trends to watch.

2011: The five stories and trends that shaped the year

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As we look back on 2011, several stories and trends stand out among the rest. Here's a look at our top picks.

Consumers not meeting MyPlate standards

December 12, 2011

The nutritionally-balanced quadrants of the USDA’s MyPlate, the new federal dietary guidelines that depict a healthful daily diet, look very different from…

Technomic: Breakfast daypart offers ample opportunity

December 11, 2011

While breakfast sales have grown steadily for restaurants over the past few years, consumer data shows that the market is not yet saturated and there are still…

Kids' nutrition, local sourcing top NRA's 2012 trend predictions

December 7, 2011

The National Restaurant Association's "What's Hot in 2012" survey of nearly 1,800 professional chefs – members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) …

The most gluten-free meal of the day

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Some of the simplest sweets can become gluten-free with simple substitutions, like chocolate chip cookies made with non-wheat flours.

Muscle Maker Grill opens in Texas

December 1, 2011

Muscle Maker Grill has opened its first Texas location in Austin, just minutes away from the University of Texas. The restaurant is the first of 10 scheduled…

Planet Smoothie acquired by Tasti D-Lite

November 30, 2011

Atlanta-based Planet Smoothie LLC, a franchise system with more than 100 units in 16 states, has been acquired by Tennessee-based Tasti D-Lite, a frozen…

NRA show to debut Healthier Kids Fare pavilion

November 28, 2011

This year's National Restaurant Association's Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, May 5-8, will feature a new pavilion focused entirely on healthful children's…