A Changing Landscape

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

August 12, 2008

Robust menu items spur segment growth.

Fazoli's to sell or sublease Central Fla. locations

July 17, 2008

Orlando Business Journal: Nine Fazoli's Restaurant locations in Central Florida are for sublease or sale, as the Lexington, Ky.-based chain plans to sell off…

Pat & Oscar's returns 'Kids Eat Free' Tuesdays

July 16, 2008

SAN DIEGO — Pat & Oscar's Restaurants is bringing back their popular Tuesday "Kids Eat Free" program. On Tuesdays only, diners at all of Pat & Oscar's…

New CEO at Fazoli's

June 26, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Fazoli's Restaurants has named veteran restaurant operator Carl Howard chief executive officer of the 286-unit Italian fast casual…

Pat & Oscar's partners with Make-A-Wish

June 16, 2008

SAN DIEGO — Pat & Oscar's has announced that it has partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters throughout Southern California to raise funds for…

Bravi opens fourth location

May 4, 2008

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The newest location for Italian fast casual Bravi is set to open in two weeks in the Chandler, Ariz., neighborhood of Fulton Ranch.

zpizza enters Texas market

April 10, 2008

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — zpizza has announced it has signed a a franchise agreement to open four zpizza restaurants in Dallas. Wee Pie One LLC, zpizza's Dallas…

A winning combination

Hiring developmentally disabled employees can create lifelong loyalties.

Fazoli's launches 'Aaaahtalian Deal Days'

January 15, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fazoli's has launched its "Aaaahtalian Deal Days," every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, the company has announced. Monday Meatball Madness…

Fazoli's adds to fall menu line-up

October 3, 2007

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fazoli's has announced a new fall menu addition as part of the chain's "Plentiful Pastas" offering.   The new entrée is Chicken Broccoli Penne…

Fazoli's begins restaurant renovations

September 16, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS — Fazoli's has begun a remodeling project for 16 of its Indianapolis-area locations, the company announced in a news release.   Following a…

Schlotzsky's launches Italian-inspired LTO items

September 6, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas — Fast-casual deli chain Schlotzsky's is offering three Italian-inspired items for a limited time. New items include: Slicey Meatball…

Ones to watch

These fast-casual pizza chains are taking a slice of the segment.

Pat & Oscar's, San Diego Chargers partner

August 20, 2007

SAN DIEGO — Pat & Oscar's restaurant chain has partnered with the San Diego Chargers to bring the restaurant's menu offerings to fans during home games…

Fazoli's expands menu with Submarinos and panini sandwiches

August 6, 2007

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fazoli's restaurants have added two new menu items to its Italian Summer Flavors promotion: Submarinos and panini sandwiches.   Submarinos are…

R&I announces 2007 Consumers' Choice winners

July 30, 2007

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Restaurants & Institutions has announced the winners of its 27th annual Consumers' Choice in Chains study.   In the study, more than…

Spacenet, Fazoli's extend contract

July 30, 2007

MCLEAN, Va. — Spacenet Inc. has extended its enterprise network-services contract with Fazoli's Restaurants, operator of more than 300 restaurant locations…

Pat & Oscar's goes organic

July 25, 2007

SAN DIEGO — Pat & Oscar's Restaurants is offering its first-ever organic menu choices, including an Organic Spinach Leaf Salad and organic side dishes on…

Pat & Oscar's opens newest location

July 22, 2007

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Pat & Oscar's announced a new location in Chula Vista, Calif., slated to open July 26.    The new location will offer dine-in and…

Fazoli's announces Pasta Bowl winner

July 8, 2007

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fazoli's has taken a cue from an old game show called College Bowl and given it a new twist, calling it the Pasta Bowl.    "The Pasta Bowl…