Panda Express celebrating Chinese New Year with LTO

January 29, 2013

Panda Express is introducing Tangy Jumbo Shrimp this week just in time to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The dish combines crispy, extra-large shrimp, fresh…

Pei Wei launches Instagram contest to promote LTO

January 29, 2013

Pei Wei Asian Diner, the fast casual restaurant concept developed by P.F. Chang’s, is challenging fans to get creative with Asian flavors by hosting a photo…

McAlister's Frank Paci planning for growth in 2013

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

High-quality food and service have propelled the brand's growth.

'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…

Cheba Hut plants itself near University of Wisconsin's campus

January 23, 2013

Cheba Hut will open its newest location on Jan. 26 at 453 Gillman St. in Madison, Wis. The restaurant will feature locally sourced beverages such as Spotted…

Dickey's Barbecue getting social for the Big Game

January 23, 2013

Dickey's Barbecue is ready to tackle customers' game-day catering needs with Tailgate Packs and social media contests running through Jan. 31. The chain is…

California Tortilla revives popular burrito

January 22, 2013

California Tortilla has brought back the Bacon Chicken Club that was first introduced in 2009. Beginning this week, bacon lovers can get their fix at all…

Buffalo Wild Wings teams up with NCAA

January 22, 2013

Buffalo Wild Wings has made an agreement with the NCAA naming it as the "Official Hangout of March Madness." The partnership includes includes marketing, media…

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

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…

Jamba Juice lays out growth, product plans for 2013

January 17, 2013

Jamba Juice Company has released its "BLEND" Plan 3.0, outlining strategic priorities and initiatives for 2013 that will position the company for growth and…

Capriotti's launches loyalty club

January 17, 2013

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is launching an email club, CAPAddicts, for guests to receive online news updates, deals and offers. Those who sign up will receive a…

Salsarita's asks fans to name new salsa

January 16, 2013

Starting this week, Salsarita's guests can submit a creative name for the chain's new hot salsa for the chance to win a six-night, all expense paid trip to…

How distributed marketing will expand brand presence

With a distributed marketing model, the local restaurateur has access to designs created by corporate marketers, and have a greater ability to customize…

Togo's launches second annual Pastrami Pounder Challenge

January 15, 2013

Togo's has launched its second annual "Pastrami Pounder Challenge" in celebration of National Pastrami Day on Jan. 14. To complete the in-restaurant challenge…

Chipotle hosting Super Bowl promotion through February

January 15, 2013

Chipotle Mexican Grill is hosting a Super Bowl promotion throughout the month of February. Customers who purchase six or more "Burritos by the Box" for pickup…

Jamba Juice introduces new store design, drive-thrus

January 14, 2013

Jamba Juice Company hasannounced the launch of a store format and design initiative that will transform the store layout and design across the entire concept…

Tossed guests creating New Year's resolution wraps

January 11, 2013

Tossed is celebrating the new year with a contest encouraging guests to create a wrap based on their New Year's resolution. For example, if your resolution is…

Starbucks resuable cups: A redemption story

The Seattle-based coffee chain has introduced reusable cups, but it may be a challenge to get customers to remember to bring the cups back into the store.

MOOYAH launching 'Turkeytarian Moovement'

January 9, 2013

MOOYAH, a 40-plus unit, fast casual chain, is kicking off National Turkey Burger Month by announcing the "Turkeytarian Moo'vement," as a way to introduce the…