Smashburger hires hometown agency of record

December 1, 2010

Smashburger has hired Denver-based brand communications agency Cactus as its agency of record (AOR) to help establish and execute the overall tone and voice of…

MOOYAH to enter Ark., La., territory

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 30, 2010

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has announced its expansion into Arkansas and northern Louisiana through deals with six new franchisees in the states.

Gift cards to boost industry sales

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Despite modest gains, the National Restaurant Association’s chief economist is predicting the continued tightening of consumer spending.

Disharmonic harmony in trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

*Disclaimer – I know nothing about music – just embrace the metaphor.

41 FREEBIRDS locations to collect holiday gifts

November 18, 2010

FREEBIRDS World Burrito has launched its collection drive for Operation Homefront, supporting military families and their Adopt A Family program. Throughout…

bd’s Mongolian Grill to celebrate ‘Mongo Wonderland’

November 18, 2010

bd's Mongolian Grill guests will go walking through a "Mongo Wonderland" this season. Through December 26, 2010, diners can feast on holiday favorites: Ham…

Exit41 launches Facebook ordering app

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 16, 2010

Exit41 has officially launched a new web-based solution that will let Facebook fans of restaurant brands order meals via the social networking site. The app…

What to consider before you Groupon

Successful restaurant marketing can increase guest counts, but if your restaurant is unprepared, it also could ruin your brand.

GrubHub: Like Facebook for restaurateurs?

November 14, 2010

Could online ordering be as big as Facebook for the restaurant world? Possibly, now that online ordering outlet GrubHub has secured another round of…

New BBQ concept set to open in 2011

November 9, 2010

Rock On, LLC., a fast-casual barbecue restaurant concept and specialty foods company, has announced the planned opening of the first Rock On! American BBQ…

Give Water, Saxbys help benefit BBBS

November 8, 2010

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania (BBBS SEPA), in partnership with Saxbys Coffee, has announced a campaign to raise money through the sale of…

Wingstop named official sponsor of LA Lakers

November 8, 2010

The Los Angeles Lakers and Wingstop, the chicken wing chain that has sold more than 2 billion wings, announced a sponsorship today in which Wingstop will be…

Penn Station charters new growth territory

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As the sub-sandwich chain celebrates 25 years, its founder and president keep their eyes focused on the future.

Raising Cane’s donates $15,000 to Share Our Strength

November 2, 2010

Raising Cane's founder and CEO Todd Graves will present a check for more than $15,000 to Share Our Strength, a national organization fighting childhood hunger.

At the Dance

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Food and flavor trends behave like attendees at a dance. Their behavior is dictated by the music being played. In other words, it is the circumstances…

Fazoli’s caps year of growth with Wal-Mart pilot

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Over the past three years, Lexington-based Fazoli’s and its team of veteran executives have worked hard to overcome the chain’s once downward slide. But since…

Election Day

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

During election season candidates jockey and vie for position - looking for the edge over the other candidates. Battle plans are drawn. Counter moves…

The young green consumer

by Kim Frankovich — VP of Sustainability, Solo Cup Company

If you want to know what’s happening, or will be happening, in the area of sustainability, look no further than America’s college and university campuses.

Dickey's Barbecue turns 69

October 17, 2010

Dickey's Barbecue is celebrating 69 years of being in business with the offering of $1 pulled pork sandwiches October 19 at every location across the country.

Frozen = Fresh?

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I don’t consider myself a complainer of any sort. When you’re in the business, you should have sympathy for the operational challenges faced by all…