Crispers restaurants sign endorsement deal with Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin

July 11, 2012

Lakeland, Fla.-based Crispers Restaurants has officially signed a one-year endorsement deal with U.S. Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin. As part of the deal…

McAlister's Deli continues free tea promotion

July 11, 2012

McAlister’s Deli is holding its annual Free Tea Day on July 26. Guests who visit any of the participating McAlister’s Deli locations will get a free 32-ounce…

Survey: Most consumers use restaurant discounts while traveling

July 10, 2012

According to the newly released 2012 Restaurant.com Annual Dining Destinations and Deals survey, 61 percent of consumers planning a vacation said they search…

Panda Express launches Surf & Turf promo

July 9, 2012

Panda Express is introducing its Surf and Turf promotion beginning July 11.  As part of the promotion, Panda Express is bringing back its popular Peppercorn…

Lee Ann Womack becomes latest Zaxby's celebrity rep

July 2, 2012

It’s a summer of celebration for Zaxby’s guests as the chain returns two fan favorites, The Roadhouse Zalad and Birthday Cake Milkshake, as part of its latest…

National Restaurant Association unveils new branding initiative

July 1, 2012

In an effort to unify its enterprise, programs and products, the National Restaurant Association has launched a new branding initiative and logo. The NRA's…

Qdoba to support Colo. wildfire relief efforts

July 1, 2012

Colorado-based Qdoba Mexican Grill will host a day-long fundraiser July 10 to benefit American Red Cross Colorado Wildfires 2012, enabling the continued…

Panera Bread takes a marketing stand

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 28, 2012

When Panera Bread became the first major advertiser on SheKnows.com, a popular website for women, the executive team was more than enthusiastic. However, their…

Report: Online marketing boosts restaurant visits

June 26, 2012

In the first quarter of 2012, 6 percent of restaurant visits (926 million visits) were influenced by online marketing, reports market research company The NPD…

Fazoli's breadsticks hit the road

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 25, 2012

Food trucks have become a great brand extension for restaurant chains and chefs looking to extend market reach. And restaurant chains continue to capitalize on…

Veggie Grill names Debbie Porter director of marketing

June 20, 2012

Veggie Grill has announced that Debbie Porter has joined the team as the director of marketing.  Porter joins CEO Greg Dollarhyde and co-founders Kevin Boylan…

Red Mango, Texting Awareness Foundation team up for driver safety

June 20, 2012

Texting and driving is the No. 1 killer of teens in America, and Memorial Day through Labor Day are known as the 100 deadliest days of summer from critical…

Seattle's Best crowdsources for 'next great coffee drink'

June 20, 2012

Seattle's Best Coffee, part of Starbucks Corporation, is teaming up with celebrity chef Jeff Mauro to launch the Red Cup Showdown – a coast-to-coast search at…

Barberitos contest nets 187-pound weight loss

June 19, 2012

Barberitos launched its 2012 Healthy Campaign in January to promote weight loss and wellness. The campaign kicked off with an alternative healthy menu and a…

Localgiftcard.com to connect small businesses, consumers nationwide

June 19, 2012

A new website called LocalGiftCards.com will enable customers to support small businesses when purchasing gift cards.

Tropical Smoothie brings back National Flip Flop Day

June 12, 2012

As summer kicks off, Tropical Smoothie Café is gearing up for their official holiday, National Flip Flop Day, June 15. Each year, the smoothie and sandwich…

I Dream of Falafel offers “Genie in a Basket”

June 12, 2012

Beginning in July, I Dream of Falafel will offer guests its new “Genie in a Basket,” individual picnic baskets that customers can take to the park, to the pool…

Starbucks debuts American-made merchandise

June 12, 2012

Starbucks today debuted its first line of American-made merchandise, including coffee mugs, available in cafes around the country. The line supports Starbucks…

Tom & Eddie's marks 1-year anniversary

June 12, 2012

Tom & Eddie's is celebrating one year since its Deerfield, Ill., restaurant first opened on June 15, 2011.

Planet Smoothie rolls out lemonade smoothies for summer

June 12, 2012

Planet Smoothie has launched "Lemonade Days of Summer" featuring three new lemonade smoothies available through Aug. 5.