'Tis the Season for mGifting and rewarding

Sending gift cards via digital and mobile channels has increased eight times since 2012.

Say Anything: Top 10 blogs of the year revealed

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Some of the industry's top bloggers weigh in on everything from technology and marketing to trends and food safety.

Middleby acquires Automatic Bar Controls

December 19, 2013

The Middleby Corporation today announced the acquisition of Automatic Bar Controls Inc., a manufacturer of beverage dispensing systems for the foodservice…

NRA unveils new office, entertaining space

December 19, 2013

The National Restaurant Association has dedicated its new Trinchero outdoor terrace, part of its new office and entertaining space in Washington, D.C.

Bowl of Heaven adds dragon fruit, prickly pear

December 19, 2013

Bowl of Heaven is bringing on two super fruits, pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, from Nicaragua and prickly pear — both made from cacti — for the…

Chipotle launches fast casual pizza concept

December 18, 2013

While many new top-your-own concepts expand throughout the country touting themselves as the "Chipotle of pizza," there is now an actual "Chipotle of pizza."

Freebirds celebrates Christmas by helping disadvantaged children

December 18, 2013

Freebirds World Burrito, the fast casual burrito concept owned by Tavistock Restaurants, celebrated Christmas a few weeks early with nearly 60 disadvantaged…

Union leaders urge dialogue over Sysco, US Foods merger

December 17, 2013

James P. Hoffa, general president of union organization International Brotherhood of Teamsters, has issued a statement regarding last week's announcement of…

Henny Penny acquires Wood Stone Corp.

December 17, 2013

Henny Penny, a provider of foodservice equipment solutions, announced Monday that it will acquire Wood Stone Corporation, a manufacturer of stone hearth…

1 brand; 3 concepts bucking tradition

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Le Duff is planning nontraditional openings for its three fast casual concepts.

New officers added to NRA's supply chain executive group

December 16, 2013

The National Restaurant Association announced the appointment of two new officers to its Supply Chain Management Executive Study Group.

ROC United releases diners guide for ethical eating

December 16, 2013

To launch its third National Diners Guide for ethical eating, ROC United hosted a panel discussion this week, featuring restaurant owners from around the…

SpenDifference seeks responses for menu tracking survey

December 13, 2013

The supply chain support provider SpenDifference is soliciting responses from restaurant chain executives for its menu price tracking survey.

Fuddruckers rolls out new design in Illinois

December 13, 2013

A 6,600-square-foot Fuddruckers restaurant opened today in Algonquin, Ill., a northwest suburb of Chicago. Luby's Inc., the chain's parent company, operates…

Fiesta Restaurant Group completes refinancing

December 12, 2013

Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., parent company of the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurant brands, announced it has entered into a new senior secured credit…

Pepsi is drink of choice for BWW

December 12, 2013

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. today announced that PepsiCo Inc. will become the restaurant's primary soft drink and non-carbonated beverage provider in 2014. In…

Costa Vida digitally collecting customer reviews

December 12, 2013

In an effort to gain feedback from customers, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill implemented Mindshare Technologies' customer review product, OpenTell. Over a…

BWW names director of culinary innovation

December 11, 2013

Buffalo Wild Wings has named Chef Amy Smith as its director of culinary innovation. Smith will be responsible for creating, executing and overseeing an annual…

Uncle Maddio's testing breakfast pizzas

December 11, 2013

Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint will test a breakfast menu at its Charlotte, N.C., location on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13. The test will include free breakfast pizzas…

Sysco to buy US Foods

December 9, 2013

Sysco, one of the world's largest food supply companies, is taking over one of its major rivals — US Foods. Sysco is buying the privately owned company for…