Yo!Sushi makes U.S. debut in nation's capital

July 24, 2012

United Kingdom-based YO!Sushi has opened its first United States restaurant at the main metro entrance in Union Station in Washington, D.C. This is the first…

Consumer visit and spending gains buoy restaurant count increases

July 24, 2012

With U.S. restaurant visits and consumer spending increasing after a recessionary slump, the restaurant industry posted a 0.5 percent gain in restaurant counts…

Nat'l Restaurant Association creates new Military Foundation

July 24, 2012

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is enhancing efforts to build career opportunities and support for military personnel and veterans with the launch of…

Peet's Coffee & Tea signs $1 billion sale

July 23, 2012

With its $1 billion deal for Peet’s Coffee & Tea that will take the company private, investment firm Joh. A. Benckiser is making a long-term bet on the…

Foodservice demand for California avocados growing

July 23, 2012

The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has experienced a growth in demand through foodservice promotions this year.

The next fast casual cuisine: Are we ready?

Consumers are poised and ready for the next fast casual cuisine. But, what is it and how will it affect menu development?

Starbucks to open additional Evolution Fresh locations

July 22, 2012

Starbucks is looking to expand its Evolution Fresh beverage concept and has plans to open three additional locations this year.

Chipotle shifts marketing approach, reports 8% comps increase

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

While revenue and same-store sales rise, the company shifts focus to local marketing initiatives.

Saladworks sales up 9.3 percent year to date

July 20, 2012

Saladworks has announced that same-store sales for the second quarter are up 4 percent from last year. Year to date, Saladworks is up 9.3 percent.

Quiznos names new CEO, CMO

July 19, 2012

Quiznos has announced the appointment of Stuart K. Mathis as the company's new president and chief executive officer, effective July 30, 2012. Additionally…

McAlister's Deli names Carl Jakaitis CFO

July 18, 2012

McAlister's Deli has announced that Carl Jakaitis has been named as the company's chief financial officer.

Bolt Burgers plans D.C. opening

July 18, 2012

Bolt Burgers, a newly developed fast casual restaurant, is looking to open its first location in Washington, D.C.

Chefs form program to aid women, children in Haiti

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How Chefs4Kids is finding a way to teach impoverished women in Haiti how to run a business.

Credit Card Skimming – A business and customer nightmare

"Hey man; how do like your job at that fast food place?"

Revel Systems unveils integrated POS for food trucks

July 17, 2012

Revel Systems, a provider of iPad point-of-sale (POS) solutions has announced the release of an iPad-based restaurant POS system specially designed for food…

Burger 21 signs fourth franchise deal

July 16, 2012

Burger 21, founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., has announced that it has signed a franchise deal to open one location in Vorhees, N.J.…

Glass is half full hiring: it’s all about perspective

by Jason Hamilton — VP of Marketing, Snagajob

Giving an applicant's previous experience a lot of weight in hiring decisions may seem like the prudent approach, but when it comes to finding a right-fit…

Tasti D-Lite, Planet Smoothie waive franchise fees for military veterans

July 13, 2012

Tasti D-Lite and Planet Smoothie are waiving 100 percent of the franchise fee for military veterans through the remainder of 2012.

Wingstop forms advertising co-ops in Phoenix, San Diego and Denver

July 12, 2012

Wingstop has formed advertising cooperatives in Phoenix, San Diego and Denver and named DB&M Media as its agency of record for the newly created co-ops.

Aspiring food truck operators to battle during Food Network show

July 12, 2012

Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race is returning for its third season Aug. 19, with host Tyler Florence.