Blair Taylor named Starbucks chief community officer

May 31, 2012

Starbucks Coffee Company has announced that it has appointed Blair Taylor as chief community officer. Taylor currently serves as president and CEO of the Los…

NRA's restaurant industry outlook remains positive

May 30, 2012

The outlook for the restaurant industry remained positive for the coming months, as the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI…

Five Guys Arkansas deploys MobileCamViewer

May 30, 2012

The director of surveillance operations at several Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurants in Arkansas has deployed the MobileCamViewer mobile surveillance app…

Caribou Coffee reaches global expansion milestone

May 30, 2012

Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. has officially opened its 100th international operating location. The 100th international Caribou coffeehouse is located in…

A case for growing catering revenue

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

Years ago, I enjoyed watching old episodes of “Perry Mason.” The drama that occurred in his courtroom really taught me that life is short and often there is a…

Chipotle makes $10,000 donation to California State Parks Foundation

May 29, 2012

Chipotle Mexican Grill will donate $100,000 to support the California State Parks Foundation’s (CSPF) fundraising efforts following a $22 million budget cut to…

Eat or be eaten: Three steps to restaurant nirvana

To have a concept that resonates with customers, every aspect of its development must come together to create a clear, concise experience.

Pat & Oscar's rebrand: Name, locations changed

May 28, 2012

Nine former Pat & Oscar's restaurants in San Diego and Orange counties are getting a brand-new look, feel, menu and name: "O's American Kitchen."

Panda Express extends evening hours

May 28, 2012

To celebrate its extended evening summer hours, participating Panda Express street locations are giving away a free single serving of Orange Chicken on June …

Majority of restaurateurs and chefs fail celiac test

May 25, 2012

Chefs and restaurateurs lack a fundamental understanding of gluten-free protocols, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), a…

Buffalo Wild Wings gives local students scholarship funds

May 24, 2012

Buffalo Wild Wings recently awarded its inaugural scholarships at the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation (HMEF) Scholarship Luncheon, which recognizes…

Restaurants to add 450,000 summer jobs

May 24, 2012

Restaurants are expected to add 450,000 jobs this summer season, a 4.6 percent increase over the March 2012 employment level, according to National Restaurant…

Webinar: Food Safety is a Winnable War: Strategies for Risk Mitigation

Food Safety is described as a “Winnable Battle” by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foodborne diseases affect tens of millions of people and…

PCI webinar discusses reputation management, systemwide compliance

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 23, 2012

The enforcement of PCI compliance can be difficult for franchisors to navigate who are looking to establish cooperation across their franchise system.

Canadian chain catches on to smoothie trend

May 23, 2012

Ontario, Canada-based Williams Fresh Cafe is rolling out a new line of organic yogurt smoothies to reach guests looking for additional breakfast and lunch…

NRA Show exhibitors donate 42K meals to fight hunger

May 23, 2012

The National Restaurant Association has announced that exhibiting companies at its 2012 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show – held May 5-8 at Chicago's McCormick…

Starbucks locations close to fix maintenance issues

May 22, 2012

Coffee fans were disappointed this morning as they tried to get their daily dose of Starbucks. A "small percentage" of Starbucks locations across the U.S. were…

Creatively managing the impact of rising commodity prices

How foodservice operators can navigate rising food costs without alienating their guests.

Report: Kids' meals purchases down 6 percent last year

May 22, 2012

Kids' meals with toys are no longer the draw they once were for the restaurant industry's youngest customers, according to The NPD Group, a market research…

Restaurant franchise lending shows stabilization

May 22, 2012

Although franchise lending has been fairly static from March 2011 to March 2012 and franchisee credit access remains below its long-term average, lending to…