Newk's Express Café partners with PeopleMatter

March 28, 2012

PeopleMatter, a provider of talent-management solutions specifically built to serve hourly workforces, has announced a partnership with Newk's Express Café to…

Clothes can make the employee

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Earlier this month I ran across an article in Freakonomics referencing a study that showed "wearing a white lab coat — a piece of clothing associated with care…

Starbucks under fire for use of beetle blood in flavoring

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In response to its use of cochineal extract, a Change.org campaign asks Starbucks to remove the ingredient from use.

Report: Expectations rise for restaurant industry

March 27, 2012

The American restaurant industry is starting to benefit from a rise in consumer spending and foot traffic, albeit from a diminished base, according to the 22nd…

Survey: Summer job market improving

March 27, 2012

With more than 200,000 jobs added to U.S. payrolls in each of the last three months, hiring managers for summer jobs have more positive news for job-seeking…

What's in your egg salad?

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

When I was about 8 years old, my mother finally left me alone in the kitchen to create something of my own devise. I couldn't use the stove, but I could use…

MAD Greens adds MonkeyMedia Software's catering platform

March 26, 2012

MonkeyMedia Software, a provider of complete catering solutions for multi-unit restaurant operators, has announced a partnership with Denver-based MAD Greens…

Dickey's Barbecue Pit signs Bay area franchise deals

March 26, 2012

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is heating up its expansion in the San Francisco Bay area. The barbecue chain currently has six Bay area stores and is searching for…

Do you really offer gluten-free dishes?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Identifying and avoiding potential contamination starts with the very basics in the kitchen.

The Chalak Group secures $17 million in funding

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 25, 2012

The Chalak Group has raised $17 million in equity financing that will be used to expand its Genghis Grill and Baker Bros. American Deli chains, in addition to…

NRA's Operator Innovations winners to be revealed during “Destination: Celebration” event

March 25, 2012

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will play host to the show’s first-ever “Destination: Celebration” event -- a kick-off party…

Panda Restaurant Group marks 20,000th associate hire

March 21, 2012

Panda Restaurant Group (PRG) has reached an important company milestone with the hiring of its 20,000th associate. PRG's mission is to build an organization…

Boloco hires new VP of IT

March 21, 2012

James Lux has been named as the newest member of the Boloco team as its vice president of Information Technologies. Jim will work from Boloco's global…

Saladworks builds Calif. presence with fourth location

March 21, 2012

Saladworks is opening its fourth California location in Tustin, Calif., through a franchise agreement with Karen Weber, a 25-year veteran of Trader Joe's…

Daphne's California Greek launches national franchise plan

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The new franchise program is expected to double Daphne's unit count over a three-year period.

Foodservice distribution company expands network

March 20, 2012

Consolidated Distribution Corporation LLC, a provider of QSR, fast casual and casual dining supply chain solutions in the U.S., has opened a new Dallas…

FMS solutions partners with Bang Bang Mongolian Grill

March 20, 2012

FMS Solutions has announced that it will provide accounting and payroll services to Bang Bang Mongolian Grill. The fast casual restaurant chain joins more than…

The leadership of Ray Kroc to drive catering sales

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

I have been reading a lot about Ray Kroc these days. As I dig deeper into his story, I become more fascinated with his meticulous attention to detail. Like all…

Report shows a jump in chain restaurant growth

March 20, 2012

The 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains registered a 3.4 percent annual sales increase in 2011, a sharp improvement over 1.8 percent the prior year, according…

Starbucks to open first Evolution Fresh retail location

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 19, 2012

In November, Starbucks announced its purchase of Evolution Fresh, a producer of "never heated" juices sold in retail outlets primarily along the West Coast.