Starbucks takes localization approach to Europe

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In 2009, Starbucks Corp. renovated several Seattle locations to better reflect the neighborhoods in which the coffeehouses were settled. The company is now…

Johnny Carros joins MOOYAH as franchise consultant

March 8, 2012

Restaurant-industry veteran Johnny Carros is joining MOOYAH as its new franchise business consultant, the company has announced.

Corner Bakery Cafe hires VP of franchise sales

March 7, 2012

On the heels of signing several multi-unit franchise deals in 2011, Corner Bakery Cafe has named hospitality industry veteran Jonathan Benjamin as vice…

Panera Bread to boost ad spend, cites fast casual competition

March 7, 2012

Panera Bread Co. has announced its plans to increase its media investment in 2012 by 26 percent, according to a story in The Wall Street Journal.

Pizza Fusion plans Vegas unit

March 7, 2012

Pizza Fusion will open a new restaurant in the Las Vegas area this spring.

The difference between social marketing and social operational insights

Operators can extract both marketing and operational insights from online feedback, but first they must understand the differences between the two.

Firehouse Subs posts strong same-store sales, unit growth in 2011

March 6, 2012

Firehouse Subs surpassed its company goals and industry averages in 2011, resulting in a record-breaking year. The brand grew by 79 restaurants for a total for…

Pinkberry names retail exec to board of directors

March 6, 2012

Pinkberry has announced that leading retail executive Betsy McLaughlin is joining the company’s board of directors.

Gloves! The Controversy Continues - Part 3

by Paul Mcginnis — Vice President, Marketing, Ecolab Food Safety Specialties

If glove use is going to be effective, several factors should be considered when designing a disposable glove program. Size is vitally important to ensure the…

Restaurant chains join Healthy Dining's new School Wellness program

March 6, 2012

Healthy Dining has announced the rollout of a research-based initiative, the "Healthy Dining School Wellness Rewards Program," designed to contribute to the…

Einstein Noah posts positive Q4, FY 2011 results

March 5, 2012

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group reported an 8.6 percent increase in revenue for the company's fourth quarter ended Jan. 3. Revenue increased to $115.1 million…

Order entry should be frontline when it comes to catering

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

The order-entry experience may be the single most important component of the catering order-to-cash cycle. It is the first point of contact to your…

Unique Pizza and Subs plans to purchase Pizza Fusion

March 5, 2012

Unique Pizza and Subs Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, has signed a letter of intent to purchase Boca Raton, Fla.-based Pizza Fusion Holdings.

McAlister's Deli Boosts Service Speed with Kitchen Display Technology

ConnectSmart Kitchen from QSR Automations helps fast casual restaurant chain trim ticket times by two minutes.

Asian Box opens in California

March 4, 2012

San Francisco-based FK Restaurants & Hospitality has announced the opening of its Asian Box concept in Palo Alto, Calif. The concept was inspired by Asian…

UFood Grill introduces health-inspired value meals

March 4, 2012

UFood Restaurant Group has announced that when they open their first of three locations at the Aberdeen Proving Ground military base in Maryland, they’ll…

Cosi CEO Carin Stutz talks brand turnaround

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How Cosi's new CEO plans to rebrand, reimage and rebuild the chain.

Schlotzsky's franchising execs achieve leadership designation

March 1, 2012

Austin-based Schlotzsky’s has announced that three members of the franchise team were recognized as Certified Franchise Executives (CFE) by the International…

Einstein Bros. opens first Marriott location

March 1, 2012

Einstein Bros. Bagels will opens in a Marriott hotel for the first time on March 8, 2012, in Arlington, Va.

Panchero's debuts new logo, website

March 1, 2012

Panchero’s Mexican Grill is launching an evolved brand identity including a new logo and website.