Tossed intros Thai Lettuce Wraps

September 30, 2009

Tossed, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based chain specializing in made-to-order green-leaf salads, has introduced Thai Lettuce Wraps, crisp iceberg lettuce cups…

Restaurant performance down again for August

September 29, 2009

Restaurant industry performance softened in August, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity posted a modest decline…

Mama Fu's Asian House sees revenues increase, costs drop

September 29, 2009

In the 17 months since Murphy Adams Restaurant Group purchased the Mama Fu's Asian House concept, the company has been able to lower total turnkey startup…

The Fast Casual Alliance moves under NRA umbrella

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

A newly formed industry council will serve as the NRA's model for future collaborations.

Starbucks delivers instant coffee nationwide

September 28, 2009

Eight months after launching its Via instant coffee line in Seattle and Chicago, Starbucks Corp. has announced the product's nationwide rollout.   The launch…

Taco Del Mar names new CFO

September 24, 2009

Taco Del Mar Franchising Corp. has appointed Rick Braa as the company's new chief financial officer.   Braa comes to Taco Del Mar with an extensive career in…

Executive Summit Keynote Presentation (Slides)

Fast Casual Executive Summit Keynote Address. Download the slides from presentations given by: Paul Barron, Publisher and Founder FastCasual.com/ Dean…

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

Learning the New Financial Business Model (Slides)

Industry leaders share ways to capitalize on financial business models. Download the slides from presentations given by: Louis J. Basile Jr., Wildflower…

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

Smashburger franchise deal focuses on airport locations

September 22, 2009

Smashburger has announced its partnership with PhaseNext Hospitality — a minority- and woman-owned multi-concept franchise operator focusing on non-traditional…

Fast Casual Executive Summit: Tough times bring operators together

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The most successful brands are opening up to one another as the industry awaits signs of recovery.

Part II: NRA outlines industry imperatives

The association's new strategic plan tackles issues from food safety to profitability and sustainability.

Rumbi Island Grill makes California debut

September 16, 2009

Rumbi Island Grill opened its first California location this week in Mission Viejo, according to a story in the Orange County Register.   The company has…

NRA outlines strategy for implementing imperatives

The organization seeks to strengthen communication and improve its core products.

Au Bon Pain deals with recession through strategic revision

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 14, 2009

Au Bon Pain revised its brand mission and essence in order to cope with the economic recession that caused restaurants across the industry to revise their…

Baja Fresh CEO acquires Canyons Burger

September 14, 2009

Growth Concepts, an Orange County, Calif.-based restaurant investment group led by Baja Fresh CEO David Kim, has acquired Atlanta-based Canyons Burger Co. …

New NRA partnership encourages restaurants to reduce food waste

September 14, 2009

The National Restaurant Association is strengthening its support of food-donation programs with a new partnership with the Food Donation Connection (FDC), an…

Fast casual riding high despite recession

September 13, 2009

Sales in the fast casual segment are projected to top $20 billion this year, according to a story in the Dallas Morning News. That's a gain of 25 percent. …

Premium burgers satisfy consumer cravings for more value, Technomic finds

September 13, 2009

Consumers are relying on restaurants to provide value in hamburgers through premiumization. According to a new report from foodservice industry consultant…

National Restaurant Association names new board officers

September 13, 2009

The National Restaurant Association has announced the election of its new officers during the association's September board meeting in the nation's capital. …

Dean Lindsay delivers Fast Casual Summit keynote

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 13, 2009

The Fast Casual Executive Summit got its official start today at the Hotel Palomar in Dallas. The Summit, being held Sept. 14-15, launched with a luncheon…