UFood closes Salt Lake City restaurant

August 23, 2009

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced today that its Salt Lake City franchisee has terminated the operation of the UFood Grill Restaurant in the city, as a…

White paper: How to use customer complaints to your advantage

How guest complaints can be used to boost your customer service.

Dallas sees growth in fast casuals

August 20, 2009

Although restaurant growth in Dallas has slowed in the past few years, industry experts see the area as a growth opportunity, according to the Dallas Morning…

Starbucks to raise prices on some drinks

The price of some drinks, such as 12-ounce lattes and brewed coffees, will decrease an average of 5 cents to 15 cents.

FlatTop Grill merges with Stir Crazy

August 20, 2009

The casual-dining brand Stir Crazy Restaurants and fast casual FlatTop Grill have combined to form Flat Out Crazy LLC, to be headquartered in Chicago. The…

Starbuck settles allegations over gift card refunds

August 18, 2009

District Attorneys in Northern California have reached a $225,000 settlement with Starbucks over the company's alleged failure to refund gift card balances to…

Labor management key to fast casual cost savings

Operators who improve on training now are more likely to have profitable stores and happy employees.

Fatburger releases statement on recalled meat

August 17, 2009

Earlier this month, Commerce, Calif-based Sterling Pacific Meat Co. recalled more than 3,500 pounds of ground beef products that might be contaminated with E.

Kagle resigns from Jamba board

August 16, 2009

Robert C. Kagle has resigned from the board of directors of Emeryville, Calif.-based Jamba Inc., effective immediately, the company has announced.   Kagle…

Burgerville apologizes to bicyclist over drive-thru ban

August 16, 2009

Burgerville has announced that it will open its drive-thrus to customers on bicycles, according to a story in the Oregonian newspaper. The move came days after…

Technomic finds growth opportunities for restaurants in consumer catering

August 16, 2009

The recession has taken its toll on the restaurant industry, including brands that have grown their catering services by focusing on box lunches or party trays…

Boost orders, loyalty with direct digital marketing programs

Mobile marketing is a cost-effective tactic for increasing orders and improving the guest experience.

Sandella's opens San Diego County franchise market

August 13, 2009

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe franchise opportunities are now available in locations throughout San Diego County.   Carolyn Cohen and Stephen Crystal hold the…

Einstein Bros. continues growth through licensing

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group is more than halfway past its goal of 180 licensed locations by the end of 2009

El Pollo Loco comps down nearly 7%

August 12, 2009

EPL Intermediate Inc., parent company of El Pollo Loco Inc., has reported financial results for its 13-week second quarter and 26 weeks ended June 30.   For…

Uno official offers tips on revitalizing your brand

Fast casual restaurants are a key part of the pizza chain's growth strategy.

Così Inc. comps down 12%

August 10, 2009

Così, Inc. has reported a systemwide same-store sales decline of 12.2 percent for the second quarter ended June 29 as compared to the second quarter of 2008.

Quiznos CEO rolls out product Flex Plan

August 9, 2009

Quiznos CEO Rick Schaden has announced the Quiznos' Flex Plan business model, a pipeline for new product innovation that adjusts based on economic shifts. The…

Nestle Toll House Cafe views Canada, Middle East as priority growth markets

August 9, 2009

Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip, a dessert café and bakery, is offering exclusive master franchising opportunities and area developer franchise agreements in…

California Tortilla rated best value in Zagat guide

August 9, 2009

California Tortilla has been named among the top 5 in the "Best Buys: Bang for Buck" category in the 2010 Zagat survey released last week. This is in addition…