McDonald's specialty coffee beats out Starbucks

Fast Casual and QSRWeb hosted an informal taste test and although McCafe coffees were preferred, the Starbucks customer experience is still tops.

Wingstop reports 23rd consecutive month of comps growth

April 15, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced that comparable restaurant sales have increased for the 23rd consecutive quarter.   The increase for the first quarter of 200…

Identity stolen from McAlister's employment application

April 13, 2009

News 3 (Memphis, Tenn.): Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies said Ashley Johnson, 24, has opened up as many as 100 credit card accounts since December using…

Judge rules Quiznos abused discovery process

April 13, 2009

Blue MauMau: A federal judge ruled April 1 that Quiznos had abused the discovery process in a case that involves more than 36 franchise owners. It was found…

Wahoo's opens new Calif. location

April 13, 2009

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Wahoo's Fish Tacos will host a grand opening event April 19 in Chino Hills, Calif., for their 55th restaurant. Hosted by Wahoo's founders…

Schlotzsky's changes service model

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In an effort to enhance the brand experience, the sandwich chain is beefing up service and operational procedures.

Bread & Company lowers prices

April 9, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bread & Company has announced they are lowering the prices of all baked goods and deli items by as much as 60 percent, a price point the…

Wingstop expands into Mexico

April 8, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced its first international franchise agreement for 10 restaurants in the State of Mexico and Mexico DF over the next two years. …

Franchisors make bold moves to aid franchisees in tough economy

April 7, 2009

Lansing State Journal: Franchisors are beginning to take aggressive steps in order to help their franchisees weather the economic recession. Tactics include…

Fast casual execs adopt QSR approach

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How lessons learned from the quick-service segment have shaped fast casual operations.

El Pollo Loco announces year-end results

April 5, 2009

COSTA MESA, Calif. — EPL Intermediate Inc., parent company of El Pollo Loco Inc., has reported results for its year ended Dec. 31.   Same-store sales for the…

Sneak peek: NRA 2009

April 1, 2009

Organizers stress event's importance in dismal economy.

NRA restaurant outlook reports slight gain, more uncertainty

March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Restaurant industry performance remained soft in February, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

NRA: The future is now

March 26, 2009

* Dawn Sweeney is president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.     This is the toughest economic environment for restaurant operators in decades …

Nestle Waters N.A. invests $15.6 million in Sweet Leaf Tea

March 25, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — Sweet Leaf Tea Co., the maker of organic, all-natural, iced teas, lemonades and other natural beverages, has announced that NestlÃ…

Organic To Go deregisters with SEC

March 25, 2009

SEATTLE — Organic To Go has announced that it has filed Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission terminating the registration of its common stock…

Rubio's comps decrease while revenue rises

March 23, 2009

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants Inc. has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 28, 2008.   For the quarter…

Shopping for Data, Training to Improve

Mystery shopping is just the starting point for a workforce improvement plan that includes training and incentives.

Happi House intros Numi organic & fair trade teas

March 18, 2009

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Happi House Restaurants has announced that the company has introduced Numi premium teas at all of its Asian fast-casual restaurants. Noting…

Real estate redo

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Economic troubles send franchisees and landlords back to the bargaining table.