Starbucks execs not eligible for pay increases

January 22, 2009

The Seattle Times: Starbucks' top four executives will not be given raises this year, the company said in a securities filing Thursday. Additionally, most of…

Sandella's to open in N.C.

January 20, 2009

WEST REDDING, Conn. — Sandella's Flatbread Café has signed a deal slated to bring two units to Cary and Durham, N.C., the first of which is expected to open…

NRA Show 2009 outlines educational offerings

January 18, 2009

CHICAGO — The 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 16-19, 2009, at McCormick Place in Chicago, will feature more than 6…

Mama Fu's franchisees head to trial

January 15, 2009

BlueMauMau: Twenty-nine franchisee-plaintiffs will go to trial Feb. 17 against Raving Brands executives Martin Sprock and Daryl Dollinger. According to an…

Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie sold

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Raving Brands has sold two of its five concepts, the company has announced.

Wingstop breaks 2008 store-openings record

January 14, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop president and CEO James A. Flynn has announced that the chain opened a record 71 stores during 2008, bringing the total number of units to…

Keith Kinsey named to Noodles & Company board

January 12, 2009

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Noodles & Company has announced the addition of Keith Kinsey to its board of directors. Kinsey currently serves as chief financial…

Quiznos new ad campaign touts lower prices

January 12, 2009

DENVER — Quiznos launched a new ad campaign Jan. 11, touting lower prices, including 20 subs that are now under $5.

Starbucks, McDonald's targets of boycotts

January 12, 2009

BNET: Worldwide protests of recent Israeli actions against the Gaza Strip include boycotts, often targeting U.S. food corporations that are perceived to be…

Pollo Tropical comps take a Q4 dip

January 12, 2009

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Carrols Restaurant Group Inc., the parent company of Carrols Corp., has reported comparable restaurant sales were up 0.5 percent at its Taco…

Nasdaq sends NexCen Brands delisting notice

January 11, 2009

NEW YORK — NexCen Brands Inc. has announced that the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council has withdrawn its call for review and stay of delisting…

Einstein Noah to present at investor conferences

January 11, 2009

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Noah Restaurant Group has announced that the company will present at two investor conferences.   On Jan. 12, the company will…

Chipotle to present at Cowen, ICR XChange conferences

January 8, 2009

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has announced that the company will present at two investor conferences next week.   On Jan. 12, the company will present…

ASK THE EXPERTS: What is fast casual?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 8, 2009

For many restaurant-industry operators, the fast casual segment has been difficult to define. Fast casual restaurants offer a dining experience quite…

Organic to Go, Rubio's to present at ICR XChange

January 7, 2009

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Officials from Organic To Go and Rubio's Restaurants Inc. will be participating in the upcoming ICR XChange Conference, Jan. 14-15, 2009, at…

New payment options increase efficiency

How pay-at-the table, mobile tablet solutions are changing the check-out line.

Panera stock performed well in 2008

January 1, 2009

The Motley Fool: Panera Bread stock was one of several that increased in value in 2008. Other top performers included JetBlue, Wal-Mart and Netflix.   Click to…

Negative same-store sales contributed to dour 2008

January 1, 2009

Yahoo! Finance: Declining consumer confidence took a bite out of restaurants' sales and profits in 2008, leading to bankruptcy filings and the closure of more…

NRA reports record low performance index

December 30, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry worsened in November, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

The year ahead

Seven take-to-the-bank predictions for 2009.