Jamba turnaround not without challenges

April 16, 2008

The Wall Street Journal: Jamba Inc.'s journey to simplify "healthy living" could be a lumpy ride. Competition in fruit-and-dairy drinks is intensifying…

Q&A: Panda Express founders

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

April 16, 2008

Panda Express founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng talk continued growth, start-up success.

Fast casuals answer call of the wild

Operators combat cabin fever with outdoor-dining options.

Restaurants experience customer decrease

April 13, 2008

BusinessWeek: A competitive environment for restaurants is getting tougher as hungry consumers are spending more time cooking at home. Even if customers do…

McAlister's repurchases eight La. restaurants

April 10, 2008

RIDGELAND, Miss. — McAlister's Deli has announced it has purchased eight franchisee-owned restaurants in Louisiana from Mark Hagwood of Hagwood Management…

Smoothie King announces three new appointments

April 10, 2008

NEW ORLEANS — Smoothie King Franchises Inc. has appointed David W. Stidham as national marketing director, and David Tornabene and Pat Vanderpool as regional…

Chipotle to announce first quarter 2008 results

April 9, 2008

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. officials will host a conference call to discuss first quarter 2008 financial results April 23, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. EST. …

Chipotle CEO compensation increases

April 8, 2008

Associated Press: Compensation Chipotle Mexican Grill's CEO Steve Ells nearly tripled to $7.3 million in 2007, with more than half coming from stock and…

Starbucks to give away new brew

April 7, 2008

SEATTLE — Starbucks is launching its newest brew, Pike Place Roast, by giving away complimentary 8 oz. cups of the new coffee to customers visiting any…

Chris Prasifka named Kahala president

April 6, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Chris Prasifka has been named president of Kahala Franchise Corp., the franchisor entity of Kahala's portfolio of diversified concepts, the…

Starbucks sued in N.Y. over tips

April 3, 2008

The New York Times: A former barista has sued Starbucks Corp., accusing the company of cheating New York state baristas by giving a share of their tips to…

Panera to report Q1 '08 earnings call

April 3, 2008

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread will report its 2008 first-quarter earnings after the market close April 29, 2008. The company will discuss its year-end results in a…

Gold Star Chili names Mike Rohrkemper as CEO

April 3, 2008

CINCINNATI — Gold Star Chili has named Mike Rohrkemper the company's new CEO. Rohrkemper succeeds John Sullivan, who will retire May 1 after an 18-year career…

Starbucks chairman upset over tips ruling

March 31, 2008

Toledo (Ohio) Blade: Starbucks Corp. employees received a personal voice mail message from their upset boss, who said the company was being "grossly…

Organic To Go reports Q4, FY '07 results

March 31, 2008

SEATTLE — Organic To Go has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2007.   For the fourth quarter, sales increased in all…

Buffalo Wild Wings announces new board chairman

March 30, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced the election of current director James M. Damian as chairman of the company's board of directors…

Starbucks working to build coffee shrines

March 27, 2008

The New York Times: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced last week that the company had bought the Coffee Equipment Co. of Seattle, maker of the Clover…

Obee's Franchise Systems announces restructuring

March 26, 2008

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The board of directors of Obee's Franchise Systems Inc. has approved a 100-for-1 reverse split of the company's common stock.

Back Yard Burgers partners with baseball complex

March 26, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —  Back Yard Burgers has established a partnership with Gameday Baseball, a 10-field youth baseball complex in Cordova, Tenn.   Back Yard…

Potbelly intros online ordering

March 25, 2008

CHICAGO — Sandwich chain Potbelly Sandwich Works has introduced online ordering in its Chicago-area restaurants. The restaurant's entire menu is available for…