Panera to buy back stock

December 2, 2007

St. Louis Business Journal: Panera Bread Co.'s board of directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $75 million in shares from a broker by the end…

Moe's former parent sued by franchisees

November 28, 2007

The Associated Press: More than 50 franchisees and their financial backers are suing Moe's Southwest Grill and its former parent company Raving Brands over…

Vapiano celebrates five-year anniversary

November 28, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vapiano is celebrating its five-year anniversary and the growth of the chain from a single unit to more than 25 open locations across the…

Smoothie King opens 500th location

November 27, 2007

NEW ORLEANS — Smoothie King has announced the Atlanta opening of its 500th location. To celebrate, Smoothie King will give a free 20-ounce smoothie to any…

Firehouse Subs promotes John Raulerson

November 25, 2007

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Firehouse Subs has announced the promotion of John L. Raulerson to director of technical services.    Raulerson, who has been with the…

Zaxby's on a roll

November 18, 2007

Atlanta Journal Constitution: The privately held Zaxby's, which owns about 70 of its own stores and anticipates sales of $560 million this year, will soon…

No-match reprieve could be short lived

Homeland Security rewriting regulation to ensure it passes muster.

Rapper E-40 to open Calif. Wingstop

November 15, 2007

DALLAS — Rap recording artist Earl Stevens, best known as E-40, has signed a franchise agreement with Wingstop Restaurants Inc. to open a restaurant in…

Chipotle CEO sells 200K shares

November 13, 2007

StreetInsider.com: Steve Ells, founder and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, has sold 200,000 company shares since the beginning of November.   Read more

J. Gumbo's opens 7th location

November 13, 2007

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — J. Gumbo's Down-Home Cajun Cookin' recently opened its 7th location in Louisville, Ky., the company has announced.   The location occupies a…

Taco Del Mar president resigns, Schmidt to retake helm

November 12, 2007

SEATTLE — Taco Del Mar has announced a change in leadership affecting three of its principal officers.   Co-founder and chief executive officer James Schmidt…

Caribou Coffee CEO resigns

November 12, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee Company Inc. has announced that Michael J. Coles, company board chairman and chief executive officer, has stepped down. Coles will…

SCA Tissue named top 10 SYSCO supplier

November 8, 2007

PHILADELPHIA — For the third consecutive year, SCA Tissue was named a Top 10 supplier by SYSCO Corp. and presented with a 2007 Gold Level Supplier Award at…

Einstein Noah net increase 557%

November 8, 2007

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. announced strong results for its third quarter and nine-month period ended October 2, 2007. …

uWink completes $10.4 million financing

November 7, 2007

LOS ANGELES — uWink Inc. has announced the completion of its $10.4 million registered equity financing. The proceeds of the raise will be used to fund new…

Franchisees to appeal Quiznos case dismissal

November 7, 2007

BlueMauMau: The Toasted Subs Franchisee Association, an independent association representing Quiznos franchisees, said it plans to pursue consumer fraud and…

Noodles Development intros area director program

November 6, 2007

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The founders of Noodles Development LP, operator of the Nothing but Noodles restaurant chain, have announced the introduction of an area…

College bound

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

University dining-card programs can be costly, but not participating could cost even more.

SCA Tissue honored as top supplier

November 4, 2007

PHILADELPHIA — Global provider of sales, marketing, e-commerce and business solutions AFFLINK recently presented SCA Tissue with its 2007 Pinnacle Award, the…

Grille Zone gains GRA certification

November 1, 2007

BOSTON — Boston's Grille Zone has announced it has been certified as green by the Green Restaurant Association.    The restaurant, which opened in June 2007…