Panera reports 3% comps jump

September 4, 2007

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company on Sept. 5 reported systemwide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 3.1 percent for the five weeks ended Aug. 28, 2007. …

Christopher Smith joins Mission Burritos as SVP

September 3, 2007

HOUSTON — Mexican Restaurants Inc. has announced the appointment of Christopher Smith as senior vice president for Mission Burritos.   Smith formerly served…

Starbucks to open in Russia

September 3, 2007

The Seattle Times: Starbucks plans to open its first coffee shop in Russia Sept. 6, 2007, in a mall north of Moscow.   Along with its traditional…

Starbucks to open in A&Ps

August 30, 2007

Forbes: The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. said it has signed an agreement to operate Starbucks coffee shops in some of its A&P grocery stores in…

Restaurant Performance Index dropped in July

August 30, 2007

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

Summit to tackle marketing, branding challenges

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

August 30, 2007

According to Fast Casual's 2007 Benchmark Study, 76 percent of respondents said they market to local businesses.   While marketing at the local level is a…

Focus Brands, Roark Capital complete Moe's purchase

August 29, 2007

ATLANTA — Focus Brands, an Atlanta-based franchisor and affiliate of Roark Capital, has announced the completion of the previously announced purchase of Moe's…

Johnnie's Dog House to offer franchise opportunities

August 27, 2007

PHILADELPHIA — Todd S. Chusid, founder and CEO of Johnnie's Dog House, has announced plans to franchise the eatery in an effort to become a nationally…

Meals by mobile

August 26, 2007

The growing popularity of text messaging.

City Wok expands to N.C.

August 22, 2007

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — City Wok, a southern California-based fast-casual Chinese restaurant chain, announced that it has signed a multi-unit franchise…

Organic to Go receives Organic Excellence award

August 22, 2007

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. — Organic To Go announced it was recently presented with the Organic Excellence award during the Nutrition Business Journal's 200…

Hormel Foods acquires Burke Corp.

August 22, 2007

AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods Corp. has announced it has purchased privately held Burke Corp., a manufacturer and marketer of pizza toppings and other fully…

Pat & Oscar's, San Diego Chargers partner

August 20, 2007

SAN DIEGO — Pat & Oscar's restaurant chain has partnered with the San Diego Chargers to bring the restaurant's menu offerings to fans during home games…

A capstone of collaboration

August 16, 2007

The 2007 Fast Casual Executive Summit aims for atmosphere of sharing.

Red Robin appoints Pattye Moore to board of directors

August 15, 2007

GREENWOOD VILLAGE , Colo. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. has announced the appointment of Pattye L. Moore to the company's board of directors effective…

Michel Sohrabi named Hypercom VP

August 15, 2007

PHOENIX — Michel Sohrabi has been appointed to the newly created post of vice president of marketing and business development at Hypercom EMEA.   Sohrabi will…

Organic to Go net loss widens

August 14, 2007

SEATTLE — Organic To Go reported its financial results for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2007.   Revenues for the quarter increased…

Quiznos, TSFA president settle lawsuit

August 14, 2007

Blue Mau Mau: Quiznos Subs and franchisor Chris Bray, president of the Toasted Subs Franchisee Association, have settled their drawn-out lawsuit. As part of…

National class-action suit filed against Quiznos

August 14, 2007

DENVER — A class-action lawsuit was filed against Quiznos Sub Aug. 14 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.   The lawsuit was filed on…

That's a wrap

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Sandwich wraps present an easy option when looking to expand your menu.