Organic to Go acquires Scott's Gourmet Sandwiches

July 25, 2007

SEATTLE — Organic To Go announced that it has acquired Scott's Gourmet Sandwiches, a downtown San Diego-based quick-serve restaurant comprised of two cafes and…

How to cut food costs

Save money in the kitchen with these cost-cutting tips.

Spicy Pickle launches catering program

July 23, 2007

DENVER — Spicy Pickle has debuted its new catering program, featuring the chain's culinary-inspired subs and panini sandwiches. The program supplies individual…

Quiznos to refund franchisees $2 million

July 23, 2007

Toronto Star: Companies that run the Quiznos Sub sandwich chain in Canada have agreed to refund part of an estimated 170 franchise deposits. A judge has…

Tavistock acquires Freebirds World Burrito

July 22, 2007

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Emeryville-based Tavistock Restaurants has announced the acquisition of Freebirds World Burrito, the Texas-based fresh fast-casual…

Shane's franchisee pulls out of development deal

July 22, 2007

Times News (Tennessee): A Shane's Rib Shack franchisee has pulled out of six development deals for the Eastern Tenneessee region. The Shane's plans went public…

Pat & Oscar's opens newest location

July 22, 2007

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Pat & Oscar's announced a new location in Chula Vista, Calif., slated to open July 26.    The new location will offer dine-in and…

Organic To Go expands in LA

July 19, 2007

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — Organic fast-casual café Organic To Go is opening two new locations in Los Angeles, the company announced, bringing the number of…

Cosi comps flat for second quarter

July 19, 2007

Houston Chronicle: Sales at fast-casual chain Cosi Inc. rose 12 percent in the second quarter, falling short of Wall Street estimates. Comparable-store sales…

Starbucks puts India entry on hold

July 19, 2007

Economic Times (India): Starbucks is withdrawing its application to operate single-brand retail stores in India, the company announced. Starbucks had planned…

Baja Fresh signs Coca-Cola deal

July 18, 2007

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Fast-casual restaurant operator Baja Fresh has signed a 5-year beverage contract with The Coca-Cola Co.   Under the terms of the…

Starbucks teams with Hershey

July 18, 2007

Forbes: Coffee retailer Starbucks Corp. will begins offering coffee-flavored chocolate products as part of an agreement with chocolatier Hershey Co. The…

Daphne's Greek Cafe names new president

July 17, 2007

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Daphne's Greek Café has named Steve Fricker as president of the fast-casual chain.   Fricker formerly served as president and chief…

Jamba Juice names VP of supply chain management

July 17, 2007

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Jamba Inc., the operator of blended beverage, juice and healthy snack store Jamba Juice, has appointed Greg Schwartz as vice president…

Zaxby's to mark milestone with sweepstakes

July 17, 2007

ATHENS, Ga. — Fast-casual chicken finger chain Zaxby's will reach 400 units by summer's end, and to mark the milestone the company is holding an online…

Starbucks fills long-vacant COO post

July 17, 2007

Washington Post: Starbucks has tapped Martin Coles, international division president, to take the role of chief operating officer. Coles, 51, will assume the…

Chedd's Gourmet Grilled Cheese plans national expansion

July 16, 2007

Denver Post: The founders of Chedd's Gourmet Grilled Cheese restaurant in Denver is hoping to go national. The Wisconsin-themed grilled-cheese restaurant…

Quiznos names VP of non-traditional development

July 16, 2007

DENVER — Toasted-sub chain Quiznos has named Hannibal Myers as senior vice president of non-traditional development, effective Aug. 13. Myers will report…

Ethnic influences on the menu

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Asian, other flavors, spice things up.  

Starbucks evicted from Beijing's Forbidden City

July 15, 2007

China Daily: Starbucks Corp. has closed its outlet in Beijing's Forbidden City following months of public outcry and charges that the store's presence was an…