Jury finds against El Pollo Loco Inc. in trademark dispute

July 31, 2007

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco Inc. announced Aug. 1 that a Laredo, Texas, jury has reached a verdict in a trademark lawsuit filed by El Pollo Loco-Mexico…

R&I announces 2007 Consumers' Choice winners

July 30, 2007

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Restaurants & Institutions has announced the winners of its 27th annual Consumers' Choice in Chains study.   In the study, more than…

Restaurant performance outlook rises in June

July 30, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index, a comprehensive index of restaurant activity, posted a moderate gain in…

Mr. Greek inks Tennessee development deal

July 30, 2007

ONTARIO, Canada — Mr. Greek has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement to develop three restaurants to the Nashville area, the company announced.   The new…

Au Bon Pain puts focus on health, nutrition

July 29, 2007

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain has announced the 100-percent elimination of trans fats from its menu items, and the launch of a new Web site that provides in-depth…

Dave Matthews Band latest on Starbucks roster

July 29, 2007

SEATTLE — The new Dave Matthews Band CD, "Live Trax," will be available at company-operated Starbucks locations in the United States and Canada beginning July…

Starbucks relocates Indianapolis flagship

July 26, 2007

SEATTLE — Starbucks Coffee Company will open its new Indianapolis flagship coffeehouse at the relocated Mid-America office Aug. 2. The new store is adjacent…

NASDAQ, NRA to host food- and restaurant-industry forum

July 26, 2007

NEW YORK — The NASDAQ Stock Market will host a food- and restaurant-industry forum Aug. 1, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to discuss the state of the…

Pat & Oscar's goes organic

July 25, 2007

SAN DIEGO — Pat & Oscar's Restaurants is offering its first-ever organic menu choices, including an Organic Spinach Leaf Salad and organic side dishes on…

HMSHost completes Salt Lake City airport upgrade

July 25, 2007

BETHESDA, Md. — HMSHost Corporation, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, announced today the completion of more than $4 million in renovations at…

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…