Caribou's net loss tops $9 million

February 15, 2007

Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee Co. Inc. reported a same-store sales increase of 2 percent for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31. For the year, comps fell …

Organic to Go goes public

February 13, 2007

SEATTLE — Organic Holding Company Inc., operator of 13 Organic To Go fast-casual cafes in Seattle and Los Angeles, has gone public following a reverse merger.

Bruegger's spreads the love

February 13, 2007

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's is celebrating Valentine's Day by offering red, heart-shaped bagels throughout the day Feb. 14 at the company's 260 bakery-cafes.

Pei Wei comps decrease for year, 4Q

February 13, 2007

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Same-store sales at Pei Wei Asian Diner decreased for the year by 2 percent. For 4Q '06, comps fell .7 percent, reported the company's…

Moe's adds grilled tilapia

February 13, 2007

ATLANTA — Moe's Southwest Grill, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Raving Brands Inc., is introducing grilled tilapia at the burrito chain's 334 nation-wide…

Brawling over breakfast

The fast-casual battle for breakfast is shaping up to be a bruiser.

Starbucks tests low-fat milk

February 11, 2007

News4Jax (Jacksonville, Fla.): Starbucks is testing percent milk in its coffee drinks if customers don't specifically request whole milk. The test is being…

Au Bon Pain looks toward expansion

February 11, 2007

Bloomberg: Facing increasing pressure from competitors like Panera Bread and Starbucks, bakery-café chain Au Bon Pain plans to add more than 200 locations in…

Fast Casual launches reader survey

February 11, 2007

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fast Casual.com has launched a reader survey designed to pinpoint hot topics and products as they relate to fast-casual trends and…

Panera net tops $19 million

February 8, 2007

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Panera Bread Co. reported Feb. 8 net income of $19 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 26.   According to the company, Panera's…

Atlanta Bread Co. intros new bread, menu offerings

February 8, 2007

SMYRNA, Ga. — Atlanta Bread Co. has introduced a new Italian ciabatta bread, which will be a permanent offering sold in the restaurant's bakery.   For a…

Starbucks dropping trans fat from China outlets

February 7, 2007

Arab Times: Starbucks Corp. plans to eliminate food items containing trans fat from its outlets in China within the next six months, the company said. The…

Super Bowl Sunday breaks Wingstop sales record

February 7, 2007

DALLAS – Wingstop Restaurants broke its all-time single-day sales record on Super Bowl Sunday. The chain sold three million chicken wings systemwide at their…

Zaxby's to sponsor NASCAR team

February 7, 2007

ATHENS, Ga. — Zaxby's Franchising Inc. has signed an agreement with Wood Brothers/JTG Racing to sponsor the No. 09 Ford in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series…

Salad Creations opens 10th U.S. location

February 7, 2007

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Margate, Fla.-based Salad Creations has expanded its franchising scope with their latest restaurant opening in Charlotte, N.C.   The…

Intura, Kettering ink distribution deal

February 7, 2007

ARLINGTON, Texas — Intura Solutions LP, supplier of point-of-sale and business management software for quick-service, fast-casual and delivery-restaurant…

Nextep launches outdoor kiosk

February 6, 2007

TROY, Mich. — Nextep Systems, provider of self-service kiosk solutions, has launched its Nextreme Outdoor Kiosk.   The kiosk employs an industrial PC with…

Espresscio Kiosks to focus on office complexes

February 5, 2007

HEATHROW, Fla. — Ultimate Franchise Systems Inc. has developed a fast-casual concept to focus on high rise buildings, office complexes and…

Franchisee associations follow Quizno's to court

February 4, 2007

Businessweek: The number of independent franchise associations has grown in recent years as franchisees seek ways to gain leverage in dealing with their…

Starbucks grant helps fuel New Orleans recovery

February 4, 2007

Louisiana Weekly: Starbucks Coffee Co. has donated $175,000 to New Orleans chef Leah Chase as part of the coffee company's partnership with the National…