Foodservice Packaging Institute's annual Trends Report shows market shifts

November 20, 2014

Packaging trends include continued interest in sustainable products.

Credit card companies agree to reduce fees 10% in Canada

November 19, 2014

Card companies will reduce credit card interchange fees over five years by about 10 percent.

Jimmy John's customers file class action suit over data breach

November 19, 2014

Plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and free credit fraud monitoring for three years.

Front Burner Brands adds brand, marketing leaders

November 19, 2014

Maryellen Torres joined Front Burner Brands this summer as its first-ever chief brand officer, while Michele Whaley became the company's new senior director of…

Capriotti's franchise group changes name, adds board members

November 18, 2014

Dixie Foods International Inc., a Papa John's and Capriotti's Sandwich Shops franchisee, has changed its name to Preferred Restaurant Brands. The company has…

How a hotel became a hot fast casual concept

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marriott transformed its Courtyard food and beverage offerings away from the traditional buffet into a new fast casual format, resulting in a 27-percent jump…

Togo's appoints new COO

November 14, 2014

Jim Peros will oversee all operations and the expansion of the brand's restaurants throughout the West.

Specialty's Café & Bakery gains $37.5M credit facility

November 14, 2014

The financing from GE Capital will help the 50-unit chain refinance debt and grow.

Wingstop appoints new general counsel

November 13, 2014

Jay Young, who previously served at Chuck E. Cheese, will serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

Zoe's Kitchen announces secondary public offering

November 13, 2014

Current stockholders intend to offer 3,800,000 shares of common stock, with 570,000 available for purchase to the underwriters.

'Hidden compliance cost:' Restaurants with 50+ full-time employees must start ACA reporting in 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Though not mandated to offer health care coverage to employees until 2016, restaurants with 50 or more full-time employees are still required to track data…

TooJay's appoints new CEO

November 12, 2014

Jim Vinz, formerly the president and co-CEO of Le Duff America, will oversee expansion of the Florida-based company, which currently has 26 locations.

Zoe's Kitchen buys three franchise units, announces Q3

November 11, 2014

In addition to acquiring three units in Louisiana, Zoe's Q3 comps will range between 5.7 percent and 5.9 percent.

COO: Newk's riding high on 'second wave' of fast casual

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jim Greco, newly-appointed COO of Newk’s Franchise Company, sees an opportunity for the chain to supplant early leaders like Panera thanks to culinary-driven…

Fuddruckers same-store sales decline 4.6% in Q4

November 10, 2014

Luby's combo locations, which feature Fuddruckers and Luby's Cafeteria at one property location, were up 5.1 percent in Q4.

Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks have their eyes on dinner

November 10, 2014

Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks are reportedly planning to crash dinner in the New Year. According to The Street, the brands will introduce more "dinner-friendly…

Four ways the game has changed for restaurant brands

Nimbleness, dynamic customer relationships, customization and millennial insights are all key to brand success, says FOCUS Brands CEO Steve DeSutter.

Noodles & Company makes incremental progress in Q3

November 7, 2014

Noodles & Company announced that same-store comps increased 1.7 percent system-wide.

Fiesta Restaurant Group reports increases for Q3

November 6, 2014

Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent company of the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, reported comp growth for both brands in Q3 2014.

Juice It Up! reports sales, AUV gains in Q3

November 6, 2014

Juice It Up! reported a same-store sales increase of 11 percent year-over-year in Q3 2014, and an average unit volume increase of 12 percent.