Potbelly going public?

September 18, 2013

Chicago-based Potbelly Corp., backed by private equity firm Oak Investment Partners, filed recently with U.S. regulators to raise $75 million in an initial…

Starbucks CEO issues 'respectful request' against guns in stores

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 18, 2013

The request is receiving mixed reviews as some promise to boycott the chain, while others are thankful.

NRAEF accepting nominations for Restaurant Neighbor award

September 16, 2013

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has begun accepting nominations for its 2014 "Restaurant Neighbor" and "Faces of Diversity" awards.

Smashburger giving freebies to Colorado flood first responders

September 16, 2013

Smashburger will provide first responders assisting in the rescue and evacuation operation of Boulder County's flood emergency with a free entrée, side and a…

Tin Drum names industry vets to leadership team

September 16, 2013

Atlanta-based fast casual franchise, Tin Drum Asiacafé, has added seven new positions to its leadership and corporate support team to shore up its substantial…

Using technology to stop restaurant theft

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The NRA estimates that employee theft is responsible for 75 percent of inventory shortages and about 4 percent of sales.

LA County partnership created to designate healthy restaurants

September 13, 2013

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has launched a healthy restaurants partnership, identifying restaurants that offer smaller portion sizes and…

French cuisine lightens up in fast casual setting

September 13, 2013

Allô French Rotisserie, a modern twist on French cuisine, is coming to Houston at the Vintage Park Shopping Village on Louetta near Highway 249, according to a…

Mobile payments a hot topic at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant operators will learn how and why to embrace mobile payments.

Boloco adds director of culinary

September 12, 2013

Eric Kinniburgh has joined the Boloco team as the chain’s director of Culinary. His responsibilities include R&D, culinary enhancement, vendor relations…

5 reasons why your mobile site is failing

Poorly designed mobile websites can be more of a detriment to your company, than a boon for business

Registration opens for Nat'l Restaurant Association's annual show

September 4, 2013

The National Restaurant Association has opened attendee registration for its NRA Show 2014 and the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event. A special…

Restaurant industry leads No Kid Hungry efforts

September 3, 2013

Throughout September, restaurants nationwide will invite guests to raise money for the annual Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, aimed at ending…

Restaurant sales, traffic soften in July

September 3, 2013

As a result of softer sales and traffic levels and restaurant operators' dampened outlook for the economy, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant…

Dickey's Barbecue appoints CIO

August 30, 2013

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants has appointed Brian Maupin as the company's first chief information officer. The former AT&T executive was selected for the…

GrilliT models growth plan after Chipotle

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The concept's CEO is on a mission to demonstrate that the fast casual dining experience and fresh, nutritious, home-style cooking are not mutually exclusive.

Voice Teleservices joins MMS Catering Institute program

August 28, 2013

Portland, Maine-based Voice Teleservices has joined the MMS Catering Institute Industry Affiliation Program, created to certify and connect industry…

Why Firehouse, Jason's Deli rely on customer analytics

It's important to understand who your customers are, so you can better evaluate how to get close to them.

Starbucks not cutting health insurance, hours for Obamacare

August 27, 2013

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz told Reuters Monday that the company will not cut health insurance benefits or reduce employee hours to prepare for costs…

Così not compliant with minimum shareholder equity

August 27, 2013

Così Inc. today announced that it had received notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market indicating that it no longer meets the required minimum of $10,000,000 in…