Gas station fueling growth with new fast casual concept

April 2, 2013

Pilot Flying J, a gas station and convenience store with more than 650 units, has opened a fast casual dining concept inside one of its locations in St.

'Global domination' driving CEO of Dickey's Barbecue

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Roland Dickey Jr. has taken the barbecue chain from 20 to more than 300 units since taking over in 2004.

Boston Market making barbecue its business

April 1, 2013

After two years of research and tests, Boston Market is adding St. Louis Style Ribs to its menu. The move makes Boston Market the first national fast casual…

Cintas' Battle of the Bowls restroom competition is back

April 1, 2013

Cintas Corporation is now accepting nominations for its annual America’s Best Restroom Contest, where the “Top 10 places to go—when you’ve got to go” are…

Why mid-size and emerging chains should consider group purchasing to cut costs

Being a member of a GMO can help restaurants remain profitable in the face of surging commodity costs.

Pret A Manger an Operator Innovations Awards finalist

March 29, 2013

Pret a Manger's sustainability program has earned the fast casual brand a spot as a finalist for the National Restaurant Association's Operator Innovations…

Action Systems adds iPad to POS software portfolio

March 29, 2013

Action Systems Inc., makers of the Restaurant Manager Point-of-Sale System and mobile POS solutions for restaurants, has added v18 software capabilities for…

NRA: RPI falls below 100, but operators 'remain optimistic about sales growth'

March 29, 2013

Due in large part to softer same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) slipped…

Greco resigns as Sbarro CEO; replaced by former Wendy's president

March 28, 2013

Sbarro announced today that current Board Chairman J. David Karam has assumed the additional duties of CEO. He replaces Jim Greco, who resigned from the…

Majority Whip among NRA's Public Affairs Conference speakers

March 28, 2013

The National Restaurant Association's 27th Annual Public Affairs Conference, in Washington, D.C., April 17-18, will feature Congressman Kevin McCarthy…

Why restaurants must unite IT, Marketing departments to win customers

Close-knit teaming at all levels is paramount for digital excellence and a healthy return on those technology investments.

Report: Restaurant sector boosts franchise growth

March 27, 2013

The International Franchise Association released its updated 2013 forecast today, which predicts that franchise businesses will continue to grow at a slightly…

CEO on how Fatburger went from bankruptcy to growth spurt

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Concentrating on overseas expansion helped to bring the burger chain back from the brink.

Salsarita's launches Chimichurri Fajita Burrito

March 25, 2013

Salsarita's launched Chimichurri Fajita Burrito today and will serve it for a limited-time only. As part of the promotion, guests will receive plantable herb…

Report: Restaurant deals no longer driving traffic

March 25, 2013

With restaurant visits on a deal or discount down last year, it appears that restaurant customers may perceive the price of deals offered over a length of time…

LYFE Kitchen contract ensures LEED-certified restaurants

March 22, 2013

Shangri-La Industries has been appointed as project manager for LYFE Kitchen's expansion across the U.S.

NRA recognizes Buffalo Wild Wings for safe alcohol practices

March 22, 2013

The National Restaurant Association has awarded Buffalo Wild Wings with its 2013 VIBE Vista Operator Award for Best Responsible Alcohol Service Program. The…

Study claims NYC's proposed Styrofoam ban will add to foodservice costs

March 21, 2013

On the heels of a court ruling overturning the ban on large sodas, another proposal from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his administration is under…

Panda Express opening 100 units in 2013

March 21, 2013

Panda Express is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new menu items, including some healthy twists, and a commitment to growing the 1,600-unit brand…

NRA marketing exec group sets spring conference lineup

March 21, 2013

The National Restaurant Association Marketing Executives Group (MEG) has announced its line-up of speakers for its spring conference in Chicago. May 15-17. The…