Founder of Pancheros talks business

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Finding high-quality real estate is key to the chain's expansion goals.

Panera pays up for denying promotions to black employees

December 27, 2012

Panera Bread has been ordered by a federal judge to pay employees who were denied promotions because they were "fat, black and/or ugly."

Seafood concept operator plans 'dozens' of NY locations

December 26, 2012

A limited-service seafood concept called Boneheads is planning to open "dozens" of units in the New York market. According to the New York Daily News, the…

New book describes hardships of running a Western concept in China

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Former master franchisee of Auntie Anne's Pretzels writes about the obstacles he faced that "will make anyone in business laugh, cringe and think twice about…

Breadcrumb's app update will speed business operations

December 23, 2012

Breadcrumb has unveiled an upgrade to its iPad POS for restaurants, bars and cafes. Breadcrumb 1.2 makes daily operation faster and easier for servers…

NRA Educational Foundation appoints new CDO

December 21, 2012

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced that Katherine Speyer Schieffelin has been named senior vice president and chief…

Franchisees cautious about growth until tax policies solidified

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Franchise leaders believe the sector would be growing faster if Washington D.C. addressed the uncertainties of tax policies and other regulations.

Former CiCi's Pizza COO takes the lead at MOOYAH

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

December 20, 2012

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes announced Wednesday that Bill Spae, former COO and CDO of CiCi's Pizza, is its new president and CEO. Spae takes the lead at…

China's restaurant visits up by double digits in Q3

December 20, 2012

The NPD Group just released its third quarter global restaurant industry report, which reflects each's geography's economy. For example, during Q3, China…

Shareholder 'utterly dismayed' at Caribou's selling price

December 20, 2012

Not everyone involved with Caribou Coffee is happy with the chain's recent decision to sell to Joh. A. Benckiser for $340 million. The companies announced the…

'Starbucks Evenings' takes flight at Washington airport

December 19, 2012

Starbucks has officially launched its newest concept, Starbucks Evenings, in partnership with HMSHost, a global restaurateur that helped Starbucks launch its…

Tasti D-Lite, Planet Smoothie CEO steps down

December 18, 2012

Jim Amos announced that he is stepping down as CEO of Tasti D-Lite and Planet Smoothie at the end of 2012, to move forward with other endeavors, including…

Caribou sold for $340M

December 18, 2012

Caribou Coffee Company Inc. is merging with the Joh. A. Benckiser Group. The transaction is about $340 million; an affiliate of JAB, which is also a major…

Why fast casuals are catering to catering

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Consumers like the speed and price point of fast casual catering options.

Boston Market hoping to provide 'stress-free' holidays

December 13, 2012

The "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for many people can also be the most stressful time of the year, a fact not lost on Boston Market. The chain has launched…

Performance Food Group to acquire Fox River Foods

December 12, 2012

Performance Food Group Inc. (PFG) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Fox River Foods Inc., an independently owned broadline…

Points-based mobile loyalty service now available for small operators

December 12, 2012

A new subscription-based loyalty service once available to only large businesses is now ready for smaller and single-location businesses, including restaurants.

Starbucks Superfans spending hundreds on steel gift cards

December 11, 2012

Fans of Starbucks shelled out $450 each for 5,000 stainless steel gift cards that only had $400 loaded on each one. The coffee chain offered the cards Friday…

Tossed president chats about chain's growth, 2013 trends and working with family

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The make-your-own salad concept has flourished in the past few years and now has 68 new units under development.

Restaurant industry expected to outpace national job growth in 2013

December 10, 2012

While the operating environment will remain challenging, America's 980,000 restaurants are expected to post record sales and continue to be a leading job…