Is flex-casual the new fast casual?

Fast casuals may embrace aspects of casual dining to keep up with customer demand.

NRA seeking experts for show sessions

September 25, 2011

The National Restaurant Association is now accepting proposals for education sessions from individuals and organizations for its 2012 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel…

Panera names top-performing GM

September 22, 2011

Panera Bread has named Anthony Lalima as its top general manager of the second quarter because of his work at a unit in West Hartford, Conn.

Middle East is hotspot for Western fast casuals

The thriving Middle Eastern economy welcomes American restaurants.

Jim Mizes named president of FREEBIRDS

September 20, 2011

Jim Mizes has been named the new president for FREEBIRDS World Burrito. Mizes has helped grow several multi-unit food service concepts including Jamba Juice…

Uno's fast casual model inks largest franchise deal in company history

September 20, 2011

In the largest franchise deal in its 68-year history, Uno's has announced plans for the opening of 30 locations of Uno Due Go, its fast casual concept…

Coffee chains ramp up cup recycling efforts

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Starbucks' third annual Cup Summit features Tim Hortons' participation, focuses on existing challenges in achieving 100-percent recycled goal.

Pizza Inn expanding Pie Five Pizza Co. concept

September 19, 2011

Pizza Inn Inc. has announced plans to expand its fast casual concept Pie Five Pizza Co., targeting eight additional new locations in Dallas-Fort Worth over the…

NRA launches pilot program for military families in Texas

September 19, 2011

The National Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Association have partnered for the launch of "Freedom is Sweet!"a fundraising campaign to support…

Former Dunkin' exec named Fazoli's VP of operations

September 19, 2011

Al Hodges, a 30-year foodservice executive, has been appointed vice president of Operations at Fazoli's. Hodges joins the company from Dunkin' Brands, where he…

Commentary: Predicting fast casual's major contenders

New chains specializing in Mexican, Asian or the better burger concept could be the industry's next leaders.

Breakaway announces POS upgrade

September 18, 2011

Breakaway Restaurant Solutions, provider of automation technology for management of delivery, quick-service and fast casual restaurants, has launched Version…

NPD Group: Restaurant traffic slips slightly in Q2

September 18, 2011

Just as the U.S. economy stalled in the second quarter of the year, so did restaurant industry traffic, according to The NPD Group, a market research company.

Foodservice Social Media: Learn, talk, advocate, support and innovate

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

To implement a successful social media strategy, foodservice operators need to invest in their customers and their strategy.

Chains ask Congress to end Ethanol Tax Credit and Tariff

September 15, 2011

The National Council of Chain Restaurants and 16 of its member companies today asked Congress' "supercommittee" to repeal a federal tax credit for corn-based…

Noodles & Co. expands in Iowa

September 14, 2011

Noodles & Company is opening its first restaurant in Ames, Iowa on Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. The new restaurant will be located on Duff Avenue in front of the…

Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes earns Green Restaurant Association certification

September 14, 2011

Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., parent company to Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes, announced its sustainability initiatives and Green Restaurant Association…

Boston Market joins No Kid Hungry campaign

September 14, 2011

For the second consecutive year, Boston Market restaurants will participate in Share Our Strength's annual Dine Out for No Kid Hungry — a national, week-long…

NRA hosting CFI Summit in October

September 13, 2011

The National Restaurant Association is partnering with the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) to host the 2011 CFI Food System Summit in Chicago Oct. 25-26.

YO!Sushi set to make U.S. debut

September 13, 2011

YO!Sushi, a sushi brand based in the United Kingdom, has announced its first franchisee in the U.S. granting the rights to open 10 restaurants in the…