NRA names new director of Commerce and Entrepreneurship

February 22, 2012

The National Restaurant Association has announced that Liz Garner has joined the policy and government affairs team as director of Commerce and…

Courting new trials

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Let’s talk for a minute about new trial. No, not the court kind, but the kind that every restaurant wants … new consumers trying out your restaurant for the…

Costa Vida reports strong unit growth in 2011

February 21, 2012

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill has reported a 74 percent unit growth increase for 2011.

Charley's Rolls out beer battered fish sandwich

February 21, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs is giving customers a reason to look forward to Lent this year by unveiling a freshly prepared Crispy Beer Battered Fish Sandwich.

Quiznos debuts in North India this week

February 21, 2012

Quiznos' first outlet in North India opens Wednesday in New Delhi.

Cousins Subs renews focus on products, growth and marketing

February 21, 2012

Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs is marking its 40th anniversary with new initiatives that focus on its products, franchise growth and marketing investments.

Jimmy John's drops sprouts from menu

February 20, 2012

The Jimmy John's restaurant chain is permanently dropping sprouts from its menu after a five-state string of e. coli outbreaks. The outbreaks were the fifth…

California legislator tries to limit food truck presence near schools

February 20, 2012

California Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Carmel) has proposed a state law to ban food trucks from selling food within 500 yards of a school campus. The proposal…

Jamba Juice to sell specialty tea through acquisition

February 19, 2012

Jamba Juice Company has announced the acquisition of Talbott Teas, a Chicago-based boutique, premium tea company, recently profiled on ABC-TV’s “Shark Tank.”

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz addresses state of the union

February 19, 2012

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz addressed the country's unemployment rate on CNN's "State of the Union." Schultz said the issue is not one faced by Republicans or…

Red Mango founder Dan Kim receives Minority Business Leader award

February 16, 2012

Red Mango Inc. founder and chief concept officer Dan Kim is adding to his accolades. Kim was recently presented with a Dallas Business Journal 2012 Minority…

CherryBerry signs sweet deal for Kansas, Missouri

February 16, 2012

Beautiful Brands International has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with Darren Martin to develop its CherryBerry Self-Serve Yogurt Bar…

Togo's expands presence in Oregon

February 16, 2012

As part of its plan to open 28 new units in 2012, Togo's Eateries Inc has opened its newest location in Bend, Ore.

Burger 21 targets South Florida for expansion

February 16, 2012

Burger 21, a fast casual concept founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., announced that it is targeting South Florida for franchise…

Tasti D-Lite, Planet Smoothie CEO named to IFA Hall of Fame

February 16, 2012

James H. Amos Jr., CFE, chairman and CEO of Tasti D-Lite and Planet Smoothie, has been named to the International Franchise Association (IFA) Hall of Fame. The…

Schlotzsky's kicks off 30th Annual Run Bun

February 14, 2012

Schlotzsky’s has announced its 30th Annual Bun Run, scheduled for April 29 in Austin, Texas. The longest-running 5K in Austin’s history is adding a 10K for the…

California Tortilla rebrands airport locations to Burrito Elito

February 14, 2012

California Tortilla has unveiled Burrito Elito, a sister concept that will debut in Boston Logan and Philadelphia airports.

Commentary: Five key secrets of social loyalty

For restaurant operators, 2011 was a better year than 2010. But with continuing unemployment in the U.S. and Europe, and slow economic growth forecasts for…

Job descriptions — HR’s love letters

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

It's Valentine's Day. I am sure that some of you celebrate, some of you don't and a few are the diehard anti-card-and-flowers type... But I'm going with the…

When is food service NOT a restaurant?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

If you own a place that sells prepared food for people to eat, you're in the restaurant business, right? Not necessarily.