Gloves! The Controversy Continues – Part 2

by Paul Mcginnis — Vice President, Marketing, Ecolab Food Safety Specialties

There is a general agreement that hand sanitation is a problem, but how that problem is best addressed is not always clear. The arguments to wear gloves and to…

Top Chef alums to conduct demos at NRA Show

February 14, 2012

Three of Bravo's "Top Chef" reality show's biggest stars – Richard Blais, Spike Mendelsohn and Fabio Viviani – will help raise funds for the National…

United Supermarkets, Red Mango test in-store concept

February 13, 2012

United Supermarkets has announced a strategic relationship with Red Mango to test an in-store concept offering healthy frozen yogurt and smoothies to its…

Charley's Grilled Subs beefs up international presence

February 13, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs, a 454-unit restaurant chain, has grown to 15 restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, the most recent of which opened Jan. 19 at the…

bd's Mongolian Grill opens first Pennsylvania location

February 13, 2012

bd’s Mongolian Grill is heating up Pittsburgh’s restaurant scene with the opening of its newest restaurant Monday.

Chipotle to present at Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2012 Consumer Conference

February 13, 2012

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will present at the 2012 BAML Consumer Conference at The Palace Hotel in New York City. The conference will be held March 7, and…

Restaurants adapt to 'new normal' with efficiency, innovation

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Mergers and acquisitions market won't be as active in 2012.

Luna Grill donates 20% of sales to Rady Children's Hospital

February 12, 2012

As part of its Luna Gives Back program, Luna Grill is giving 20 percent of its proceeds on Valentine's Day to Rady Children's Hospital.

Former Burger King CEO signs on with UK-based LEON

February 12, 2012

Brad Blum, the former CEO of Burger King and Olive Garden Italian Restaurants, has joined the board of LEON, a London-based restaurant concept, as an investor…

Cosi signs on industry veteran as consultant

February 9, 2012

Cosi Inc. has entered into an agreement with Brad Blum, owner of BLUM Growth Fund, to provide consulting services related to branding, product development…

Panera Bread to intensify drive-thru operations

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Catering sales and new menu item rollouts continue to contribute to revenue, same-store sales growth.

NRA announces Kitchen Innovation award winners

February 9, 2012

The National Restaurant Association has named the recipients of its 2012 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award, which recognizes cutting-edge kitchen equipment in the…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill forms growth partnership with Gemini Investors

February 8, 2012

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced a partnership with Wellesley, Mass.-based private equity firm Gemini Investors to grow the chain.

Beautiful Brands adds create-your-own sushi concept to portfolio

February 8, 2012

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced the official franchise launch of its new fast casual concept, Sushi Freak. The create-your-own sushi concept…

Food fight: Combat rising costs with smarter hourly hiring

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

The restaurant industry is expected to grow this year, but realizing big profits will be a tall order in the face of rising food and labor costs.

NPD: Fast Casual only growth segment during down economy

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

According to The NPD Group, fast casual is the only restaurant segment continuing to grow throughout the current economic time, which has motivated chains in…

Fazoli's sets January sales record

February 7, 2012

Fazoli’s is off to a running start in 2012 with record same-store sales growth in January.

Energy efficiency project launched in California restaurants

February 7, 2012

A pilot project has been launched in California to promote energy and water efficiency at restaurants.

Commentary: Two McDonald's greats-listen and learn

By Erle Dardick

I Love Velvet intros restaurant solution

February 6, 2012

I Love Velvet, a hardware and software provider for the point of sale, announced its first product for the hospitality industry in the U.S. The first…