Chipotle’s founder explores Asian segment

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 3, 2010

A small team from Chipotle Mexican Grill, led by founder, chairman and co-CEO Steve Ells, is working on an Asian restaurant concept set to follow the Chipotle…

Jamba Juice nearing refranchise completion

November 2, 2010

Jamba Juice has signed a purchase agreement for 15 stores in Denver with existing multiunit franchise operators Scott Maltz, David Wagonfeld and Larry Kaufman.

Restaurant performance outlook posts modest improvement

October 28, 2010

Driven by improving same-store sales and customer traffic levels, as well as growing optimism among restaurant operators, the outlook for the restaurant…

Pei Wei Asian Diner reports flat Q3 comps, traffic

October 27, 2010

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. has reported financial results for the third quarter ended October 3, 2010.

Buffalo Wild Wings flies above analyst expectations

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 26, 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2010, that have risen above analyst expectations of 43 cents…

UFood Restaurant Group submits Franchise Registry application

October 26, 2010

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has submitted an application for listing on the Franchise Registry with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Franchise…

Panera Bread Q3 earnings build on leading edge

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 26, 2010

Panera Bread's systemwide same-store sales for the company's third quarter, ended Sept. 28, have increased 6.9 percent. Company-owned comps increased 5.…

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group set to release Q3 results

October 24, 2010

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that it will release its third quarter 2010 financial results after the market close Nov. 4. A conference…

Data security takes a layered approach

In 2009, 23 percent of the hospitality industry experienced a data breach, with restaurants and hotels leading the majority of cases. Here's how new…

Chipotle earnings bring the heat

October 21, 2010

???Chipotle's third quarter 2010 earnings continue to add fire to the already hot restaurant chain.

Healthy Fast Food closes secondary offering

October 21, 2010

Healthy Fast Food Inc., parent to U-SWIRL International Inc., the owner and franchisor of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt cafes, has announced that it has closed its…

Fazoli’s caps year of growth with Wal-Mart pilot

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Over the past three years, Lexington-based Fazoli’s and its team of veteran executives have worked hard to overcome the chain’s once downward slide. But since…

Wingstop names David Vernon VP of Franchise Sales

October 20, 2010

Wingstop has named franchise development veteran David Vernon its vice president of franchise sales to support the concept's rapid expansion. In his role…

Cosi Inc. reports positive comps growth in Q3 2010

October 20, 2010

Cosi Inc. has reported a systemwide same-store increase of 5.2 percent for the company's third quarter ended Sept. 27. The increase was partially driven by a…

Forbes takes 10-year look at Panera Bread

October 20, 2010

Ten years almost to the month, Forbes has profiled Panera Bread and its fearless leader, Ron Shaich.

Boston Market takes system revamp to Houston, Cleveland, Tampa

October 19, 2010

Boston Market has announced its new service standards, design and menu updates next will roll out into the Houston, Cleveland and Tampa markets.

Security Beyond PCI Compliance

A successful security strategy relies on understanding the business environment, establishing a comprehensive solution and taking proactive steps to protect…

Spicy Pickle provides franchise update

October 17, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. (SPFI) has reported on its outlook for the remainder of 2010 and through 2011.

2010 Fast Casual Summit Presentation: Armed & Dangerous

Armed & Dangerous: Buildinng Brand Leaders of the Future highlights how restaurant operators can use their employees and customers as their biggest brand…

Killifer: Summit not just business, it's personal

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Fast Casual Executive Summit in review.