Restaurant comps, traffic push RPI to highest level in three years

November 29, 2010

Fueled by improving same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) rose to its highest…

Skimming: credit cards - and profits

Credit card skimming in the restaurant industry is becoming more exposed as high-dollar theft cases are being made against restaurant workers. Recently in the…

Making the grade

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

I remember it like it was yesterday… Derek, my best friend in 7th grade, ducked down in the back seat of the school bus and said “Cover me!” I turned around to…

Claiming the benefits of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

by Richard Yelton — Principal, Windham Brannon, P.C.

As many restaurant franchisees are currently contemplating the need to make capital improvements to their restaurants, the recently enacted Small Business Jobs…

Dirty dishware, restrooms and odor are Top 3 customer turnoffs

November 22, 2010

A recent Cintas Corporation survey conducted by Harris Interactive revealed that dirty dishes, unpleasant odor and dirty restrooms are the top reasons…

Panera Bread opens second Panera Cares cafe

November 22, 2010

The Panera Bread Foundation has opened its second non-profit community cafe – called Panera Cares – in Dearborn, Mich. The company also announced plans to open…

Taking control of who has what

Do you have control of your restaurant? By that I mean everyone who has keys to the building, and storage areas, codes to the POS system, and combinations to…

FREEBIRDS reveals 2011 growth strategy

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In recognition of its 20th anniversary, the creator of the Monster burrito looks to take a bigger bite out of Texas.

The value of fast casual

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I'm spending my Saturday sitting on a Southwest Airlines cross-country flight, headed home after a whirlwind tour of our Firehouse Subs restaurants in Denver…

Spicy Pickle focuses on turnaround

November 15, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc., the operator and franchisor of Spicy Pickle and BG Urban Cafe Canadian brands, has announced results for its third quarter and…

Chicago solidifies NRA show through 2016

November 15, 2010

The National Restaurant Association will continue to hold its annual NRA Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer event in the…

Industry leaders define fast casual

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From decor to food quality and service, fast casual insiders weigh in on what the segment means to them, the industry and consumers.

UFood Grill shareholder letter highlights milestones

November 10, 2010

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. chairman and CEO George A. Naddaff has sent a letter to shareholders highlighting the restaurant chain's milestones and…

Starbucks' changing corporate culture

November 10, 2010

A new article by Reuters has questioned the new corporate culture of Starbucks and its impact on store-level employees.

Bruegger’s releases Q3 financial results

November 8, 2010

Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. has announced continued sales growth during its third quarter ended October 5, 2010, in addition to same-store sales increases.

Einstein Noah earnings flat, franchise revenues up 12%

November 4, 2010

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 28, 2010.

California Tortilla reports 14 percent comps increase

November 3, 2010

California Tortilla has a 14.35 percent increase in its October 2010 same-store sales, marking the restaurant chain's eighth consecutive month of sales gains.

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…