Top 10 brand and marketing trends for 2010

A new definition of value and growing consumer expectations are among the things brands and retailers will need to watch for.

Rubio's receives $80 million buyout offer

October 18, 2009

Rubio's Restaurants Inc. said it received an unsolicited offer from an investor group to buy the company for about $80 million.   The company said the group…

Salsarita's launches national breakfast catering program

October 14, 2009

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina has expanded catering beyond lunch and dinner to include a breakfast program after testing its acceptance in select markets across…

Back to business basics

Eight steps fast casual operators can follow to be well-positioned for 2010.

New fast casual blog highlights quick-change scams

October 11, 2009

A new blog titled Fast Casual-ty tracks one employee's experiences as a worker in a fast casual restaurant. The first entry highlights a quick-change scam in…

Wingstop marks 25 consecutive quarters of comps growth

October 11, 2009

Wingstop, the nation's fastest-growing chicken wing chain, has announced positive comparable store sales for the 25th consecutive quarter.   Wingstop ended the…

Panera Bread recognizes top franchise operator

October 8, 2009

Raleigh-Durham-based Breadwinners at the Triangle has been named Panera Bread's Featured Franchise Operator, an award which recognizes operational excellence…

Starbucks sues Twohig for taking job at Dunkin' Donuts

October 7, 2009

Starbucks Corp. is suing its former divisional senior vice president Paul Twohig for taking a job with Dunkin' Donuts, according to a story by Bloomberg News.

Burger industry posts solid gains in 2009

October 7, 2009

Domestic sales for the limited-service hamburger industry grew by a healthy 4.1 percent in 2008 to $64 billion, outperforming the total limited-service…

Making Every Glance Count: Digital Signage and Integrated Technologies in QSR

New technology is allowing restaurants to have integrated, all-digital systems that improve efficiency and decision making. Real-time data is available to…

Buffalo Wild Wings to webcast Q3 earnings results

October 6, 2009

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced that it will conduct a conference call to discuss its third-quarter 2009 results Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

Starbucks CEO discusses business strategy in video interview

October 6, 2009

Business journalist Jill Bennett interviews Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO of Starbucks Coffee, to discuss the company's industry, strategy…

Shane's Rib Shack to run holiday ham promotion

October 5, 2009

Shane's Rib Shack is adding hams to the menu this holiday season to help its customers prepare a delicious meal at home for friends and family.   For each…

Einstein Noah to open first San Antonio location

October 5, 2009

Einstein Bros. Bagels has signed a franchise agreement with Charles Loflin, a San Antonio entrepreneur, to open seven franchise locations in the area. Loflin…

New Quiznos loan to aid franchise owners

October 1, 2009

Quiznos has announced The New Quiznos (TNQ), a comprehensive guest experience remodel and brand update planned for stores systemwide. The chain also launched…

Tossed intros Thai Lettuce Wraps

September 30, 2009

Tossed, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based chain specializing in made-to-order green-leaf salads, has introduced Thai Lettuce Wraps, crisp iceberg lettuce cups…

Restaurant performance down again for August

September 29, 2009

Restaurant industry performance softened in August, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity posted a modest decline…

Mama Fu's Asian House sees revenues increase, costs drop

September 29, 2009

In the 17 months since Murphy Adams Restaurant Group purchased the Mama Fu's Asian House concept, the company has been able to lower total turnkey startup…

The Fast Casual Alliance moves under NRA umbrella

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

A newly formed industry council will serve as the NRA's model for future collaborations.

Starbucks delivers instant coffee nationwide

September 28, 2009

Eight months after launching its Via instant coffee line in Seattle and Chicago, Starbucks Corp. has announced the product's nationwide rollout.   The launch…