Barista sends open letter to Starbucks CEO

August 5, 2009

Starbucks Corp. was recently listed as No. 6 on a PRNews list of the top 10 brands effectively using Twitter, but the company's latest round of media attention…

Webinar: Restaurant Crisis Management: How to Protect Yourself During a Foodborne Illness Incident

Publicity of an actual or alleged foodborne illness outbreak can be devastating to your restaurant’s revenue and reputation. While you may be insured for…

Qdoba parent Q3 net down 34%

August 4, 2009

Jack in the Box Inc., parent company of Qdoba Mexican Grill, has reported that systemwide same-store sales at Qdoba were down 2.8 percent in the third quarter…

Friendly's opens fast casual concept

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Friendly's Express will offer core menu items, shorter wait times and smaller check averages.

Handwashing: A Crucial Way to Prevent Foodborne Illness in a Restaurant

A foodborne illness outbreak can severely damage a restaurant's reputation and profits, and leave the restaurant owner liable for lawsuits. Handwashing is a…

Pollo Tropical, Taco Cabana comps down in Q2

August 3, 2009

Carrols Restaurant Group Inc., parent company of Carrols Corp., has reported that same-store sales decreased for its Burger King franchise stores as well as…

Rubio's net income increases 53%

August 3, 2009

Rubio's Restaurants Inc. has reported financial results for the second quarter and first half of the fiscal year ended June 28.   Comparable store sales…

Which Wich founder opens burger joint

August 2, 2009

Jeff Sinelli, the founder and owner of Dallas-based Which Wich, has opened a new restaurant concept in May focused on Mexican-style burgers.    The…

Restaurant industry outlook remains uncertain

July 30, 2009

The restaurant industry's economic challenges continued to persist in June, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity…

Retail Brand Group gets into burger biz

RBG launches The Original Burger Company set to debut on three college campuses this fall.

Webinar to focus on restaurant protection during a foodborne illness incident

July 29, 2009

Fastcasual.com, in partnership with Risk Services Corp., is hosting a free webinar Aug. 4 from 2-3 p.m. intended to inform restaurant operators how they can…

Smashburger blows into Windy City

July 29, 2009

Smashburger has announced yet another franchise deal, this time with Chicago caterer Food for Thought Enterprises through their development arm, Smash Illinois…

Panera Bread's net up 28%

July 28, 2009

Panera Bread's same-store sales for the second quarter ended June 30 decreased 0.4 percent while comps for franchise-operated cafes decreased 0.2 percent, the…

Bearclaw Coffee, Mr Pita to open co-branded locations

July 28, 2009

Bearclaw Coffee Co. has formed a strategic co-branding alliance with Askar Brands, parent company of Papa Romano's Pizza, Mr. Pita Sandwiches, Stucchi's Ice…

Rubio's to announce Q2 results

July 28, 2009

Rubio's Restaurants Inc. will hold a conference call Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its results for the second quarter ended June 28. The company…

Fungus hits tomato crops in Northeast

July 28, 2009

A severe outbreak of late blight fungus is sweeping through tomato crops throughout the Northeast and also could affect potatoes, according to a story in the…

Starbucks to match employee 401(k) contributions

July 27, 2009

Starbucks will match employee contributions to the Future Roast 401(k) Savings Plan for the 2009 plan year, CEO Howard Schultz said in a memo.   In December…

Fast casuals, overpopulation to blame for casual dining downfall

July 27, 2009

An article in the Orlando Sentinel has identified several reasons behind the decline of casual-dining restaurants.   In addition to the popularity of fast…

Fast Casual Summit to tackle industry challenges

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The Fast Casual Executive Summit speakers include Au Bon Pain CEO Sue Morelli and the CEO of Red Mango.

Einstein Noah sets Q2 release date

July 23, 2009

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. will release its second quarter 2009 financial results after the market close Aug. 6. A conference call will follow at …