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 …

Chipotle reports 14% revenue increase

July 22, 2009

While same-store sales for Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.'s second quarter grew a slight 1.7 percent, the company has reported a 14 percent increase in revenue. …

Pei Wei comps flat for second quarter

July 22, 2009

Same-store sales at Pei Wei Asian Diner declined 0.1 percent for the 13 weeks ended June 28, according to parent company P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. The dip…

Red Mango to launch probiotic iced teas

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

July 21, 2009

Through its Facebook page, Red Mango has announced the introduction of its exclusive line of all-natural probiotic iced teas, to be offered beginning July 2…

Starbucks earnings rise above expectations

July 21, 2009

Starbucks Corp.'s third quarter earnings were reported at slightly above Wall Street estimates, according to an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. For…

Protecting delivery with auto insurance

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Delivery insurance is one area where restaurant operators frequently try to save money, but just one accident can prove catastrophic.