Baja Fresh opens 6th franchised unit, shifts strategic gears

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

July 20, 2009

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill continues to push its franchise development with the opening of a location inside California's Hilton Anaheim. The location marks the…

Spicy Pickle updates operations outlook

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

July 20, 2009

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. has updated its financial and franchise outlook for 2009 that includes the signing of a 10-unit development deal for the Houston…

Raising Cane's conducts operations, menu assessment

July 19, 2009

DALLAS — Raising Cane's has announced it retained Synergy Restaurant Consultants for a restaurant operations assessment and menu development initiative, in…

NRA names educational foundation director

July 16, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has named Barbara Sido as its executive director, the organization has…

McAlister's Deli focuses on Central Ohio growth

July 16, 2009

The Columbus Dispatch: McAlister's Deli has announced plans to build at least 10 locations in central Ohio by 2012. The chain, based in Ridgeland, Miss.…

Einstein Bros. opens Maryland location

July 16, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Einstein Bros. Bagels has announced it will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in College Park, Md., with an unprecedented…

Teen arrested, charged for Starbucks explosion

July 15, 2009

NY1: A Manhattan teenager was charged Wednesday in connection with the Memorial Day explosion outside a Starbucks on the Upper East Side.   Police Commissioner…

Panera Bread to release Q2 earnings July 28

July 14, 2009

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. will report its second quarter earnings after the market close July 28.   The company will discuss its second quarter results in a…

Red Mango gives master license agreement to Sodexo Inc.

July 14, 2009

DALLAS — Red Mango has awarded a master license agreement to Sodexo Inc. that will open an undisclosed number of Red Mango stores in Sodexo-managed locations…

Fidelity becomes Starbucks' largest shareholder

July 13, 2009

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Fidelity recently upped its stake in Starbucks to 10.58 percent, pushing the mutual fund past Morgan Stanley as the coffee chain's…

Planet Smoothie expands superfoods menu selection

July 13, 2009

ATLANTA — Planet Smoothie has announced its partnership with Sambazon, the acai global leader, to launch three new smoothie flavors in a limited-time offer…

Quiznos launches $3 Toasty Bullet sandwich

July 12, 2009

DENVER — Quiznos has announced the launch of its new Toasty Bullet sub, priced at just $3. The sub is being added to Quiznos Everyday Value Menu of $…

Panda Express launches healthy eating program

July 9, 2009

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Panda Express has announced the launch of its Wok Smart program to educate guests about the wide variety of healthy-eating options available…

James Pa named Charley's Grilled Subs VP of Brand Management

July 9, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Charley's Grilled Subs has recently appointed James Pa as its new vice president of brand management, the company has announced. Pa will be…

NRA Show exhibitors donate 66,000 lbs. of food

July 9, 2009

CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association has announced that exhibiting companies at its 2009 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 16-19 at McCormick…

Food chains, packaging firms initiate recycling campaign in NYC

July 8, 2009

NEW YORK — Global Green's Coalition for Resource Recovery gathered 80 participants for a "value chain caucus" aimed at diverting prepared food packaging from…

Corner Bakery Cafe launches "Stay Local" summer initiative

July 8, 2009

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe has announced the introduction of its "Stay Local" program, encouraging guests to explore and rediscover summer in their very own…

Smashburger to open first two Utah locations

July 8, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY — Smashburger is set to open its two Utah locations this August, the company has announced.   At Smashburger, diners choose either a one-third…

Buffalo Wild Wings to conduct Q2 earnings webcast

July 8, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced that the company will conduct a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2009 results on July 27…

Einstein Noah to present at consumer conference

July 7, 2009

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Noah Restaurant Group has announced that Rick Dutkiewicz, chief financial officer, and James O'Reilly, chief concept officer, will…