Fast casual execs adopt QSR approach

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How lessons learned from the quick-service segment have shaped fast casual operations.

El Pollo Loco announces year-end results

April 5, 2009

COSTA MESA, Calif. — EPL Intermediate Inc., parent company of El Pollo Loco Inc., has reported results for its year ended Dec. 31.   Same-store sales for the…

Sneak peek: NRA 2009

April 1, 2009

Organizers stress event's importance in dismal economy.

NRA restaurant outlook reports slight gain, more uncertainty

March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Restaurant industry performance remained soft in February, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

NRA: The future is now

March 26, 2009

* Dawn Sweeney is president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.     This is the toughest economic environment for restaurant operators in decades …

Nestle Waters N.A. invests $15.6 million in Sweet Leaf Tea

March 25, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — Sweet Leaf Tea Co., the maker of organic, all-natural, iced teas, lemonades and other natural beverages, has announced that NestlÃ…

Organic To Go deregisters with SEC

March 25, 2009

SEATTLE — Organic To Go has announced that it has filed Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission terminating the registration of its common stock…

Rubio's comps decrease while revenue rises

March 23, 2009

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants Inc. has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 28, 2008.   For the quarter…

Shopping for Data, Training to Improve

Mystery shopping is just the starting point for a workforce improvement plan that includes training and incentives.

Happi House intros Numi organic & fair trade teas

March 18, 2009

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Happi House Restaurants has announced that the company has introduced Numi premium teas at all of its Asian fast-casual restaurants. Noting…

Real estate redo

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Economic troubles send franchisees and landlords back to the bargaining table.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit to launch customer satisfaction program

March 17, 2009

DALLAS — Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc., parent company of the Dickey's Barbecue Pit, has announced the debut of a nationwide customer satisfaction…

Cosi reports net loss of $8 million

March 17, 2009

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Cosi Inc. has reported a same-store sales decrease of 6.2 percent for the company's fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, 2008.   Revenues for the…

Rubio's to announce Q4, year-end results

March 16, 2009

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants, Inc. will host a conference call March 23, 2009, at 2 p.m. Pacific time to discuss fourth quarter and full year 200…

Restaurants look to play a new song

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

As dining options increase, yesterday's music model is undergoing a revolution of sight and sound.

McAlister's unveils 2009 initiatives

March 15, 2009

RIDGELAND, Miss. — McAlister's Deli is debuting a number of innovative additions for 2009 while celebrating its 20th year of operation.   The most recognizable…

Moody's puts El Pollo Loco on Bottom Rung

March 11, 2009

The Cleveland Leader: Moody's Investors Service published a new list Tuesday called the Bottom Rung, which details companies that the ratings agency says are…

Chicken Express opens new CE Restaurant

March 8, 2009

BELMONT, Mass. — The formerly known Chicken Express has recently launched a new and improved restaurant, CE Restaurant, in Belmont Mass., just outside of…

NRA: Restaurant industry outlook up slightly in January

March 1, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry improved somewhat in January, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…

Buffalo Wild Wings to present at investors conference

February 26, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced that the company will present at the Raymond James 30th Annual Institutional Investors Conference, in…