El Pollo Loco to offer $120M senior secured notes

May 13, 2009

COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco Inc. has announced that it plans to offer $120 million senior secured notes due 2012. The company intends to use the net…

Qdoba comps down 2.3% for Q2

May 13, 2009

SAN DIEGO — Jack in the Box Inc. has reported same-store sales at company Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants were down 2.3 percent for the second quarter ended…

Freshberry goes global with 120-unit deal

May 12, 2009

TULSA, Okla. — Beautiful Brands International has announced a 120-unit agreement with Saudi-based United Food Co. to begin franchising FreshBerry Frozen Yogurt…

Court approves Canada-wide class action suit against Quiznos

May 11, 2009

BlueMauMau: The Ontario Divisional Court has approved for certification a Canada-wide class action lawsuit brought by Quiznos franchisees against their…

Writer asks: Is Chipotle the next Starbucks?

May 10, 2009

Motley Fool: A few recent similarities between Starbucks and Chipotle begs the question: Is Chipotle becoming the next Starbucks?   One similarity: Starbucks…

Column: Handling the changing economy

by George Green — Vice President, Bread & Company

How independent operators can survive and thrive during economic slumps.

NRA panel to discuss fast casual growth strategies

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 7, 2009

Fast casual operators will come together during the 2009 NRA Show to share their insights about the segment and its five-star value proposition.

Einstein Noah comps, revenue and net decrease

May 7, 2009

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, operating under the Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels, and Manhattan Bagel brands, has reported…

Red Mango to move HQ from Calif. to Dallas

May 7, 2009

Dallas Morning News: Red Mango said Friday it is moving its headquarters from California to Dallas. The move is expected to be completed by July, one year…

Panera Bread comps up slightly

May 5, 2009

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Panera Bread Company has reported financials for its first quarter ended March 31.   In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, comparable…

Seven top fast casual independent operations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From Kansas City to New York City, these independent operations are changing the fast casual landscape.

Caribou Coffee announces 1st quarter earnings call

April 29, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee Co. Inc. has announced that it will release financial results for its first quarter ended March 29, 2009, after the market close…

Restaurant industry outlook continues to improve

April 29, 2009

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

Chipotle to present at Robert W. Baird conference

April 29, 2009

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has announced that the company will be presenting at the Robert W. Baird Growth Stock Conference on May 13, 2009, at the…

Starbucks same-store sales drop 8%

April 29, 2009

SEATTLE — Starbucks Corp. has reported financial results for its second quarter ended March 29, 2009.   For the second quarter of fiscal 2009, consolidated…

Buffalo Wild Wings announces Q1 results

April 28, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 29.   For the quarter, same-store sales increased 6.…

Einstein Noah sets date for Q1 earnings release

April 28, 2009

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that it will release its first quarter 2009 financial results after the market close on May…

Così Inc. reports 11% comps loss

April 28, 2009

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Così Inc. has reported that system-wide comparable restaurant sales in the first quarter for restaurants in operation more than 15 months…

Le Pain Quotidien remains true to its roots

Belgian fast casual incorporates sustainability throughout its operation.

Panera to release Q1 earnings April 28

April 26, 2009

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Panera Bread Co. will report its first quarter earnings after the market close April 28, 2009.   The company will discuss its first quarter…