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…

Raising Cane's new Ohio location opens to record crowds

April 23, 2009

GROVE CITY, Ohio — Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the United States, opened its newest location to record…

Chipotle net up 46 percent in Q1

April 22, 2009

DENVER — Comparable-store sales at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants increased 2.2 percent in the company's first quarter, ending March 31, the company has…

Article discusses restaurant start-ups in a down economy

April 21, 2009

U.S. News & World Report: Even in a healthy economy, the restaurant failure rate tells a grim tale, but in a recession, the industry is even more…

UFood Grill nets $2.2 mil in second private offering

April 20, 2009

BOSTON — UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that it has received proceeds of a private placement offering in the amount of $2.2 million, after deducting…

Better burgers beef up sales

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The fast casual burger segment opens wide as new concepts enter the field and existing ones look toward growth.  

New Summit to focus on modern pizza business

April 15, 2009

As more fast casual operators open pizzeria concepts, those executives may find it useful to attend the first Pizza Executive Summit, slated to be held June…

McDonald's specialty coffee beats out Starbucks

Fast Casual and QSRWeb hosted an informal taste test and although McCafe coffees were preferred, the Starbucks customer experience is still tops.

Wingstop reports 23rd consecutive month of comps growth

April 15, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced that comparable restaurant sales have increased for the 23rd consecutive quarter.   The increase for the first quarter of 200…

Identity stolen from McAlister's employment application

April 13, 2009

News 3 (Memphis, Tenn.): Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies said Ashley Johnson, 24, has opened up as many as 100 credit card accounts since December using…

Judge rules Quiznos abused discovery process

April 13, 2009

Blue MauMau: A federal judge ruled April 1 that Quiznos had abused the discovery process in a case that involves more than 36 franchise owners. It was found…

Wahoo's opens new Calif. location

April 13, 2009

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Wahoo's Fish Tacos will host a grand opening event April 19 in Chino Hills, Calif., for their 55th restaurant. Hosted by Wahoo's founders…

Schlotzsky's changes service model

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In an effort to enhance the brand experience, the sandwich chain is beefing up service and operational procedures.

Bread & Company lowers prices

April 9, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bread & Company has announced they are lowering the prices of all baked goods and deli items by as much as 60 percent, a price point the…

Wingstop expands into Mexico

April 8, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced its first international franchise agreement for 10 restaurants in the State of Mexico and Mexico DF over the next two years. …

Franchisors make bold moves to aid franchisees in tough economy

April 7, 2009

Lansing State Journal: Franchisors are beginning to take aggressive steps in order to help their franchisees weather the economic recession. Tactics include…

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…