The year that shaped fast casual

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Fast Casual reviews the issues, brands that had an impact on 2007.

Rubio's adds to executive team

January 1, 2008

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants Inc. announced in early December the appointment of Marc S. Simon to the position of senior vice president of operations…

Spicy Pickle inks multiunit Mich. deal

December 27, 2007

DENVER — Spicy Pickle announced Dec. 17 that it has signed a multiunit agreement for the development of 10 locations in western Michigan, increasing the…

El Pollo Loco announces private equity investment

December 26, 2007

COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco Inc. has announced that private equity investment firm Freeman Spogli & Co. has made a $45 million equity investment in…

Subway, Chipotle gave best customer service in 2007

December 26, 2007

Fox Business: Subway, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Quiznos provided the best customer service among fast-food and fast-casual restaurants in 2007, according to…

Cold Stone franchisees struggling despite changes

December 25, 2007

Blue MauMau: Cold Stone Creamery locations in Athens, Ga.; Loveland, Colo.; Tallahassee, Fla.; and three cities in Connecticut have closed this fall. Some…

Starbucks settles suit over scalded baby

December 25, 2007

Gloucester (Mass.) Daily Times: Starbucks will pay a Massachusetts couple $70,000 to settle a lawsuit over the spilling of hot coffee on the couple's…

Cuppy's Coffee sees year of growth in '07

December 18, 2007

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Cuppy's Coffee, Smoothies & More Inc. has announced a record year of growth in 2007 marked by the opening of 33 stores and signed…

Franktitude expands menu offerings

December 17, 2007

MIAMI — Miami-based Franktitude has unveiled a new menu that includes create-your-own salads, a line of sandwiches, wraps and panini, and an array of new…

Emergency preparedness

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

When disaster strikes, a restaurant's survival can depend on a good plan.

Panera shareholder asks for operational change

December 16, 2007

Yahoo Finance: California-based Shamrock Activist Value Fund LP, partially controlled by family members of entertainment pioneer Walt Disney, issued a list of…

Panera stock dips after president resigns

December 13, 2007

The Associated Press: Shares of Panera Bread Co. declined Dec. 12 following president Neal Yanofsky's resignation. His resignation is effective Jan. 4.

Energy Kitchen set for '08 expansion

December 13, 2007

NEW YORK — Energy Kitchen has announced the expected 2008 opening of five new franchise stores, expected to increase the number of Energy Kitchen locations to…

NRA releases '08 forecast, partners with Podcast Grill

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

December 12, 2007

NetWorld Alliance, publisher of Fast Casual magazine and Podcast Grill, has partnered with the National Restaurant Association on the production of several…

Food costs to increase

December 12, 2007

The Economist: The Economist magazine has predicted that world food prices will continue to inflate, primarily caused by a rise in the government's policies…

Panera president resigns

December 11, 2007

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company has announced the resignation of president Neal Yanofsky, effective Jan. 4, 2008. Yanofsky is leaving the company to pursue…

Rubio's adds to real-estate team

December 10, 2007

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants Inc. has announced the appointment of two restaurant industry veterans to its real-estate development team. Valerie L.

Kelly Roddy named Schlotzsky's brand president

December 9, 2007

ATLANTA — FOCUS Brands has announced that Kelly Roddy has been named brand president of Schlotzsky's, which operates approximately 365 locations nationwide. …

Panera same-store sales rise

December 6, 2007

Reuters: Same-store sales at Panera Bread company-owned locations rose 3.8 percent in the five weeks ended Nov. 27. Comps at franchise locations increased 2.…

Smoothie King: Free smoothies for cans

December 5, 2007

COVINGTON, La. — Smoothie King will give away a free 20-ounce smoothie to guests who donate five canned goods Dec. 8, 2007, at any participating location.…