Radio advertising draws fast-casual customers

Radio is cheaper and more targeted than TV.

Chipotle warns 4Q sales will cool

November 2, 2006

Houston Chronicle: Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. late Tuesday reported third-quarter earnings well ahead of analysts' forecasts, but the restaurant chain warned…

Oct. comps rise 3.2% at Panera Bread Co.

November 2, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. reported system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 3.2 percent (made up of a 2.9 percent increase at company-owned units…

Premium sodas make a splash in fast casual

Several top tier fast-casual restaurants are taking advantage of the "New Age" soda trend. Are you?

Fazoli's acquired by Sun Capital

October 19, 2006

Sun Capital Partners has acquired Fazoli's Restaurants for an undisclosed amount.   Effective immediately, former McDonald's executive Robert Weissmueller…

McSubway Study finds Subway food is not that healthy

October 19, 2006

The Star: A new study shows that Subway is not as healthy as it claims to be. The new research — labeled the "McSubway Study" — was based on exit interviews…

Post Baja Fresh: State of the fresh-Mex segment

The Mexican fast-casual category is doing just fine, insiders say. "Baja (Fresh) seems to be the only one having difficulties," one operator said.

El Pollo Loco withdraws IPO

October 11, 2006

El Pollo Loco Holding Inc. withdrew its $135 million initial public offering with underwriter Bank of America.   "El Pollo Loco's decision not to execute an…

Sept. comps rise 5.9% at Panera Bread

October 4, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. reported system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 5.9 percent for the four weeks ended Sept. 26, 2006. According to a…

Looming mushroom shortage will increase prices

Hard times for mushroom growers are tightening supplies and driving up prices for the U.S. restaurant industry.   Long-term supply excesses have depressed…

NRA chair, Tinsley, says association drug plan possible.

In a Q&A, NRA chairman Ed Tinsley weighs in on smoking bans, death taxes and younger members.

Fast-food chains sued over grilled chicken claims CCF calls bogus

September 28, 2006

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is suing seven quick-service chains for serving what it calls carcinogenic grilled chicken.    The group…

Emerging Concept: City Bites is ready to roll

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Blevins brothers created this fast-casual concept. Now they're prepared to take their sandwich chain national.

Buffalo Wild Wings installs interactive NFL game

September 11, 2006

CARLSBAD, Calif. — NTN Buzztime Inc., a developer and distributor of Play Along TV entertainment and technology, announced a promotional partnership with…

Legendary pizzerias bet on fast-casual makeovers

Shakey's Pizza and Papa Gino's Pizza are getting new names and makeovers to strengthen their positions in the growing fast-casual dining segment.

Chipotle operator wins over students with free food

August 30, 2006

Journal and Courier: The restaurant handed out burritos, tacos and soft drinks to a mostly Purdue University student crowd that at times stood in a line more…

Restaurant design: Fast-casual look attracts customers

Donatos and Panera add to their brand with an attractive exterior design.  

Passport Restaurants seeking $10M for fast-casual development

August 24, 2006

ORLANDO, Fla. — Passport Restaurants Inc., a restaurant holding company, announced that it has retained a New York investment banking firm to assist the…

Northern Kentucky Health inspections go online

August 23, 2006

Community Press: The Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department restaurant inspection scores online at www.nkyhealth.org. The information shows…

Clean restrooms equal happy customers

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Your restrooms matter to customers, and, yes, they require constant attention. But at least the process isn't rocket science.