Hamburgers: Not just for drive-thrus anymore

The fast-casual burger concept hasn't exactly taken off like the bakery café segment, but the American tradition may be set to grow.

Commentary: Restaurant operators can help a fallen soldier's family

  Free food means a lot to the bereaved and to your brand.

Noah's New York Bagels celebrates 17 years, debuts anniversary blend

August 14, 2006

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — In honor of its 17th anniversary, Noah's Bagels is offering its guests a great, new caffeinated beverage, according to a press release.

Nevada minimum wage proposal pits unions against restaurant group

August 14, 2006

Associated Press: A proposal on the November ballot to increase Nevada's minimum wage by $1 an hour has pitted union groups against the Nevada Restaurant…

Panera reports flat July sales

August 1, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. reported flat comps for July. The company said sales increases for the month were negatively impacted by sales lost at eight…

Prime time for online ordering in fast casual

Tossed and Camille's are among those generating sales via Web-based ordering.

Virginia woman sues Buffalo Wild Wings for "grease smell"

July 27, 2006

Style Weekly: A Richmond, Va., woman is suing a Buffalo Wild Wings operator because her company's redevelopment projects smell like chicken-wing grease. The…

Skippers Chowder implements trans-fat-free frying oil

July 26, 2006

EDMONDS, Wash. — Skippers Chowder and Seafood House, a 60-store QSR chain in the Northwest, has switched to trans-fat-free cooking oil.   According to a news…

Fast-casual restaurants increase check averages with desserts

Chocolate-chip cookies, ice cream and brownies may not be headline menu items, but they boost profits.  

Zoup! Is du jour

Who would have thought a fast-casual soup concept would be so successful?

Atlanta Bread opens full-service concept

July 12, 2006

SMYRNA, Ga. — Atlanta Bread Company recently opened its first full-service restaurant — Zaria Café and Bakery.   The first location opened in Vinings…

Defining fast casual

From décor to price points, we look at what makes this segment.

Beyond the four walls

Catering is a value-added service worth consideration.

Wingstop Q2 comps up 11.1%

July 9, 2006

DALLAS — James Flynn, Wingstop president and chief executive, said second-quarter comp-store sales increased 11.1 percent.   According to a news release…

Bruegger's celebrates 4th of July with Red, White and Blue Bagels Fundraiser

July 4, 2006

To celebrate the United States' independence, Bruegger's partnered with Operation Homefront to support deployed U.S. servicemen and women.   Bruegger's…

Panda Express opens first military location

June 29, 2006

Panda Express is celebrating the opening of their first military base location on July 5 at Edwards Air Force Base. In honor of both the opening and…

The Great Harvest family

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Breaking bread with genuine people.

Qdoba online contest pays off

June 27, 2006

DENVER — Qdoba Mexican Grill said it received 1,000 nominations for its online "Who Do You Love?" promotion.   The promotion ran from March 7 to April 14 in…

Boston Market is changing

A few things are different for the chain that started the "home meal replacement" trend.

Japan to restart U.S. beef imports

June 21, 2006

HONG KONG — The U.S. Department of Agriculture said an agreement has been reached with Japan to restart U.S. beef exports, pending planned inspections of…