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.

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.