Fast casual concepts break new ground

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Atlanta Bread, LP Bistro, relaunch brands amid image upgrades.

Spicy Pickle to open drive-thru Bread Garden

November 25, 2008

DENVER — Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. is relocating a franchised Bread Garden Urban Café to a new location which features the company's first drive-thru. …

Fast casuals face threat from other segments

Casual dining concepts develop faster, trendier fare.

Finagle Bakery Café rolls out new prototype

November 18, 2008

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — In an effort to broaden its customer base and fuel sales growth, Boston-based Finagle A Bagel has repositioned its brand and launched a new…

Culver's prototype cuts construction costs

November 12, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Culver's Franchising System Inc. has opened its 390th restaurant, the fourth of its new prototype that includes a new exterior and…

Saladworks store sets opening-day sales record

October 9, 2008

CONSHOCKEN, Pa. — The Oct. 1 debut of Saladworks' new 2,600 sq. ft. store  in Mount Larel, N.J., set a company record with more than $18,000 in gross sales. …

Baja Fresh opens Express locations

October 6, 2008

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has opened the first two locations of its newest concept, Baja Fresh Express, the company announced.   The…

Organic To Go opens flagship Seattle location

October 1, 2008

SEATTLE — Organic fast casual chain Organic To Go has opened a flagship café in Seattle, which features an open-market feel and a larger footprint than other…

Denny's tests fast casual concept

September 23, 2008

Franchise Update: Denny's has developed a fast casual concept as part of its strategy to reinvigorate the chain. The company is testing three Fresh Express…

Fast casual facelift

Keeping a store's image up to date is essential but is it worth the cost?

Fast casual concept design

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

For a successful restaurant, every aspect must work together.

Baja Fresh to focus on expansion with new prototype

April 14, 2008

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced that future immediate franchise growth would be targeted to three of the most heavily populated…

Fazoli's begins restaurant renovations

September 16, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS — Fazoli's has begun a remodeling project for 16 of its Indianapolis-area locations, the company announced in a news release.   Following a…

Starbucks relocates Indianapolis flagship

July 26, 2007

SEATTLE — Starbucks Coffee Company will open its new Indianapolis flagship coffeehouse at the relocated Mid-America office Aug. 2. The new store is adjacent…

Quiznos names VP of non-traditional development

July 16, 2007

DENVER — Toasted-sub chain Quiznos has named Hannibal Myers as senior vice president of non-traditional development, effective Aug. 13. Myers will report…

Daphne's Greek Cafe unveils new look

July 10, 2007

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Daphne's Greek Cafe July 10 unveiled its new design concept at the opening of its Tustin, Calif., location.   The new restaurant is the…

Captain D's unveils new look

July 5, 2007

The Leaf-Chronicle (Clarksville, Tenn.): Captain D's Seafood Kitchen is introducing a new look and menu that will eventually be phased in throughout the…

Fazoli's owners unveil changes

June 10, 2007

Kentucky Herald-Leader: Sun Capital Partners, which bought Italian fast-casual chain Fazoli's eight moths ago, is working to put the chain back on a growth…

Updated décor can make a difference

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 17, 2007

As Penn Station discovers, an updated look is one key to success.

The new face of fast casual?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Fuzion Food Group looks to alter the restaurant landscape.