Boston Market is changing

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

European fast casual moves to the U.S.

June 13, 2006

WASHINGTON — Vapiano is a German-based fast-casual concept and it is moving to the United States. Specializing in Italian food with a European flair, the…

2006 restaurant show wraps up

The 2006 National Restaurant Hotel & Motel Show offered big-time speakers and trendsetting technologies. Even if you attended, you probably didn't see…

Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express debuts in Boston

May 10, 2006

BETHESDA, Md. —World-renown chef and restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck, opened his first Boston location at the Logan International Airport. The chef partnered with…

There's more to salad than just lettuce

Panera Bread, Einstein Bagel Bros. and Atlanta Bread serve salad, so do Fazoli's, McAlister's and Schlotzsky's. Casual-dining restaurants serve up $8-$1…

Villa re-brands Casa Java

April 23, 2006

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Villa Enterprises is re-branding its coffee concept, Casa Java. According to a news release, Casa Java has a new store design, new menu…

Selecting a restaurant consultant

The right consultant can improve your restaurant, but the wrong one can cost you money.   

The state of the London coffeehouse

Traditional cafés stave off Starbucks. In fact, Starbucks may have actually helped the once-dying London coffeehouse.

Fast-casual concepts attract the Washington lunch crowd

April 9, 2006

Washington Post: The Washington D.C. lunch crowd is patronizing fast-casual concepts more frequently than other concepts. They're eating at Cosi, Potbelly…

Reinstein brothers push Fresh City

April 5, 2006

Boston Biz Journal: The basic ingredients are the same, but brothers Larry Reinstein and Bruce Reinstein are following a different recipe in building their…

Boston Market changes with the times

April 2, 2006

Brand Week: Boston Market has had a bit of an identity crisis over the years. After filing for bankruptcy, after an out-of-control growth spate, and then…

Premium bread takes the sandwich to new heights

If anyone needs proof the Atkins scourge on bread is long gone, take a peek at the menu mix in most fast-casual concepts. You'll see that sandwiches rule.

Rumbi Island Grill opens in Arizona

April 2, 2006

AZcentral.com: A fast-casual restaurant that offers South Pacific, Caribbean and island food is preparing to debut its first Southeast Valley location in…

Columnist writes about Atomic Burrito store design

March 30, 2006

The Hook: Atomic Burrito's layout lends itself to the easy flow of people in and out of the establishment. The design is flawless. I have tested it myself. I…

Restaurant industry continues growth

March 30, 2006

WASHINGTON D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry remained solid in February, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…

Panda Express considers new service models

March 30, 2006

No one has to tell Panda Express that Asian food is growing in popularity. With more than 800 locations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Japan…

Fast casuals attract mobile workers

March 30, 2006

Yesterday's luxury is today's expectation. Today's business traveler is all about the mobile office, and fast-casual restaurants are offering modern amenities…

Restaurant design experts to offer free advice at NRA Show

March 20, 2006

CHICAGO—Attendees of the 2006 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show needing design help can get it for free in the Ask the Design…

McDonald's upscales coffee

February 28, 2006

McDonald's will roll out premium coffee at its 13,000 U.S. stores in 2006. The company said the premium coffee uses higher-quality beans — and is pricier for…

NRA: 30 months of consecutive growth

February 28, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry continued to improve in January, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…