Brawling over breakfast

The fast-casual battle for breakfast is shaping up to be a bruiser.

Atlanta Bread Co. intros new bread, menu offerings

February 8, 2007

SMYRNA, Ga. — Atlanta Bread Co. has introduced a new Italian ciabatta bread, which will be a permanent offering sold in the restaurant's bakery.   For a…

Red Robin to buy 17 franchises

February 1, 2007

Denver Business Journal: Colorado-based Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. has agreed to buy 17 of its franchise restaurants in California for $47.5 million. The…

NBA's Sidney Green joins Earl of Sandwich

February 1, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. — National restaurant chain Earl of Sandwich has hired former NBA star Sidney Green as its new director of Non-Traditional Development, the…

Former Quiznos exec pleads not guilty to new charges

January 29, 2007

KKTV-11: Scott Darrell Lippitt, former vice president of marketing for the Quiznos sandwich chain, pled not guilty to additional charges in relation to his…

Quiznos franchisees criticize corporate office, close locations

January 29, 2007

Evansville Courier & Press: The owner of a recently closed East Side Quiznos Subs franchise criticized the corporation's business practices and thanked…

Renamed Doc Green's expands menu

January 28, 2007

ATLANTA — Doc Green's Salads & Grill, formerly Doc Green's Gourmet Salads, has adopted a new moniker to reflect its additional menu options, which include…

Cosi signs Middle East expansion deal

January 23, 2007

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Cosi Inc. has signed a deal with United Arab Emirates-based Al Tayer Group to develop Cosi restaurants in Middle Eastern markets. Under its…

Panera marks trans-fat-free anniversary

January 22, 2007

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. — February marks the one-year anniversary of Panera Bread's voluntary removal of trans fat from its bakery-cafe menu on a national…

One-legged bank robber orders Penn Station sub after heist

January 22, 2007

Richmond Times-Dispatch: A one-legged bank robber in a wheelchair headed to Penn Station East Coast Subs for a bite after he was left stranded by his…

Cosi shares fall following analyst downgrade

January 16, 2007

Associated Press: Shares of Cosi Inc. declined Wednesday after a Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst cut his rating on the company. The stock has traded in a…

Au Bon Pain plans Japanese expansion

January 15, 2007

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain announced it signed a master franchise agreement with Japan-based REINS International Inc. REINS' portfolio includes restaurants…

Porking up sales

Fast casual certainly isn't hog heaven, but pork consumption is increasing throughout the segment.

Così sales flat in Q4, full year

January 9, 2007

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Cosi Inc. reported comparable-store sales for fourth quarter 2006 (measured for restaurants in operation for more than 15 months) increased…

Quiznos appoints new president

January 7, 2007

DENVER— Quiznos has appointed Greg Brenneman as president and chief executive, effective immediately. Quiznos also announced that TurnWorks Inc., Brenneman's…

McAlister's Deli 2006 sales surpass $255MM

January 3, 2007

RIDGELAND, Miss. — McAlister's Deli had a good-numbers year in 2006.   The chain blew past the 200-unit mark by opening 43 franchised restaurants and…

Kelly's Roast Beef to send customer to Ireland

January 3, 2007

SAUGUS, Mass. — Kelly's Roast Beef, a five-unit fast-casual restaurant company, is celebrating its 55-year anniversary with a luxury vacation giveaway to…

Quiznos exec becomes Earl of Sandwich CEO

January 3, 2007

ORLANDO — The Earl of Sandwich chain named quick-service restaurant veteran executive Michael Grodi as president and chief executive officer.    Grodi served…

Fast Casual 2006: A year in review

Despite lawsuits and mergers, it was a good year for the fast-casual segment.

Cosi ready for 2007

December 26, 2006

Chicago Tribune: Despite its struggles over the years, Cosi's believes it has finally found its niche. Operating in the premium convenience-dining arena, Cosi…