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…

Lenny's Sub Shops select Cybera for networking services

December 21, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, has selected Cybera Inc. to provide broadband wide-area networking services to…

Judge grants Quiznos franchisees injunction hearing

December 19, 2006

A judge has ordered Quiznos to halt the terminations of 10 operators and to resume sending food supplies to their stores.   The operators, who are board…

Potbelly Sandwich hires new CFO

December 18, 2006

CHICAGO — Bryant L. Keil, chairman and chief executive of Potbelly Sandwich Works, said the company has hired James B. Hirshorn as chief financial officer. …

Report says sandwich market worth $121 billion

December 17, 2006

NEW YORK — The sandwich market is worth $121 billion and there is room to grow, according to U.S. Foodservice and Retail Market and Trends from Packaged…

Quiznos franchisees fight back

December 14, 2006

A group of franchisees whose agreements were terminated by Quiznos filed an injunction Dec. 15 in the District Court of Colorado.   Quiznos terminated their…

Quiznos reacts to Toasted Subs Association comments

December 13, 2006

After FastCasual.com and QSRweb.com published Quiznos terminates multiple franchisees on heels of suicide, Quiznos Corporate Communications department…

McAlister's Deli pays for employee's prosthetic arm

December 12, 2006

BRANDON, Miss. — A McAlister's Deli operator is doing more than just giving a paycheck to Jason Smith, a two-year employee.   The Brandon, Miss., store…