Arby's tests fast-casual concept

June 13, 2006

Arby's is testing a fast-casual concept called Arby's Market Fresh. Two stores are open — Chicago and Roswell, Ga. — and another will open near Atlanta in…

Einstein Bros. introduces new breakfast sandwich

June 8, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo. — Einstein Bros. Bagels, one of the brands under New World Restaurant Group Inc., introduced the Spicy Elmo egg sandwich.   According to a news…

Consumers prefer local over sandwich chains, report says

June 5, 2006

CHICAGO — Technomic Information Services has released its 2006 Evolving Sandwich Report, highlighting trends in the Sandwich category as well as taking an…

Quiznos cans Baby Bob, starts new campaign

June 4, 2006

 DENVER — Quiznos introduced a new marketing campaign, called "Eat Up," with the goal of giving consumers what they want every day. With this new campaign…

Raving Brands recapitalizes $25MM, appoints president

May 30, 2006

ATLANTA — Raving Brands, the Atlanta-based multi-brand restaurant franchise company, announced the promotion of Stephen M. LaMastra to president and chief…

Knowing your customer

Before you start a marketing plan, you better know your target audience. It's not that difficult to conduct a demographics study.

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…

Subway rolls out 'Fit' Meals

May 22, 2006

MILFORD, Conn. — Subway is introducing new "fit" menu items and "California Fit Fresh Value Meals" on May 22 in 1,700 franchisees across the state of…

Consumers rate Wendy's over McDonald's

May 15, 2006

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, consumers prefer Wendy's food over McDonald's and pizza over burgers.  In addition…

New World Restaurants net $12.1MM loss

May 10, 2006

GOLDON, Colo. — New World Restaurant Group, parent of Einstein Bagel stores, reported a net loss of $12.1 million. The company reported revenue of $97.…

Panera April sales up 2.8%

May 7, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Co.'s reported an increase of 2.8 percent for system-wide same-store sales for the four weeks ended April 25.   Same-store sales at…

To wine or not to wine

Serving wine may be a venture worth looking into. Several fast casuals are boosting dinner sales with the alcoholic beverage.

Lenny's Sub Shop moves into the South

May 2, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, announced an agreement to increase its presence in Georgia and expand the franchise…

Camille's helps Children Hunger Alliance

May 1, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Camille's Sidewalk Café, a Tulsa, Okla., has recently joined forces with Ohio's Children's Hunger Alliance (CHA), a non-profit organization…

BLIMPIE creates Italian sandwiches

April 26, 2006

ATLANTA — This summer BLIMPIE will be offering three Italian-themed panini-grilled sandwiches on its new garlic herb focaccia bread.  Those sandwiches include…

Panera sales skyrocket

April 25, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread surpassed analyst expectations for the first quarter ended March 28, 2006.  The company said system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales…

Penn Station retains ad agency

April 24, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS — Officials representing Indianapolis ad agency Montgomery Zukerman and Davis (MZD) announced it has been retained by Penn Station East Coast…

Selecting a restaurant consultant

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

Seattle is hungry for sandwiches

April 20, 2006

Seattle Times: Running headlong into Starbucks Nation, Specialty's Cafe & Bakery is executing an expansion strategy of finding high-profile store locations…

Jimmy Johns opens 10 stores in a month

April 19, 2006

CHAMPAGNE, Ill. — Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops opened its newest location in Las Vegas April 20. The store opening is the restaurants 10th since March…