Parents magazine rates best fast casuals

June 17, 2009

Corner Bakery Cafe, Fazoli's, Noodles & Company, Taco Del Mar and others made the Parents magazine list of Top 10 Best Fast Casual Restaurants in 2009. …

Wingstop and Troy Aikman renew partnership

June 15, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced its national spokesman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, has extended his contract with…

Souper Salad execs look to rebuild brand

June 15, 2009

Souper Salad has struggled for about six years to rebuild the success the brand saw in its early years. A low point for the company came last summer when the…

Wingstop, Feeding America partner to fight hunger

June 14, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop restaurants across the country are joining a national campaign with Feeding America to support the organization's mission to feed America's…

El Pollo Loco airs beef with KFC's grilled chicken

June 11, 2009

Orange County Register: El Pollo Loco is waging another attack on KFC's new grilled chicken. This time, the Costa Mesa-based chain is challenging the integrity…

Boston Market puts BBQ on the menu

June 1, 2009

GOLDEN, Colo. — Boston Market has announced it is introducing Summertime BBQ selections to the menu. The limited-time menu is now available nationwide through…

Buffalo Wild Wings to present at Piper Jaffray conference

June 1, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced that the company will present at an upcoming consumer conference.   On June 9, the company will present at…

Drive sales through employee-performance programs

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Fast casual operators boost retention and brand loyalty by giving back to their employees.

Boston Market names F. Lane Cardwell Jr. new CEO

May 31, 2009

GOLDEN, Colo. — Boston Market Corp. has announced that F. Lane Cardwell Jr. has been appointed as the company's new chief executive officer, effective…

Consumers name Moe's Southwest Grill next 'It' brand

May 27, 2009

Smallbusiness.aol.com: Moe's Southwest Grill, Not Your Average Joe's, Which Wich and El Pollo Loco were just a few of the franchise brands named by consumers…

Raising Cane's names new COO

May 25, 2009

PLANO, Texas — Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers has announced the promotion of Ian Vaughn to chief operating officer.   Most recently, Vaughn served as senior…

Boston Market to offer military personnel, veterans discount

May 20, 2009

GOLDEN, Colo. — Boston Market has announced a partnership with Veterans Advantage to give members of the group a 20 percent discount at any Boston Market…

Buffalo Wild Wings president receives Gold Plate award

May 20, 2009

CHICAGO — Buffalo Wild Wings president and CEO Sally Smith won the International Foodservice Manufacturer's Association Gold Plate award in Chicago. The Gold…

Wingstop expands into Wisconsin

May 19, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced it is moving into Madison, Wis., through a multiunit expansion agreement with Ken Gelinas. Gelinas has signed a development…

Technomic report: Fast casual chains grew 10% in 2008

May 12, 2009

CHICAGO — According to a new report by foodservice consultants Technomic, sales for the Top 100 fast casual chains grew 10.8 percent, totaling $16.7 billion…

El Pollo Loco, KFC carry on chicken fight

El Pollo Loco has challenged KFC to a taste test, but KFC's own failed giveaway may be all El Pollo Loco needs to win with consumers.

Seven top fast casual independent operations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From Kansas City to New York City, these independent operations are changing the fast casual landscape.

Buffalo Wild Wings announces Q1 results

April 28, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 29.   For the quarter, same-store sales increased 6.…

Corner Bakery Cafe expands national presence

April 28, 2009

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe has announced the opening of two new company-owned restaurants, one in Los Angeles and a second in Las Colinas, Texas., and three…

Wingstop reports 23rd consecutive month of comps growth

April 15, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced that comparable restaurant sales have increased for the 23rd consecutive quarter.   The increase for the first quarter of 200…