El Pollo Loco announces private equity investment

December 26, 2007

COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco Inc. has announced that private equity investment firm Freeman Spogli & Co. has made a $45 million equity investment in…

Buffalo Wild Wings to acquire 8 restaurant locations

December 20, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire certain leases and other assets of up to eight Don Pablo's…

El Pollo Loco to post bond for appeal process

December 19, 2007

COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco Inc. has announced that its principal indirect shareholder, Trimaran Fund II LLC, has entered into agreements to issue a…

PETA challenges Chipotle chicken suppliers

December 19, 2007

The Associated Press: Animal-rights group PETA has submitted a shareholder resolution asking Chipotle Mexican Grill to buy more from suppliers that use what it…

Salad Creations receives Entrepreneur honor

December 18, 2007

MARGATE, Fla. — Salad Creations was named the No. 1 salad-only franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine's "2008 Franchise 500" ranking, appearing in the January…

Boneheads adds lobster, sea bass menu items

December 16, 2007

ATLANTA — Boneheads Grilled Fish & Piri Piri Chicken has introduced four limited-time seafood entrées: Fire Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster Salad…

Hurricane Grill opens in Vero Beach

December 13, 2007

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Grill & Wings will open its latest location in Vero Beach, Fla., the company has announced.   The new location will feature…

Wingstop takes online ordering systemwide

December 10, 2007

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced its decision to roll out online ordering systemwide, the result of the company's successful year-long test of online ordering.

Greenz adds seasonal soups

December 9, 2007

DALLAS — Greenz has added Chicken Enchilada and Turkey Chili soups to its menu offering, the company announced. The soups are available December through…

Jens Retlev joins Au Bon Pain as culinary director

December 6, 2007

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain has announced that Jens Retlev, who joined the company three years ago as its corporate chef, has been named culinary director.   In his…

Hurricane Grill opens new Fla. location

November 28, 2007

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Dec. 1, 2007, Hurricane Grill and Wings will open its newest restaurant location in South Ortega, Fla.     The location will feature…

Mad Greens opens 7th location

November 27, 2007

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — Mad Greens Inspired Eats has opened its seventh location, which is in Greenwood Village, Colo., the company has announced.   The…

Farmer Boys intros chicken sandwiches

November 20, 2007

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Beginning Nov. 21, 2007, Farmer Boys restaurants will introduce three new "made-to-order" chicken sandwiches, the company has announced.…

Nothing But Noodles goes gourmet

November 19, 2007

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nothing but Noodles has announced the launch of three new gourmet chicken dishes to its menu offerings: Chicken Marsala, Chicken Parmesan…

Zaxby's on a roll

November 18, 2007

Atlanta Journal Constitution: The privately held Zaxby's, which owns about 70 of its own stores and anticipates sales of $560 million this year, will soon…

Saladworks returns Autumn Harvest Salad

November 11, 2007

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Saladworks has re-introduced its seasonal "Autumn Harvest Salad," the company has announced.   The Autumn Harvest Salad features roasted…

Obee's expands into Pa.

November 7, 2007

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Obee's Franchise Systems Inc. has announced it has opened a new restaurant in Greensburg, Pa., marking the first of 20 locations set to…

Pollo Campero receives Zagat rating

November 4, 2007

DALLAS — Pollo Campero in Hyattsville, Md., was voted the Best Drive-Thru in the business in the 2008 Zagat Survey.   The Zagat Survey is a source of consumer…

Wingstop sponsors Iraq platoon party

November 4, 2007

DALLAS — Wingstop has shipped enough of its Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce to cover several platoon parties aimed at raising the troops' spirits in Iraq.   According…

Q&A with Saladworks CEO

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

October 31, 2007

John Scardapane tosses the mix with Fast Casual editor Valerie Killifer.