Panera Bread celebrates its 1,000th bakery café

The rest of the industry is chasing us, said Panera's CEO.

Democrats take the House

There's a slew of restaurant-related issues that will be impacted by the 2006 election.

Premium sodas make a splash in fast casual

Several top tier fast-casual restaurants are taking advantage of the "New Age" soda trend. Are you?

Hot sauce and spicy menus attract scores of customers

Is your operation taking advantage of the "hot foods" trend?

Buffalo Wild Wings is on fire

From sales to marketing to product quality, everything seems to be clicking for Buffalo Wild Wings. But how long will this momentum last?

Post Baja Fresh: State of the fresh-Mex segment

The Mexican fast-casual category is doing just fine, insiders say. "Baja (Fresh) seems to be the only one having difficulties," one operator said.

Trans fats: On or off the menu?

Lawsuits and consumer trends say it's time to change.

College football and NFL fans are loyal customers

Include this demographic into your marketing plans because they will spend money in your store.

Emerging Concept: City Bites is ready to roll

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Blevins brothers created this fast-casual concept. Now they're prepared to take their sandwich chain national.

Background checks prevent the hiring of bad employees

No fast-casual operation is too small to avoid doing background checks on new hires.

Hamburgers: Not just for drive-thrus anymore

The fast-casual burger concept hasn't exactly taken off like the bakery café segment, but the American tradition may be set to grow.

Airport security measures hardly impact store sales

  Panda Express and Starbucks do not anticipate major bumps. But some experts say it's too early to judge.  

Prime time for online ordering in fast casual

Tossed and Camille's are among those generating sales via Web-based ordering.

Fast-casual restaurants increase check averages with desserts

Chocolate-chip cookies, ice cream and brownies may not be headline menu items, but they boost profits.  

Defining fast casual

From décor to price points, we look at what makes this segment.

The perfect plot of land

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

What is the best fast-casual real estate?

Boston Market is changing

A few things are different for the chain that started the "home meal replacement" trend.

Black Gold

Push your profits by matching your premium food with a premium coffee

The Bruegger's turnaround

The once fast-growing chain has learned slow-growth is better.

Culver's boot camp

Not just anybody can join the Culver's family.