New World's 2005 revenue increases 4.1%

February 22, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo.—New World Restaurant Group Inc. announced improved financial results for its 2005 fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Jan. 3, 2006.   Revenue…

Restaurants and cafes represent fastest-growing segment of Wi-Fi hotspots

February 22, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO — Restaurants and cafes represent the fastest-growing segment of wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) hotspots, according to recent data released by JiWire…

Gourmet food on the fast-casual menu

February 22, 2006

According to a Simmons Market Research Bureau report, nearly 20 percent of adults try to eat gourmet food when possible. One thing is sure: the gourmet…

Success story: Camille's Sidewalk Café

February 22, 2006

How many people can say they work in peace and harmony with their spouse day in and day out? In the restaurant business, where stress and "Type A…

Gift cards are big business

February 22, 2006

Using stored-value cards instead of cash is a growing trend among U.S. consumers. The Federal Reserve estimates about 20 million consumers will spend $7…

The morphing of the QSR

February 22, 2006

When the McDonald's Bistro Deli opened in New Castle, Del., the restaurant's manger saw a different crowd.   "We get people from all over because we…

Buffalo Wild Wings adds new sauces

February 21, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings added four new sauces to the menu. The additions include parmesan garlic, honey BBQ, Asian zing and mango habanera. These…

Same-store sales increase 7.9% for Qdoba

February 21, 2006

Qdoba Mexican Grill reported first quarter system same-store sales increased 7.9 percent on top of a 12.5 percent increase in 2005. Qdoba opened 23 company…

The truth behind organic and all-natural foods

Organic foods are a growing trend, but USDA fines restaurants up to $10,000 for misuse of the regulated term.

Panda serves sushi

February 19, 2006

Panda Express is serving sushi at 16 U.S. locations, including Houston, Chicago and Las Vegas.   "They make their sushi fresh every day; replenish every two…

FC restaurant receives organic certification

February 14, 2006

LOS ANGELES — Organic to Go, an all-natural and organic cafe and corporate meal delivery service, is the first fast-casual restaurant and retailer to receive…

Taco Del Mar keeps on growing and growing

In 2005, Taco Del Mar grew from 111 restaurants to 189.

Charo Chicken selects advertising agency

February 9, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — The Charo Chicken restaurant chain has appointed Johnson-Ukropina Creative Marketing as its marketing and advertising agency. With 2…

2005 profits soar 35% at Panera Bread

February 9, 2006

Profits at Panera Bread rose a whopping 35 percent in 2005. For the 52 weeks ended Dec. 27, net income was $52.2 million versus $38.6 million for the…

New site allows consumers to search for healthful restaurants

February 7, 2006

WASHINGTON , D.C. — The National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the California-based Healthy Dining program teamed up to create HealthyDiningFinder.com. The…

Buffalo Wild Wings announces fourth-quarter results

February 7, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 25, 2005. Total revenue increased 21.3 percent over…

Fast casual reaches Japan

February 6, 2006

The Daily Yomiuri: Fast-casual restaurants have found their way to Japan. It's the fastest-growing segment in the country. Mos Food Services Inc., known for…

Panda Express supports charities with plush panda bear sales

February 6, 2006

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Panda Express is selling plush panda bears to raise funds for the American Red Cross and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Panda Express…

Trading product for air time

In every episode of the Showtime series "Weeds," a character drinks It's A Grind coffee. The only catch is Showtime requested fresh-brewed coffee.

Yum! Brands becomes first presenting sponsor of Churchill Downs

January 31, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs racetrack announced a partnership with Yum! Brands Inc. Yum! Brands will become the first presenting sponsor of the Kentucky…