Technomic report: Kids' menus go upscale

February 1, 2009

CHICAGO — Independent restaurant operators are leading an emerging "kid-adult" fusion trend by promoting adult-style offerings to kids in greater numbers.

ASK THE EXPERTS: What is fast casual?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 8, 2009

For many restaurant-industry operators, the fast casual segment has been difficult to define. Fast casual restaurants offer a dining experience quite…

The top fast casual stories for 2008

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 7, 2009

The year 2008 proved to be an interesting one for fast casual operators. Here's a rundown of our top five stories for the year.   1. The economy. While casual…

NRA reports record low performance index

December 30, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry worsened in November, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

The year ahead

Seven take-to-the-bank predictions for 2009. 

Research and Markets launches Panera Bread benchmark analysis

December 21, 2008

DUBLIN, Ireland — Research and Markets has announced the addition of Restaurant Research LLC's new report "RR LLC Panera Benchmark Analysis" to its offering. …

NRA releases forecast for 2009

Restaurant industry sales expected to reach $566 billion in 2009.

Technomic names restaurant trends for 2009

December 18, 2008

CHICAGO — Foodservice consultants and research firm Technomic has released its top trends for the restaurant industry in 2009.   The consulting group said…

NRA unveils 2009 top menu trends

December 9, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new National Restaurant Association survey of more than 1,600 professional chefs — members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) …

NRA to release 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast

December 8, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Restaurant Association will release its 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast and unveil its public-policy agenda for the coming…

NRA: RPI up slightly, sales still sluggish

November 30, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) posted a slight gain, the outlook for the restaurant industry remained dampened in October, as…

NRA reports dampened restaurant industry outlook

October 30, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry worsened in September, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

Jason's Deli drops high fructose corn syrup from food

October 28, 2008

DALLAS — Jason's Deli has eliminated foods containing high fructose corn syrup from its menu, the company announced. Jason's has procured new versions of…

Chipotle beefs up online ordering

October 27, 2008

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill has enhanced its online ordering system, including giving customers the ability to pay for their order online.   The new system…

QSRs want slice of fast casual pie

Quick-serve restaurants move to upscale décor, menu to attract customers.

Fast Casual seeks Top 100 nominations

October 2, 2008

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Fast Casual magazine is calling for nominations for its annual Top 100: Movers and Shakers. The ideal nomination will be a brand…

Fast Casual launches state of the industry report

September 25, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fast Casual magazine and FastCasual.com have released the "2009 Fast Casual State of the Industry Report."   The 73-page comprehensive study…

Fast casual board gets cooking at CEO Summit

Attendee, sponsor growth spark talk of regional meetings

New research: Foodservice leads card-data attacks

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 15, 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — New research from global payment security consultancy Trustwave analyzes the most common methods and targets of recent card breach incidents…

Fla. Restaurant Show highlights future trends

Despite Tropical Storm Hanna, about 15,000 attendees gathered for 2008 show.