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.

Interior and Architectural Concepts for the Fast-Casual Chain

Fast casual restaurants are uniquely different from QSRs and casual dining outfits. But many operators are still falling short in store design. In this guide…

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?

New York trans-fat ban receives big-time support

October 30, 2006

Reuters: The New York City proposal to ban trans-fats is receiving a lot of support. The American College of Cardiology was one of several medical groups that…

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.

El Pollo Loco introduces $5 reward card

October 17, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco is offering a free $5 reward card to every guest who purchases a family meal through Jan. 7.    Family meals come in several…

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.

El Pollo Loco withdraws IPO

October 11, 2006

El Pollo Loco Holding Inc. withdrew its $135 million initial public offering with underwriter Bank of America.   "El Pollo Loco's decision not to execute an…

Bruegger's to serve Kettle chips

October 10, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Classic Foods Inc. announced that Bruegger's will offer the Kettle Classics line of chips.   "Bruegger's is the perfect place to relax…

Fast-food chains sued over grilled chicken claims CCF calls bogus

September 28, 2006

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is suing seven quick-service chains for serving what it calls carcinogenic grilled chicken.    The group…

New York to ban trans-fat use

September 27, 2006

Guardian Unlimited: New York is set to become the first city in the United States to ban all but tiny quantities of trans-fats from being used in its 24,00…

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.

Chipotle, Panera appeal to Whole Foods crowd

September 21, 2006

Madison Times: While Whole Foods isn't often thought of as a restaurant, it has been drawing in hordes of customers hungry for its organic offerings. It leads…

Fast casual takes off in Louisville

September 18, 2006

Courier Journal: The fast-casual scene is taking off in Louisville, Ky.   Former U.S. KFC president Don Doyle is the franchisee for all six Qdoba restaurants…

Background checks prevent the hiring of bad employees

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

Panera and Boston Market top Technomic's report on fast-casual restaurants

August 28, 2006

CHICAGO — Panera Bread and Boston Market topped Technomic's Top 100 Quick Casual Chain Restaurant Report. The research company released the report Aug. 28. The…