Café Express introduces two salads

August 20, 2006

HOUSTON —Café Express has rolled out two new salads: the Crispy Chicken Chop House Salad and the Grilled Chicken Chop House Salad.   Each salad is comprised…

Noah's New York Bagels celebrates 17 years, debuts anniversary blend

August 14, 2006

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — In honor of its 17th anniversary, Noah's Bagels is offering its guests a great, new caffeinated beverage, according to a press release.

VeriFone acquires Trintech's payment systems business

August 14, 2006

SAN JOSE, Calif. — VeriFone Holdings Inc. announced in a press release that it has agreed to acquire the payment systems business of Trintech Group PLC in an…

Nevada minimum wage proposal pits unions against restaurant group

August 14, 2006

Associated Press: A proposal on the November ballot to increase Nevada's minimum wage by $1 an hour has pitted union groups against the Nevada Restaurant…

Casual-dining restaurants at lowest point

August 14, 2006

AdAge: Sharp declines in same-store sales among some of the biggest players in the $331 billion restaurant industry have analysts and marketers worrying…

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.  

Chipotle displaces Baja Fresh in Pittsburgh market

August 10, 2006

Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh's ongoing burrito binge is officially about to get an extra helping.  Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill has made…

Opinion: Free Wi-Fi draws office crowds

August 8, 2006

Technology Evangelist: Since discovering Panera's free Wi-Fi service, our company has eaten at Panera at least once a week; both at restaurants near our…

Mintel Report pegs fast casual as hot dining segment

August 7, 2006

CHICAGO — A recent Mintel report estimates that total sales at leading fast-casual chains in the United States doubled in the last five years.   "An increased…

Canadian fast casual moving into the U.S.

August 2, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Canadian-born Mr. Greek chain is ramping up its franchise sales and crossing the border.   "Greek cuisine is right behind Italian…

Subway franchisee launches cell phone marketing program

August 1, 2006

BUFFALO, N.Y. — MobileLime, a mobile phone marketing company, said 12 Subway units will market to preferred customers in real-time by offering alerts and…

Chipotle and Boston Market take bird-flu precautions

July 30, 2006

Denver Post: While the much-talked-about H5N1 avian flu virus has yet to make an appearance on American soil, Colorado restaurants that rely on poultry sales…

Prime time for online ordering in fast casual

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

Tony Roma's opens fast-casual unit

July 27, 2006

DALLAS — Tony Roma's has opened a fast-casual concept called "Fast & Casual." The first store opened in Wellington, Fla., on June 29.     The new…

Skippers Chowder implements trans-fat-free frying oil

July 26, 2006

EDMONDS, Wash. — Skippers Chowder and Seafood House, a 60-store QSR chain in the Northwest, has switched to trans-fat-free cooking oil.   According to a news…

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.  

Wingstops to advertise on cars

July 19, 2006

DALLAS — SkinzWraps Inc., a full-service vehicle wrapping company, announced that Wingstop has selected SkinzWraps to be its national vehicle wrap vendor. …

Fast Casual magazine evaluates burgers and restaurant design

July 17, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The forthcoming August-September issue of Fast Casual magazine will focus on the rise of the hamburger – commonly thought of as a…

Defining fast casual

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

Paradise Bakery & Café boosts menu with gourmet coffee line

July 11, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Paradise Bakery and Café has partnered with Royal Cup Coffee to launch a new line of gourmet coffee in its 43 U.S. restaurants. …