Fast-casual wannabes

Casual-dining restaurants and QSRs create fast-casual concepts to meet customer demand.

First Watch settles sexual discrimination suit

November 26, 2006

Bradenton Herald: First Watch Restaurants Inc., the breakfast-lunch restaurant specialty chain, will pay $230,000 to settle a sexual discrimination lawsuit…

Trials and tribulations of a fast-casual independent operator

How one woman handles adversity and keeps her restaurant growing.

Organic to Go expands, acquires capital

November 16, 2006

SEATTLE — Organic To Go (O To Go), the first certified organic fast-casual café, announced the purchase of Vinaigrettes Full Spectrum Catering of Los Angeles.

Panera CEO: There is no such thing as fast casual

The CEO talks about what makes Panera special and why his bakery café should not be lumped into the fast-casual segment.

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…