Trends / Statistics News

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…

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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…

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Organic food sales up 17%

August 27, 2006

OTA: The Organic Trade Association reported the results from its annual survey. According to the report, the U.S. organic industry grew 17 percent overall to…

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Passport Restaurants seeking $10M for fast-casual development

August 24, 2006

ORLANDO, Fla. — Passport Restaurants Inc., a restaurant holding company, announced that it has retained a New York investment banking firm to assist the…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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. …

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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…

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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. …

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