Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has appointed Chuck Rink as its chief executive officer, assuming the post vacated by David Kim, effective immediately. Kim, who was rumored last summer to be shopping the Mexican-style chain¹, which he himself owns, will be pursuing other interests, said the company.
Wok Box is introducing a new Spring 2012 Menu that includes and Noodle "Stirfry" Boxes and Curry Dishes. Wok Box is a chain operator of Asian-style fast casual restaurants in most of the provinces of Canada, expanding to the western part of
On an investor conference call earlier this year, P.F. Chang's, parent of the P.F. Chang's Bistro and Pei Wei Asian Diner concepts, announced plans for the testing and build-out of a more express format known as the Pei Wei Asian Market. The smaller fast casual will use a footprint of about 2,500 square feet to
Smashburger launched new limited-time offers (LTOs) in its Fresh Mex Burger and Fresh Mex Chicken Sandwich. The chain aims to capitalize on the warming trend, popularity of Mexican-inspired foods and its recent press popularity in its introduction of the Fresh Mex offerings, which will be available until April 29.
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group tapped Brian Unger to the newly created position of Chief Restaurant Officer. The announcement comes less than one year from Unger's joining Einstein as executive vice president of Operations.
In 2004, a small Boston-based chain known as "The Wrap" reacquired the franchising and name licensing rights it had previously sold for expansion outside of New England. In 2005, after a lengthy brand analysis, The Wrap became Boloco, the "Inspired Burrito" chain. Despite the allure of franchising for accelerated growth, Boloco's CEO and one of its founding members, John Pepper,
Panera Bread continued its urban expansion with the opening in New York City of its 1,500th store. The new Manhattan cafe is located at 330 Seventh Ave. With its latest urban store, Panera Bread continues entrenching
The opportunity couldn't be "hotter" for better burger chains, if 2011 is any indication. This past year continued to see rapid growth, particularly for fast casual better burger chains. And data for 2010 shows the fast casual chains in this segment posted sales increases of more than 16 percent and unit growth of nearly 17 percent¹. b.good is one such chain
Costa Rica consumers will see their first Smashburger in 2012. The Denver-based Smashburger chain says it has reached an agreement with QSR International to grow the brand in Latin America. QSR International, which is led by restaurateur Richard Eisenberg, a franchise veteran with deep South American expertise
Smashburger's entry into Calgary, Alberta marks a defined moment for the chain's international expansion. After signing new agreements this summer for three middle east markets ─ Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia ─ the chain seems determined to grow both domestically, and internationally, at a rapid pace.
Corner Bakery Cafe has signed a franchising deal with Buon Hospitality for expansion into Northern California. Buon is led by Sam Hirbod, chief executive and president of Pacific Convenience & Fuels LLC.
Peet's Coffee & Tea, based in Emeryville, Calif. said it will begin accepting payments using near-field technologies (NFC) processing. Phones with Google Wallet-enabled apps, and MasterCard® PayPass™
Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched the a new foundation to funnel its financial and operating support to organizations improving sustainability practices for the future.
Wheat tortillas. Street Tacos. Lean Pork. These are fighting words for Ted Stoner, director of Strategic Product Development for Qdoba Mexican Grill, a chain of 550 restaurants spanning from California to Massachusetts.
