Trends & Tidbits
Trends & Tidbits gathers snippets of information that includes trends, spotlights new restaurants, highlights innovations and more.
Panera, Applebee’s Franchisee Debuts Spuntino Wine & Tapas Concept
- Published on Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Doherty Enterprises, a large franchise operator of Panera and Applebee's restaurants, opened Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, an all-Italian small plates and wine concept in Clifton, N.J.
Concept Closeup: Kachina Southwestern Grill
- Published on Monday, December 03, 2012
Sage Restaurant Group's new Kachina Southwestern Grill in Westminster, Colo., offers a modern take on authentic Southwestern fare, combining Native American, Arizonan and New Mexican favorites.
MOD Pizza Continues Growth Nationwide
- Published on Monday, December 03, 2012
After four years of "quiet mode" growth, MOD Pizza, the Seattle-based, fast-casual chain known for its customizable, artisanal pizzas, has rapidly expanded throughout the Pacific Northwest. Stores seven and eight opened in Redmond and Sammamish, Wash., and the chain plans to expand outside the state in 2013.
Consumers’ Appetite for Beverages Grows
- Published on Thursday, November 01, 2012
Seventy-one percent of consumers now purchase beverages away from home twice a week or more, according to Technomic's "Beverage Consumer Trend Report."
Franchising Focus
- Published on Thursday, November 01, 2012
A report by Technomic and Restaurant Finance Monitor finds that many chains continue to see franchising as a significant growth opportunity.
Caribou Coffee Expansion Plans
- Published on Thursday, November 01, 2012
Caribou Coffee has teamed up with a local grocery store chain in the Chicago area to grow its retail and footprint as well as to lay the groundwork for continued expansion, not unlike Starbucks' partnership with Dominick's years ago, which has since been scaled back.
Sun Shines on Cheesecake Factory's Solar Thermal System
- Published on Monday, October 01, 2012
The nearly 170-unit chain installed a solar thermal unit in its Pleasanton, Calif., location.
Chobani Opens First Yogurt Shop in NYC Celebrating Local, Fresh Foods
- Published on Monday, October 01, 2012
Greek yogurt manufacturer Chobani opened its first yogurt bar in New York City with a design that peppers Mediterranean cues throughout and focuses on the intersections of city and country, Old World and New World, and wood and metal.
New Domino's Store Concept Focuses on Custom Orders, Carryout and In-Store Dining
- Published on Monday, October 01, 2012
After years of concept testing, Domino's announced an image makeover, including a reworked logo and a new prototype with an added emphasis on custom-built orders, carryout and even in-store dining.
Taco Cabana Unveils Updated Design with New Allen, Texas Location
- Published on Tuesday, September 04, 2012
San Antonio-based Taco Cabana celebrated the opening of a new location in Allen, Texas, with the chain's from-the-ground-up redesign.
Del Taco's Newest Unit Showcases a Contemporary Style
- Published on Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Del Taco's location on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles showcases the chain's new contemporary prototype, which features new colors, an updated seating area and a salsa bar. Like many of the chain's other locations, this unit is also open 24 hours (though it does not have a drive-thru) and features an expanded dining room and breakfast menu.
