May 24, 2012

Au Bon Pain

Moe's lowered the sodium in much of its menu, including kids options.
Is Healthy Food Really Profitable?
December 2011

Customers are demanding healthier menu options, but operators are still struggling to figure out the effect it will have on their bottom line.
Chicken wings are a popular snack food for restaurants.
Pub-Style Protein Snacks
August 2011

Take a hint from across the pond and tap into America’s growing love for pub foods.
These 15 brands are vying to make the QSR 50 in the near future.
The Contenders
August 2011

Brands No. 51-65 are fast-rising quick-service and fast-casual companies that just missed the QSR 50.
BK Backs New National Kids Meal Program

It wasn’t Bring Your Child to Work Day, but that’s certainly what it felt like at the launch of the National Restaurant Association’s new healthy kids menu initiative “Kids LiveWell” in Washington, D.C., today.

Children and parents filled the room at the...

Who’s Missing at Fast Casuals?
April 2011

As someone who has always been proud of the opportunities our industry has provided to women and minorities, I have been disappointed by the small number of women I have seen at industry conferences, especially those with a high number of attendees from the fast-casual and quick-service segments...

A Super-Sized Dilemma
January 2011

In 2004, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock released a documentary, Super Size Me, that made waves across the foodservice sector and among American consumers. By eating nothing but McDonald’s food for 30 days and ordering the Super Sized version of a meal each time it was offered, Spurlock...

How to Improve Customer Service 'On the Spot'

Customer service is of the utmost importance to most restaurant brands, and in the age of technology like smartphones and iPads, some are finding that customer service can be improved just minutes after a guest visit.

Mobile systems provider On the Spot Systems’ survey solution,...

Blister Packs are Overrated
August 2010

Back in the fall of 2007, I took the liberty in this space of calling for quick-serve operators to consider consigning standard-issue, blister-pack condiments to history’s dustbin.

The basis for this potentially unpopular position lay in my belief that while chains of all types had...

Souping Up the Menu
June 2010

A strong and well-executed commitment to the soup category can play a significant role in helping quick serves increase check averages, enhance their guests’ perceptions of the healthfulness of all of their offerings, and keep guests coming back. Here are just a few benefits of having a...

The 10 Most Innovative People
May 2010

Never before has innovation been as essential to running a successful quick-serve restaurant concept.

During what has turned out to be the most daunting recession in our nation’s history, innovation has been the driving force for the concepts that are...

The Power of Free
April 2010

On February 2, 2008, Auntie Anne’s hosted Free Pretzel Day at all of its U.S. outlets. For a six-hour window, consumers could enter any Auntie Anne’s location and receive a free pretzel. The promotion had some in the quick-service industry wondering what...

Quick-Serve Chef Produces Excellence With Produce
Thomas John, senior vice president and executive chef of Au Bon Pain in Boston, among other winners, received recognition for his use of fresh produce in the culinary world.
Panera, Einstein Bros. Push Bakery Cafe Growth
New Technomic report shows that system-wide sales for bakery cafe segment of restaurant industry were up 12 percent in 2008.
Au Bon Pain Goes Cage Free in Massachusetts
Humane Society of U.S. helps company move to new egg policy.
Corner Bakery Named One of Health Magazine's Healthiest Quick-Serve Chains
The brand is No. 5 on the magazine's top 10 list.
Au Bon Pain Announces Franchise Honors
The awards recognized individuals who best exemplify the company’s passion.
Au Bon Pain Adds Desserts to Portions Menu
The five new desserts in the Portions line each contain no more than 200 calories.
America's Worst Restaurants For Kids Revealed
Eat This, Not That! authors grade 43 national chains; 6 receive an "F."
Au Bon Pain Nutrition Advisory Board
Au Bon Pain announces additions to Nutrition Advisory Board.
Au Bon Pain One of U.S.’s Healthiest Restaurants
Health magazine has named the chain one of America's healthiest restaurants, praising its Nutrition Kiosks.
Au Bon Pain Launches “Portions” Line
The new line offers a customized dining experience of 14 entrees at 200 calories or less.
Au Bon Pain Acquired by LNK Partners
LNK will partner with management to recapitalize the company and support its expansion strategy in the United States and in selected global markets.
Au Bon Pain Menu Goes "Au Natural"
The fast-casual chain is now serving 100 percent all-natural chicken and a trans fat free menu.