(1888PressRelease)
April 14, 2009 - LOUISVILLE, KY – Networld Alliance, publisher of Fast Casual and the organization which inspired the formation of the Fast Casual Alliance (FCA) in 2006, announced today it has launched its membership website www.fastcasualalliance.com and has appointed seven new members to the Board of Directors of the Fast Casual Alliance. Representing more than 375 of the leading U.S. fast casual restaurant companies that make up the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry, the Fast Casual Alliance has launched its website and is accepting members (restaurant operators) and associate members (suppliers to industry), who will benefit from education, executive level networking and creation of consumer awareness.
Founding Fast Casual Executive Alliance Board Members include chairman, Paul Barron executive vice president of Networld Alliance, president Louis Basile, chief executive officer of Wildflower Bread Company, vice president Alan Hixon and president of MOOYAH Burgers & Fries, and secretary Linda Duke, chief executive officer of Duke Marketing. FCA Board Members include Larry Reinstein, chief executive officer of Fresh City restaurants, Darren Tristano, executive vice president, Technomics, Marc Geman, chief executive officer of Spicy Pickle restaurants, Valerie Killfer, senior editor of Fast Casual Magazine, Ken Clark, chief operating officer of Farmer Boys restaurants, and George Green, vice president, Bread & Company.
Recently elected FCA Board Members include Dan Pittard, chief executive officer of Rubio’s Restaurants, Don Fox, chief operating officer of Firehouse Subs restaurants, Husein Kitabwalla, president of Retail Brand Group, Ed Frechette senior vice president of Marketing Au Bon Pain restaurants, Dave Wolfgram, chief executive officer of Forklift Brands, Mike Busley, chief executive officer of Grand Traverse Pie Company, and Eric Ersher, chief executive officer of Zoup! Restaurants, to its Fast Casual Executive Alliance 2009 Board of Directors.
“We have some of the greatest leaders in the fast casual restaurant segment on the Board now and look forward to their contributions during their 18 month term,” said Fast Casual Alliance president Louis Basile.
“Fast Casual” is the restaurant segment positioned nicely between casual dining and fast food,” says Paul Barron chairman of the FCA. “Fast Casual was created by the consumer. They want the same quality and menu options as casual dining yet want to get in and out in less than 30 minutes. It’s the fall out of continued time constraints,” he continued. “We are seeing huge growth rates in the segment with brands leading the way such as Chipotle, Au Bon Pain and more.”
For more information about becoming a member of the Fast Casual Alliance, getting involved or to be considered to join our Alliance Board please visit www.fastcasualalliance.com.
ABOUT THE FAST CASUAL ALLIANCE
Founded in 2006, the Fast Casual Alliance (FCA) represents more than 375 leading companies in the fast casual restaurant market, the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry. The FCA is dedicated to continuing this growth and expanding consumer awareness of fast casual restaurants, and supporting legislative issues to serve all of the restaurant industry. The FCA evaluates and recommends standards and practices, works to improve customer service effectiveness, and educates operators, associations, and media companies, as well as the wider business community, about the unique benefits of the fast casual restaurant business. To become a member or for more information please visit www.fastcasualalliance.com.
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