Fast food goes for a touch of gourmet

Fast food is getting pretty fancy these days. Between Tuscan Grilled chicken at Sonic to the portobello mushroom burger at Carl's Jr, the QSR industry is getting quite a quality jolt. Pressure for better quality food is coming from consumers--and chains such as Panera Bread.

QSR consumers are looking for a wider variety of menu items and the drive is not so much healthier food but better taste. The 99-cent fast-food wars are over. Chains love it as check averages head north, with many folks willing to pay an extra buck or two for hints of gourmet from their favorite QSR. Read More...