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Commentary: Two McDonald's greats-listen and learn
By Erle Dardick I took this photo in October at the FastCasual Executive Summit in Chicago. Since then, I have been looking at it every once in awhile. For some reason, this photo has increased in …
February 7, 2012
What’s the hottest segment of the restaurant industry? Fast casual. [Infographic]
As leading brands prepare to meet in Chicago for the sixth annual Fast Casual Executive Summit, we thought we'd prepare this infographic that shows how hot the fast casual restaurant segment is. Just …
October 11, 2011 - Valerie Killifer
The value of fast casual
I'm spending my Saturday sitting on a Southwest Airlines cross-country flight, headed home after a whirlwind tour of our Firehouse Subs restaurants in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. Barely 12 …
November 16, 2010 - Don Fox
Fast Casual Executive Summit registration opens
The Fast Casual Executive Summit has announced it is now accepting requests for invitations for its 2010 event. The fourth annual Summit will be held Oct. 10-12 at the Sofitel Chicago Watertower …
April 27, 2010 - Valerie Killifer
The Fast Casual Alliance moves under NRA umbrella
Although the formation of the Fast Casual Alliance – An NRA Industry Council was announced Sept. 15, the organization's transition will take about two years to complete. But by entering into …
September 29, 2009 - Valerie Killifer
Fast Casual Executive Summit: Tough times bring operators together
* Click here to view a slideshow from day one of the event. * Click here to view images from the dinner event at Trader Vic's. * And click here to view images from day two. One thing you usually can …
September 22, 2009 - Valerie Killifer
Au Bon Pain deals with recession through strategic revision
Au Bon Pain revised its brand mission and essence in order to cope with the economic recession that caused restaurants across the industry to revise their strategic plans. The company's mission was …
September 14, 2009 - Valerie Killifer
BREAKING NEWS: Fast Casual Alliance, NRA create new industry council
The Fast Casual Alliance and the National Restaurant Association will join forces to create the new Fast Casual Alliance – An NRA Industry Council. The group will serve as a model for future …
September 14, 2009 - Valerie Killifer
Dean Lindsay delivers Fast Casual Summit keynote
The Fast Casual Executive Summit got its official start today at the Hotel Palomar in Dallas. The Summit, being held Sept. 14-15, launched with a luncheon keynote by Dean Lindsay, author of "The …
September 13, 2009 - Valerie Killifer
FC Summit: Brand leaders say emotional connection key
The top three ingredients fast casual operators must have in place in order to build a successful concept are food, service and an unusual, creative environment. Those ideas were discussed in detail …
September 13, 2009 - Valerie Killifer