Restaurant design: Fast-casual look attracts customers

Donatos and Panera add to their brand with an attractive exterior design.  

Clean restrooms equal happy customers

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Your restrooms matter to customers, and, yes, they require constant attention. But at least the process isn't rocket science.

Hamburgers: Not just for drive-thrus anymore

The fast-casual burger concept hasn't exactly taken off like the bakery café segment, but the American tradition may be set to grow.

Commentary: Restaurant operators can help a fallen soldier's family

  Free food means a lot to the bereaved and to your brand.

Airport security measures hardly impact store sales

  Panda Express and Starbucks do not anticipate major bumps. But some experts say it's too early to judge.  

Fast casuals draw customers with e-mail marketing

Viral marketing campaigns are cost effective and fast-casual customer focused.

Prime time for online ordering in fast casual

Tossed and Camille's are among those generating sales via Web-based ordering.

Food-poisoning preparation pays off

If one of your customers becomes ill are you prepared for the crisis?  

Fast-casual restaurants increase check averages with desserts

Chocolate-chip cookies, ice cream and brownies may not be headline menu items, but they boost profits.  

Zoup! Is du jour

Who would have thought a fast-casual soup concept would be so successful?

Defining fast casual

From décor to price points, we look at what makes this segment.

Beyond the four walls

Catering is a value-added service worth consideration.

The perfect plot of land

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

What is the best fast-casual real estate?

The Great Harvest family

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Breaking bread with genuine people.

Boston Market is changing

A few things are different for the chain that started the "home meal replacement" trend.

Fast-casual pizza operation sets lofty growth goals

RedBrick Pizza is a slick, solid fast-casual concept. But can it grow from 60 pizza restaurants to 12,000 in just 10 years?

Black Gold

Push your profits by matching your premium food with a premium coffee

The Bruegger's turnaround

The once fast-growing chain has learned slow-growth is better.

Culver's boot camp

Not just anybody can join the Culver's family.

Knowing your customer

Before you start a marketing plan, you better know your target audience. It's not that difficult to conduct a demographics study.