New virtual summit focuses on innovation, customer experience in self-service, kiosk, vending industries

Networld Media websites, Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, are launching a virtual summit that promises to bring attendees the very best in self-service…

Robotic video display kiosk can invite diners to 'roll on in' for pizza

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

What if you had a way to send out a kind of unpaid emissary who displayed an enticing video of your brand's menu items to passersby to pull them in to eat? Or…

NRA sends emergency restaurant support plan to legislators

The National Restaurant Association tells Congress the industry needs help and it needs it now.

With patent in hand, Mici 'presses' forward with national franchising

The 16-year-old brand is now franchising.

June US restaurant industry sales are best since February

Fast casual falters a bit, while pizza, chicken and burgers fare well in June.

Starbucks requiring customers to wear masks

Want Starbucks? Better mask-up if you're going to a company-owned store.

Uber pays $2.65B in stock for Postmates

The third-party delivery version of "big fish eats smaller fish" just changed the stakes in the highly competitive and ever-more-valuable restaurant delivery…

FastCasual accepting nominations for 2020 Perfect Pitch

FastCasual is accepting nominations until July 31 for the annual Perfect Pitch.

How franchisees can drive mid-market growth in the digital age

Using digital tech to maximum effect is the focus of an hour-long discussion with two leaders at Ohio-based pizza chain, Romeo's Pizza on July 14.

QSR customer satisfaction: Dunkin' outdoes Starbucks, Domino's dominates Papa John's

In the fine art of keeping happy customers, there were a few upheavals and a newcomer or two.

Summer menu trends revealed: Fruity, refreshing, plant-based

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

For many, summer triggers thoughts of swimming suits, picnics and vacations, but for fast casual restaurants, it signals refreshing limited-time offers.

Newk’s Eatery tests ‘hardwareless kiosk,' plans to add vending coolers

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Adam Karveller of Newk's Eatery thinks order habits will change long-term as a result of COVID-19. He thinks curbside pickup, delivery, online ordering and…

The bionic bar: Is Iceland's Viking-themed bar the future of fast casual?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Ice & Fries, a Viking-themed fast casual concept in Iceland, relies on drink-making robots, a bionic dog and 3D technology to provide an epic self-service…

Feds make forgivable PPP loans easier to navigate

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The federal government recently introduced simplified PPP loan application form is part of an effort to make the PPP loan easier for companies to use since the…

Clean Juice taps black employees to address pandemic of race

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In an effort to gain some perspective, the founders of Charlotte-based Clean Juice,  invited three black employees to join it's "Be Organic" podcast to discuss…

Networld Media employees honor late founder Alan Fryrear

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Alan Earl Fryrear, co-founder and chairman of Networld Media Group, died at the age of 81 on June 10, 2020.

How Mooyah Ops VP helping franchisees land, navigate PPP funds

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Of the Mooyah franchisees who applied for PPP loans, all but four received them, which totaled $3,419,200.

Kansas City couple beating odds to keep restaurant open amid COVID, protests

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Urban cafe KC owners Chef Justin Clark, and his wife, Rashaun, are operating their restaurant and food truck during uncertain times.

Fast Casuals honoring Pride Month with LTOs, donations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although a parade may not be in the cards this year because of COVID-19, restaurants are still finding ways to honor LGBT Pride Month.

Green Market Cafe launching franchising amid pandemic

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the pandemic isn't yet behind us, two restaurateurs are moving ahead with franchise plans for their up-and-coming concept, Green Market Cafe.