Ponko Chicken re-opens after 9-year hiatus with tech-savvy POS system

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Ponko Chicken stays busy taking orders with its dual-facing touchscreen POS station as it prepares to establish a franchise operation.

Anthony's Pizza, Asian Box, Melt Shop, Teatulia clear up confusion over food transparency

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

Consumers today don't just want restaurants to "tell all" when it comes to their food sources.They demand it.

Blaze Pizza, McAlister's, Beefsteak chefs chat about menu innovation

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

There is no single path to successful menu development, but a successful menu is always a collaborative effort.

Drumstick-roll please: KFC exec to share secret (branding) recipe as keynote of Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

George Felix, KFC's director of brand communications, will share his secret recipe on how KFC is resonating with both millennials and Baby Boomers at the 201…

Corner Bakery, Newk's, Saladworks leaders on making data make money

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

Three restaurant leaders discuss best practices for best data returns.

Third-party food delivery models evolve as demand accelerates

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Third-party food delivery rapidly expands, gaining importance among restaurant operators who are contemplating the best approach to offer the service.

Restaurants honoring vets with freebies

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

A variety of restaurant brands are thanking vets for their service with free meals.

To franchise or not: &Pizza, Blaze CEOs debate which business model is best

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Jim Mizes and Michael Lastoria debate franchising vs sticking with a company-owned business model.

Fiesta CEO: Hurricanes to blame for Q3 declines

Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical hoping to bounce back by following its parent company's four-point revitalization plan.

Canadian start-up with a Caribbean bent shows passion integral to Perfect Pitch win

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

A Toronto mom-and-pop focused on a Caribbean native's love for his culture, along with his new bride's love for him took home honors at this year’s Perfect…

Investing for growth? Veterans flag top priorities

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

A panel during the Fast Casual Executive Summit at the Nashville Omni explored the questions management should ask before investing in growth initiatives.

Dickey's, Quiznos, Firenza execs: Cloud technology gives a lift, but needs advocates

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Cloud technology enables companies to respond faster to market changes and empowers employees to perform better, but change doesn't come without pain.

Restaurateurs: 'Don’t hesitate to offer mobile payments'

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While mobile orders represent a minority of orders, panelists said the ratio is shifting in their favor. A panel of restaurateurs tackling the issue at the…

Halloween scaring up food freebies across the nation

Halloween is easily one of the most popular holidays for brands hoping to engage customers with freebies.

Millennials: 'Give us big discounts, cut the small talk'

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

One of the more eye-opening sessions at this Fast Casual Executive Summit in Nashville this month was a quick, question-filled hour-long chat with a varied…

Menu experts predict global menu trends — does your brand measure up?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Menu experts chat about current and future trends at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit.

Chipotle CEO: 'We still have much work to do'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Despite missing analysts' marks, CEO Steve Ells said he's as optimistic as he was when starting Chipotle nearly 24 years ago.

CEOs of Wing Zone, Focus Brands, Captain D's, Backyard Burgers, Koti Pizza predict industry changes, trends

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

This year's Fast Casual Executive Summit wrapped up Tuesday night with insights from some of the industry's most successful CEOs.

Summit keynote speaker: 5 seconds to leading amidst rapid change

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

Best-selling author and CNN commentator Mel Robbins tells fast casual leaders why they are likely just 5 seconds away from the best approach to their toughest…

Muscle Maker CEO on mini IPO: 'Customers love our food. Now, they can own our stock.'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Muscle Maker Grill CEO Robert Morgan chats about his decision to take the chain public via a mini-IPO and