IoT, customer-facing robots and VR among topics to be discussed at 2017 ICX Summit

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

The annual conference, which draws hundreds of customer experience leaders and innovators, is June 5-7 in Dallas and features a range of interesting sessions…

Sleep talkers beware: Alexa is listening for your restaurant reorders

Amazon Prime members can now voice-order meals through Amazon Restaurants on Alexa-enabled devices,

Great Harvest Bread CEO: Competitors should be worried

The chain has launched a "hub-and-spoke" bakery-cafe franchise opportunity, meaning franchisees can purchase a large territory that includes a single Great…

'If in doubt, leave it out': The lessons in Cinnabon's Carrie Fisher tweet

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

Cinnabon's poorly received social media post about Carrie Fisher, upon her death this week, has restaurant leaders talking about how best to prevent such…

5 findings inside diners' minds make great guides for 2017

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

NPD Group recently outlined its top five predictions about the American diner's state of mind as it relates to the dinner plate. Taken collectively, these five…

Lighten up: 7 fast casuals prepping for the new year

by Cherryh Butler — editor, fcc

Several brands are adding healthier menu alternatives just in time to help customers make their New Year's resolutions.

How is color coloring customer perceptions?

Color is critical to customer experience since it has a notable and predictable impact on their moods and emotions.

'On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me' ... mobile ordering?

by Cherryh Butler — editor, fcc

As the holidays near, a few fast casuals are gifting their customers with a faster and easier mobile experience.

Blast & Brew taps into allure of personal choice

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

The new Blast & Brew pizza and beer franchise gives customers creative choice regarding what's on their plates and how they most prefer to wash it down. Here…

Johnny Rockets tests self-order kiosks in moving to a QSR format

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Self-order kiosks play an important role in moving to more of a quick-serve format for Johnny Rockets as the 30-year-old iconic brand seeks to refresh itself.

Wasabi to employees: We like you, we really like you

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

Some of the world's leading brands make their employees their first and most important customer. The UK-based foodservice brand,Wasabi, is making it a priority…

Kiosks killing jobs? Current events beg the question, but the facts say otherwise

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Automatic Merchandiser

Several restaurant chains are using kiosks and other technology that allow orders to be placed more rapidly and efficiently. Kiosks are fostering fears about…

Kiosks killing jobs? Current events beg the question, but the facts say otherwise

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Automatic Merchandiser

Several restaurant chains are using kiosks and other technology that allow orders to be placed more rapidly and efficiently. Kiosks are fostering fears about…

Starbucks pizza? Yes, it's true

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

The chain's ambitious plan will increase revenue by 10 percent, grow earnings per share by 15-20 percent and drive mid-single-digit comp growth each year…

Why Moe's Southwest Grill, A&W focusing on digital marketing

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Digital media is always changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

Saladworks refreshes brand with innovative technology, featuring Life Bar kiosks

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

For those who are technology savvy who don't want to sit through a queue, speed is more important than human interaction.

Going 1-on-1 with Garbanzo CEO

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

James Park took the reins just over a year ago at Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, leaving behind a VP title at Which Wich. He's spent the past year streamlining…

Fast Casual Summit: 4 questions restaurant brands must answer

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

At last month's Fast Casual Executive Summit outside Los Angeles, restaurant marketing consultant Gerry O’Brion said the difference between winners and losers…

A 4-step plan to boost holiday catering sales

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Brands striving to increase catering sales this holiday season should ask and answer four questions.

Fast Casual Summit: 5 lessons learned from m-commerce innovators

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

Why restaurants must "adapt to mobile commerce or die."