Are grocery and c-stores a threat or opportunity for fast casual restaurants?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

While new offerings may put some grocery stores and c-stores in direct competition with fast casual brands, new partnerships also present new opportunities for…

Potatopia is pushing potatoes to the center of the plate

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

With a goal of more than doubling Potatopia's unit count in 2015, Alan Dikker has his sights set on elevating the lowly spud.

Despite sales growth, is tough sledding ahead for the fast casual segment?

The fast casual segment continues to outperform other segments of the restaurant industry. But will it be able to keep up the pace?

RFID table tracking helping fast casuals get orders out quickly, accurately

by Nicole Troxell — Associate Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurants are using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to help orders land on guest tables quickly and accurately.

Stutz ready to gear up growth for McAlister's

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

McAlister's Deli plans to add 30 new locations in 2015, and Carin Stutz, its new president, would like to step up the pace even more.

6 must-do strategies attracting millennial diners

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Want a piece of millennials $1.7 trillion in spending power? Here are six ways you can grab it.

North Dakota oil boom spurs fast casual restaurant growth

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Thanks at least in part to its energy sector, it makes sense for North Dakota to be on the radar for restaurant developers.

Is Panera 2.0 starting to pay off?

by Nicole Troxell — Associate Editor, Networld Media Group

Panera will report on its Q4 and FY 2014 earnings on Feb. 12, and the question on everyone's mind is, "How's that 2.0 thing going?" We sat down with Panera's…

Will Chipotle raise prices again in 2015?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Another price increase may be on the horizon as Chipotle navigates high beef costs, and the pork supply issue could take a $2 million chunk out of the bottom…

The top five fast casual stories for January 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The top stories in January centered on restaurants poised for breakout years through franchising and growth; the secrets to Starbucks' success and CEOs' takes…

Here's two new mobile POS developments you'll want to keep an eye on

by Will Hernandez — Editor, NetWorld Media Group

In the market for a new mobile POS? Prefer the Windows 8.1 operating system? You've got some new options on the market.

Three takeaways from Starbucks' Q1 2015 report

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Starbucks' consistent success comes down to three things: a strong loyalty program, excellent operational execution and product innovation.

State of the Union puts minimum wage, 30-hour work week, joint employer issues in the spotlight

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

It's been a busy week in Washington. From the State of the Union address to the Supreme Court to more on the minimum wage, here's a round-up of hot public…

Why operators need to know about patent trolls

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Patent trolls could cost restaurants money and slow innovation. Here's what operators need to know about patent trolls.

How restaurants are using gamification to increase engagement in loyalty apps

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurants are discovering the power of leveraging apps, loyalty programs and games to engage customers and drive traffic.

Juice It Up! gears up for aggressive expansion under new VP

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The California-based juice bar and smoothie concept hired its first-ever VP of Business Development in November, and Laina Sullivan is ready to take it…

Is Zoës Kitchen poised for a breakout year?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Going public landed $42 million on the Mediterranean-inspired concept's balance sheet, and Zoës Kitchen is ready to put those dollars to work growing its…

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc. hopes investors will RAVE about new name

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc., the parent company of Pie Five Pizza Co. and Pizza Inn, has announced that it is changing its name to RAVE Restaurant Group Inc.…

Strong growth ahead in 2015, predicts the IFA, but threats are looming

While the economic forecast is strong, headwinds caused by the NRLB's joint employer ruling, minimum wage hikes and ACA implementation could curtail QSR…

Building genuine customer engagement in an Instagram world

Instead of exhausting yourself trying to change customer behavior, take the necessary steps to minimize the distractions cell phones can present.