Digital strategy produces 119% jump in Tijuana Flats' online ordering

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

A simplified website, local SEO optimization, Pandora ads and special events for bloggers helped lift sales and drive traffic to Tijuana Flats stores.

The four 'Cs' driving Jason's Deli's success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jason's Deli racks up around $2.5M in AUVs. It's achieving that success by sticking with its core strengths, listening to customers, maintaining control and…

Dickey's in the spotlight for cooking competition show

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Dickey's will be the latest brand featured in TNT's cooking competition show "On the Menu." The winning dish will debut as an LTO the day after the episode…

The chefs have spoken: Menu trend predictions for 2015

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

After years on the rise, gluten-free cuisine has fallen out of the top 10 list of the National Restaurant Association's annual survey.

'Black Friday' a boon to restaurants, too

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mall-based restaurants can see a significant spike in sales around the holiday season, bolstered by high traffic volumes and consumers' desire for indulgence.

Secrets to successful restaurant site selection

Tour prospective sites in order from worst to best, which will allow you to become more confident, ask better questions and be more in control of the leasing…

8 tips for heading off holiday scheduling stress

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Increased traffic coupled with more requests for time off can add up to scheduling stress. Check out these tips for reducing the stress.

The wait is over: FDA issues final menu labeling regulations

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The FDA's 395-page document includes menu labeling by the slice, not the whole pizza, a ruling applauded by the restaurant industry.

Smashburger CMO: Better burgers are here to stay

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Smashburger grew by about 20 percent this year, and it's likely it will continue that pace next year, according to newly-appointed CMO Josh Kern.

Of note on social media: Panda Express 'joy spotting' campaign

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

An eight-hour social media campaign yielded a 389-percent increase in mentions of the brand on Twitter and a 24-percent increase in followers.

Restaurant organizations apprehensive about Obama's executive action on immigration

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

It has been estimated that about 20 percent of chefs, head cooks and cooks in the restaurant industry are undocumented immigrants.

Minimum wage: how restaurants are responding to the 'inevitable'

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Many restaurant operators believe a minimum wage increase is inevitable, and they are responding in a variety of ways.

7 tips for getting Millennials to stay in love with your brand

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

How do brands keep once-smitten customers from getting bored and breaking up?

How a hotel became a hot fast casual concept

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marriott transformed its Courtyard food and beverage offerings away from the traditional buffet into a new fast casual format, resulting in a 27-percent jump…

Technology, desire to connect with customer drives Buffalo Wild Wings' success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Based on customer research and feedback, Buffalo Wild Wings invested significantly in defining, delivering and enhancing its brand experience using technology.

Startup aims to help restaurants clear hyperlocal produce hurdles

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

OtherShip Foods offers 10- and 20-foot containers that use hydroponics technology to grow produce on site.

'Hidden compliance cost:' Restaurants with 50+ full-time employees must start ACA reporting in 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Though not mandated to offer health care coverage to employees until 2016, restaurants with 50 or more full-time employees are still required to track data…

Customization, versatility driving the Asian food segment

Highly versatile and easily customizable, the Asian food segment is a perfect segue for East-meets-West flavor mashups that consumers of all ages will love.

COO: Newk's riding high on 'second wave' of fast casual

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jim Greco, newly-appointed COO of Newk’s Franchise Company, sees an opportunity for the chain to supplant early leaders like Panera thanks to culinary-driven…

Four ways the game has changed for restaurant brands

Nimbleness, dynamic customer relationships, customization and millennial insights are all key to brand success, says FOCUS Brands CEO Steve DeSutter.