Tea, craft soda, beer bubbling up in beverage trends

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Fast casual operators can pull away from the pack by offering trendy beverages like handcrafted sodas, specialty teas and alcohol. But will margins be high…

Panera, Chipotle set sustainability standards by starting small, thinking big

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The biggest opportunities to save come with packaging and waste initiatives.

5 steps for keeping your restaurant from getting ICE'd

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The US government has stepped up its immigration enforcement efforts in recent years, and all employers -- not just large ones, or ones that employ…

Industry trends: Consumers will spend more for transparency, authenticity, safety

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Watch for menu trends at airport bars and lounges, Hollywood and convenience stores.

Nine keys for driving speed of service

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurants can become victims of their own success when high volume slows down service. Check out these tips for satisfying the need for speed.

Firehouse CEO: Restaurant industry dealing with unprecedented headwinds

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Union activism, food costs, data breaches and minimum wage debates are just part of the 'external factors' facing restaurant operators.

Fast casual execs weigh successes and failures of QSR segment

by Alicia Kelso — senior editor, QSRweb.com

Despite a few notable bright spots -- Wendy's, Domino's -- most observers agree that the QSR segment is in trouble. What are the lessons and opportunities for…

If you build it, they won't come

by Alicia Kelso — senior editor, QSRweb.com

Having a website, an app and/or social media accounts isn't enough. Brands must plan to engage customers if they want to build loyalty and convert sales.

How your mobile payment app can cost you customers and ding your reputation

Without a thoughtful approach to user experience, staff training and enticing loyalty incentives, brand apps are doomed to failure.

Is it possible to deliver fine dining experience for $10?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Frank Klein, CEO of Asian Box, thinks it's possible. The Asian concept sources sustainable ingredients, makes its own sauces and butchers its own meat.

Reducing food waste can improve the bottom line and the environment

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

A study commissioned by the Food Waste Reduction Alliance found that approximately 80 billion pounds of food are discarded into US landfills every year, with…

Building fine experience into fast service

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

How do fast casual restaurants foster customer relationships without sacrificing efficiency?

Apple Pay's impact on restaurant loyalty marketing

Focusing on the creation of an experience that’s easy for the customer, instead of optimal for the brand, makes customers feel like VIPs.

Experts share insights on millennial dining-out decisions

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Shaped by user-centric devices and the Great Recession, value-conscious millennials are looking for great experiences that are friction-free.

Greener planet, more green in the pockets

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Au Bon Pain reduced its carbon footprint, looks to shave up with 13 percent off its energy bill by monitoring and analyzing its energy usage.

New guide caters to restaurateurs, retailers looking to boost income with ATMs

'How to Profit from ATMs: A Guide for Retailers and Restaurateurs' delivers 40 pages packed with essential information about the business of owning, operating…

Panasonic bets on growth of drive-thru digital menu boards

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Because of the heavy traffic volume at the drive-thru, Panasonic's Jeff Pinc said the industry is in the beginning stages of wide adoption of outdoor digital…

E-2 visa leads UK entrepreneur to California dream

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Franchising is an ideal fit for many foreign entrepreneurs seeking to live and work in the US.

Boston Market taps employees to focus on guest experience

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Boston Market leaders collaborated with managers, employees to develop a new Guest Service Excellence program aimed at lifting AUVs from $1.3 million to $1.…

Doing well by doing good

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

When brands connect themselves and their customers to causes they love, everyone can benefit.