Steady optimism rises from the NRA Show floor

by Alicia Kelso — senior editor, QSRweb.com

Most exhibitors agreed this year’s traffic provided better quality leads.

5 mistakes to avoid from your restaurant's mobile presence

If you want your potential customers to find your restaurant, you have to make sure your contact information and address is visible.

Smashburger named top brand, Fazoli’s CEO named top exec for 2014 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers

Criteria included innovation, growth, social responsibility and overall contribution.

Plenty of new product launches expected at the National Restaurant Association Show

by Alicia Kelso — senior editor, QSRweb.com

Mobile and digital continue to be top trends, as does integrated technology solutions.

The difference between ‘OK’ and ‘delightful’ restaurant experiences

by Alicia Kelso — senior editor, QSRweb.com

Those who rate their experience a 5 out of 5 on satisfaction are eight times more likely to recommend the restaurant than those who rated it a 4 out of 5.

The two components of customer service training

by Shep Hyken — CAO, Shepard Presentations

Ongoing training keeps customer service skills and strategies fresh and in the forefront of employees' minds.

Noodles and Company plans to accelerate catering, dinner focus

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Catering sales in test markets have reached 1 to 4 percent of sales, without much marketing.

Why restaurants can't ignore technology

An online or in-app ordering platform will boost throughput, as will a mobile payment app.

Panera CEO: We've got to reduce friction with customers

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The company will add more catering locations, which is expected to contribute to the bottom line in the coming years.

Fast casual heats up restaurant industry with 11 percent growth

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

More QSRs and full-service restaurants are expected to realign their formats to compete more aggressively.

Chipotle plans to raise prices 4 to 6 percent this quarter

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

CEO says younger generation is bonding with the brand similarly to how kids bonded with McDonald's in the 1980's.

The best social media strategies depend on experimentation

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The key to any marketing strategy is having compelling content; this is especially true on social media.

'Better chicken' brand flying nationwide

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Slim Chickens is on a mission to be a leading chicken concept.

Fast casual driving growth of 'The American Bakery'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Bakeries are stepping up their menu offerings, decor and overall customer experience.

Why gluten-free is here to stay

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Gluten-free menu items have increased by 200 percent since 2010.

What Panera 2.0 means for all operators

Panera 2.0 is two new customer experiences in one.

'Healthy' goes beyond trendy

Limited service chains offering more healthier options is proof that healthier eating is developing into a way of life.

3 reasons why restaurants need mobile, cloud technology

Restaurants must weave mobile and cloud technology into a single command center that can run a global franchise or a local restaurant.

Seamless dining: The gamified restaurant experience

If done correctly, gamification can create a loyal customer base, attract new diners and promote efficiency.

Panera undergoes digital makeover

From mobile payment options to digital ordering, the bakery-chain debuts Panera 2.0.