The Counter launching new concept in L.A.

The smaller format is perfect for non-traditional settings.

Zoës Kitchen launches mobile app

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In less then a week, the app already has 15,000 downloads.

Effective marketing on a shoestring budget

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

People are three to four times more likely to buy from you if they know you.

Smartphones: The secret ingredient

Branded mobile apps provide a direct link to the loyal customer, which in turn enriches the brand-consumer relationship and provides new and powerful…

Ice cream concept's success comes from constant branding

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The Comfy Cow founders discuss how they branded, duplicated and expanded their premium ice cream concept during a slow economy.

Commentary: Why fast casual is not the future of restaurant business

An industry expert describes how fast casual is evolving into fresh casual.

How restaurants can get ultimate results with direct mailing

Focusing on The Big Three -- size, design and list -- will result in excellent results from postcard marketing.

Why Le Duff's 3 fast casual brands are poised for growth

Paul Carolan, chief development officer with Le Duff America, chatted with FasCastual.com about his plans for Bruegger's Bagels, la Madeleine and Brioche…

New app puts restaurant customers in control of music

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Roqbot allows customers to select the music played while they eat.

Experts warn of impending food price increases

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Effects of the 2012 summer drought and a possible sequester are expected to contribute to trend.

Will mobile tech be the death of cash registers?

by James Wester — Editor 1, Mobile Payments Today

Fast Casual Senior Editor Cherryh Butler spoke to a number of companies providing tablet solutions that predict they'll eventually replace cash registers.

How social media can take your brand to the next level

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Eat Drink Promote founder outlined the Four Pillars of Social Media at NAPICS, said Google+ will be big in five years.

NAPICS '13: Is 'better pizza' the next fast casual category?

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The keynote presentation at The North American Pizza and Ice Cream Show in Columbus, Ohio, focused on trends in pizza and ice cream.

Video: Expert on Millennials shares tips on how to reach them

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Millennials want to co-create your product and share it with their friends.

3 ways to keeping customers loyal in the off-season

The real goal in implementing loyalty strategies is to transition satisfied customers into passionate brand advocates.

Why former Burger King president invested in Giardino Gourmet Salads

Julio Ramirez shares his plans for the chain and what type of franchisees he's seeking to help him grow the brand.

President Obama proposes to increase minimum wage to $9

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

State of the Union address touches on immigration reform, health care regulations and other topics that directly affect the restaurant industry.

Plenty of 'Hot' and 'Cool' at NAFEM '13

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

New products featured at this year's show included labor and energy-efficient features, food safety characteristics, life cycle costs and more.

Sweetgreen hoping mobile payment app will hit guests' sweet spot

Fast casual chain is putting its guests on a credit card diet.

5 ways restaurants can use video to increase customer spend

High-quality video showcases food and drink consumers can taste with their eyes, providing them with a more in-depth feel of a restaurant's atmosphere and…