McAlister's Frank Paci planning for growth in 2013

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

High-quality food and service have propelled the brand's growth.

Disrupting restaurant operations: Why ShiftNote could explode in 2013

New tech may help restaurant managers communicate better with their staff.

Long Range exec: Why technology is a differentiator in fast casual segment

Successful restaurants are using new technologies, including Table Tracker, to differentiate themselves within the Fast Casual industry.

Healthy menu innovations trump diet fads

Dietary preferences, like gluten-free and vegan, and diet programs, like Paleo and Weight Watchers, have inspired restaurants to offer healthier options.

PayPal brings digital wallet to NCR's restaurant merchants

This deal is of particular importance for PayPal because of the scope of NCR's point-of-sale footprint across the restaurant industry.

How distributed marketing will expand brand presence

With a distributed marketing model, the local restaurateur has access to designs created by corporate marketers, and have a greater ability to customize…

Brazilian concept leaving mark on U.S.

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

A Giraffas executive describes the chain's strategy for taking on America.

Starbucks resuable cups: A redemption story

The Seattle-based coffee chain has introduced reusable cups, but it may be a challenge to get customers to remember to bring the cups back into the store.

Why 'health casual' is gaining traction overseas

The demand for a tasty, health-conscious concept is very high in the Middle East.

The right prescription: Mobile payments go digital (commentary)

Mobile payments, like all new technologies, "need to be more like painkillers (must-haves), than vitamins (nice-to-haves)."

Restaurants surveyed for 2013 food trend predictions

Vegetables are expected to take on a starring role for a change.

PizzaRev owner dishes on fast casuals launching around pizza

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Double Father-son partnerships get PizzaRev off the ground.

The Big Salad founder: 'We're more than just salad'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The chain's success is the result of focusing on three core areas — brand image, financial systems and hiring practices.

Dessert destinations: An opportunity for fast casual or only QSRs?

Fast casuals should do what they do best to conquer the dessert market — customize.

Founder of Pancheros talks business

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Finding high-quality real estate is key to the chain's expansion goals.

2013's restaurant marketing trends: 'Partly cloudy with a chance of rain'

Restaurant marketers are tasked with finding brand ambassadors or content co-creators to help build a brand's buzz both online and offline.

New book describes hardships of running a Western concept in China

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Former master franchisee of Auntie Anne's Pretzels writes about the obstacles he faced that "will make anyone in business laugh, cringe and think twice about…

Franchisees cautious about growth until tax policies solidified

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Franchise leaders believe the sector would be growing faster if Washington D.C. addressed the uncertainties of tax policies and other regulations.

FastCasual's hot list: 8 predictions for 2013

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Mobile initiatives and competition from other segments will pick up in the New Year.

Why fast casuals are catering to catering

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Consumers like the speed and price point of fast casual catering options.