We spent February talking about these five stories

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

What topics generated the most heat during February's deep freeze?

Are grocery and c-stores a threat or opportunity for fast casual restaurants?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

While new offerings may put some grocery stores and c-stores in direct competition with fast casual brands, new partnerships also present new opportunities for…

Potatopia is pushing potatoes to the center of the plate

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

With a goal of more than doubling Potatopia's unit count in 2015, Alan Dikker has his sights set on elevating the lowly spud.

Stutz ready to gear up growth for McAlister's

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

McAlister's Deli plans to add 30 new locations in 2015, and Carin Stutz, its new president, would like to step up the pace even more.

North Dakota oil boom spurs fast casual restaurant growth

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Thanks at least in part to its energy sector, it makes sense for North Dakota to be on the radar for restaurant developers.

Will Chipotle raise prices again in 2015?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Another price increase may be on the horizon as Chipotle navigates high beef costs, and the pork supply issue could take a $2 million chunk out of the bottom…

The top five fast casual stories for January 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The top stories in January centered on restaurants poised for breakout years through franchising and growth; the secrets to Starbucks' success and CEOs' takes…

How did Apple Pay perform in its first quarter?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Eighty percent of Panera's mobile payments came from Apple Pay in Q1 2015. But 80 percent of how much?

Three takeaways from Starbucks' Q1 2015 report

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Starbucks' consistent success comes down to three things: a strong loyalty program, excellent operational execution and product innovation.

State of the Union puts minimum wage, 30-hour work week, joint employer issues in the spotlight

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

It's been a busy week in Washington. From the State of the Union address to the Supreme Court to more on the minimum wage, here's a round-up of hot public…

It's got a bite to it: Zoup! serves up Rattlesnake Stew

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

January 16, 2015

Zoup! is adding a new offering to its rotating menu of soups that may rattle some diners – Rattlesnake Stew.

How restaurants are using gamification to increase engagement in loyalty apps

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurants are discovering the power of leveraging apps, loyalty programs and games to engage customers and drive traffic.

Juice It Up! gears up for aggressive expansion under new VP

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The California-based juice bar and smoothie concept hired its first-ever VP of Business Development in November, and Laina Sullivan is ready to take it…

Is Zoës Kitchen poised for a breakout year?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Going public landed $42 million on the Mediterranean-inspired concept's balance sheet, and Zoës Kitchen is ready to put those dollars to work growing its…

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc. hopes investors will RAVE about new name

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc., the parent company of Pie Five Pizza Co. and Pizza Inn, has announced that it is changing its name to RAVE Restaurant Group Inc.…

Tokyo Joe's rolling into New Year with first franchise deal

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The Denver-based Asian concept is using "spoke and wheel" approach to accelerate its westward expansion.

Rearview 2014: Mobile helps brands reduce friction, stay connected

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mobile technology helped brands reduce friction and connect with customers in 2014.

Rearview 2014: Cause marketing moves from fundraising to partnerships

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Cause marketing went to the next level in 2014, beyond raising awareness and funds for a cause to deep partnerships between restaurants and non-profits.

Rearview 2014: Here's what we were hungry for

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

What did we want to nosh on in 2014? Not gluten. And maybe we're getting sick of pumpkin spice, too.

Rearview 2014: Millennials take the wheel

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

As more and more of their contemporaries move into leadership roles, millennials are moving from the passenger side to the driver's seat.