Can Smashburger's former CEO put Pie Five back on positive path?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The last few years have been tough for Rave Restaurant Group, which owns Pie Five and Pizza Inn. Smasburger's former CEO, Scott Crane, however, stepped into…

Freshii's devilish promo rewards customers for ditching QSR gift cards

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The latest promotion from Freshii — which officially classifies itself as a "health casual" brand — is taking direct aim at its fast food competitors by…

'If in doubt, leave it out': The lessons in Cinnabon's Carrie Fisher tweet

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Cinnabon's poorly received social media post about Carrie Fisher, upon her death this week, has restaurant leaders talking about how best to prevent such…

5 findings inside diners' minds make great guides for 2017

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

NPD Group recently outlined its top five predictions about the American diner's state of mind as it relates to the dinner plate. Taken collectively, these five…

New food hub connects the local vegetable stand to biggest restaurant brands

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

December 20, 2016

Restaurateurs hoping for a central, tech-connected marketplace linking small local farmers to the skyrocketing number of restaurants, whose customers are…

Blast & Brew taps into allure of personal choice

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The new Blast & Brew pizza and beer franchise gives customers creative choice regarding what's on their plates and how they most prefer to wash it down. Here…

Wasabi to employees: We like you, we really like you

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Some of the world's leading brands make their employees their first and most important customer. The UK-based foodservice brand,Wasabi, is making it a priority…

All hail the diehards: Limited-service chains open Christmas

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

News reporters, convenience and retail store employees, first responders and medical personnel are among that committed group of people who rarely get holidays…

Hardee's CEO tapped as labor secretary: What's in it for restaurant biz?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

December 8, 2016

Where the nation and the restaurant industry labor force are concerned, Andy Puzder is quite vocal in his pro-automation and anti-regulation views. These views…

Starbucks pizza? Yes, it's true

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The chain's ambitious plan will increase revenue by 10 percent, grow earnings per share by 15-20 percent and drive mid-single-digit comp growth each year…

What to learn from DC pizza brand's fake news nightmare

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The potentially brand-ending effects of rumor in the Internet age became painfully evident Sunday when a fake news report connected to Washington D.C's…

Fast Casual Summit: 4 questions restaurant brands must answer

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

At last month's Fast Casual Executive Summit outside Los Angeles, restaurant marketing consultant Gerry O’Brion said the difference between winners and losers…

Fast Casual Summit: 5 lessons learned from m-commerce innovators

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Why restaurants must "adapt to mobile commerce or die."

Last-minute federal injunction halts OT rules

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Less than a week before the overtime regulations were to kick in, a federal judge in Texas has blocked the rule that would have made an estimated 4 million…

Is it time for restaurateurs to really talk turkey?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Thanksgiving, when you think about it, is the celebration of eating out with friends. Why then, doesn't the restaurant industry claim it and give restaurateurs…

Will the menu trends of 2017 turn to the dark side?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Charcoal, heavy fats and lots of bubbles may not sound like they belong on 2017's list of menu trends, but the Canadian food-centric marketing consultancy…

117-year-old Japanese brand outperforms industry average

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Apparently after nearly 120 years in business, you can still learn a thing or two about the restaurant industry. At least that's been the case for Yoshinoya…

Top seven steps to supply chain heaven outlined at summit

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Figuring out supply chain problems has a new urgency and importance today that might not have existed just three years ago. Here from the Fast Casual Summit…

Free Webinar: Pilot Testing Restaurant Digital Signage - The Only Way to Fly

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Invest an hour of time in the free webinar, Pilot Testing Restaurant Digital Signage: The Only Way to Fly. It's chock-full of checklists, proven testing rules…

Why Starbucks is so 'red-in-the-face' today

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Starbucks is bringing back red cups. In fact, this year the chain introduced not just an ornate red holiday cup, but 13 different ornate red holiday cups.