Baja Fresh opens 6th franchised unit, shifts strategic gears

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

July 20, 2009

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill continues to push its franchise development with the opening of a location inside California's Hilton Anaheim. The location marks the…

Spicy Pickle updates operations outlook

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

July 20, 2009

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. has updated its financial and franchise outlook for 2009 that includes the signing of a 10-unit development deal for the Houston…

How to Facebook your brand

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Tips and tools for restaurant concepts looking to launch a social-media platform.

Fast Casual launches State of the Industry survey

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The editor of fastcasual.com talks about this year's State of the Industry survey.

Putting pears on the menu

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Through the use of a shelf-stable product, operators can expand their ingredient options.

Fast casual food trends: 2009 and beyond

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From probiotics to family meals, restaurant brands tackle healthful menu items and value offerings.

The mobile restaurant

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

New cell phone applications include consumer feedback capabilities, and create a lasting interactive presence with the consumer.

Birth of a franchise: The first franchised location

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

After a permit issue postpones opening day, the first franchised Sofi's Crepes opens in Annapolis, Md.

How Lane Cardwell Jr. plans to re-marketize Boston Market

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Boston Market's CEO looks to recapture the meals-to-go niche by capitalizing on Boston Market's core strengths: value and product quality.

Fast casuals leverage the power of Twitter

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How brands are finding value in real-time communication via the microblogging site.

Enhancing the customer experience

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Three fast casuals that have turned obvious customer-service approaches into benchmarks for success.

Drive sales through employee-performance programs

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Fast casual operators boost retention and brand loyalty by giving back to their employees.

How can restaurant operators leverage online ordering?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Keith Franklin, national sales manager for OrderUp.com, discusses online ordering and the next generation of consumers.

NRA 2009: Products highlight coffee innovations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 26, 2009

More than 54,000 attendees descended upon Chicago 's McCormick Place May 16-19 for the 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. …

NRA 2009: Catering, labor management tools attract NRA attendees

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 19, 2009

As restaurant owners and operators consider the addition of catering programs to boost sales, companies such as MonkeyMedia Software are offering programs…

Birth of a Franchise: Sofi's Crepes

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

A key component to a successful concept is developing a system, then writing it all down. 

NRA 2009: Payment solutions to combat card breaches shown

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 16, 2009

When Heartland Payment Systems was contacted by Visa and MasterCard about reports of fraud tied to credit cards it had processed, an investigation showed that…

NRA 2009: Five hot new products on the show floor

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 15, 2009

The 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show kicked off today at Chicago's McCormick Place. The show runs May 16-19 and features new…

Five Guys responds to Inside Edition rodent expose

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Rodents caught on video outside two Washington, D.C., eateries cause closures.

McAlister's launches new prototype

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

A smaller footprint and pick-up window round out the list of changes.