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.

Social media and your POS: The search for Bigfoot

by Nate Riggs — CEO / Owner, NR Media Group

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a restaurant marketer during my time at a family dining chain centered around three very simple, but very important…

Applebee's fast casual test a success in KC

February 15, 2013

Kansas City, Mo.-based Applebee's seems to be fully embracing the fast casual concept. The express lunch service it introduced at one location last summer was…

Social media coach: Google+ is a 'must' for entrepreneurs

February 15, 2013

A new Global Web Index study shows Google+ grew to 343 million users globally in December.

Perka named a top 10 most innovative company

February 15, 2013

Perka Inc., a mobile loyalty solution for merchants, has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative companies in the "Local" category.

Cornery Bakery continues NY expansion

February 15, 2013

Corner Bakery Cafe recently announced plans to open 16 new restaurants in six counties in the Greater New York City area as part of a recent multiunit…

Zaxby's now serving Dr Pepper

February 15, 2013

Dr Pepper Snapple Group has entered into a five-year agreement with Athens, Ga.-based Zaxby's. The company, a southeast fast casual concept that serves chicken…

Top 100: Fast casual trends - No. 10

February 14, 2013

No. 10: Flex casual

Kohnen Brothers named Barberitos 2012 Franchisees of the Year

February 14, 2013

Philip and Martin Kohnen recently received the Barberitos 2012 Franchisee of the Year award. The brothers own two units in Georgia, one in Milledgeville and…

Shrimp scampi tacos back at Pancheros

February 14, 2013

Pancheros has officially brought back its shrimp scampi tacos for a limited time, now until March 30. Reintroduced by popular demand, the dish will be gracing…

Einstein Bros. opens 100th ARAMARK licensed unit

February 14, 2013

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group and ARAMARK, a provider of dining and facilities management services for the education sector, have opened 100 licensed…

Celebrity chefs headline NRA Show's Culinary Showcase event

February 14, 2013

The National Restaurant Association announced that celebrity chefs from across the country — including Top Chef Masters winner Rick Bayless, Iron Chef's Cat…

Smoothie King names CEO

February 14, 2013

New Orleans-based Smoothie King Franchises has appointed Tom O'Keefe as the company's new president and COO, along with the reappointment of Joe Lewis — one of…

Orange Leaf turns fro-yo upside down

February 14, 2013

Upside down is the new right way to eat frozen yogurt at Orange Leaf, now that the 225-unit chain is encouraging guests to save the yogurt to top off their…

Cowboy Chicken protecting customers from cyber criminals via ANX

February 14, 2013

Cowboy Chicken has selected ANXeBusiness Corp. as the endorsed provider of security and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard solutions for its brand…

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.

Starbucks gets juiced

February 14, 2013

Fourteen months after Starbucks acquired Evolution Fresh, an organic juice company, Starbucks has expanded distribution of the healthy, cold-crafted juices to…

10 ways to build your restaurant catering program

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

Growing catering revenues requires professional business-to-business selling skills.

Restaurant franchise industry veteran starts strategic advisory firm

February 13, 2013

Franchise industry veteran Lynette McKee, CFE, announced today the launch of McKeeCo Services LLC, a franchising and development strategic advisory firm.…

FreshBerry picks up market share in Middle East

February 13, 2013

Winning a sizeable market share in the Middle East is a big part of FreshBerry Frozen Yogurt Cafe's strategy, and it seems the brand is succeeding, according…