Kiosks killing jobs? Current events beg the question, but the facts say otherwise

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Automatic Merchandiser

Several restaurant chains are using kiosks and other technology that allow orders to be placed more rapidly and efficiently. Kiosks are fostering fears about…

Slim Chickens opening in Middle East

December 12, 2016

Slim Chickens will continue the expansion of its fresh chicken concept for the first time outside of the United States through a partnership with Alghanim…

How the election could (and should) change the way restaurants do business

By Mike Lukianoff, Chief Analytics Officer/Fishbowl

Steve Ells named sole CEO of Chipotle

December 12, 2016

Despite a couple of Chipotle board members trying to oust Steve Ells last month from his chair position, the founder of the chain isn’t going anywhere. In…

Restaurant incubator ready for new chef class

December 9, 2016

Smallman Galley, which bills itself as "the nation's first restaurant incubator," has announced that it is accepting applications through the end of the month…

Storm brewing: Appointment of Hardee's CEO as labor secretary spawns debate

December 9, 2016

While several labor organizations have come out against Thursday's appointment of CKE Restaurants Holdings CEO Andy Puzder as President-elect Donald Trump's…

Why your mobile app can't be your mobile strategy

Instead of simply launching a mobile app and expecting it to meet the needs of consumers, marketers need to craft a mobile strategy that stretches across all…

Kiosks killing jobs? Current events beg the question, but the facts say otherwise

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Automatic Merchandiser

Several restaurant chains are using kiosks and other technology that allow orders to be placed more rapidly and efficiently. Kiosks are fostering fears about…

Slapfish swimming into South Korea

December 9, 2016

Slapfish is planting a flag next year in Seoul, South Korea, with plans to open 10 restaurants across the country over the next three years, according to a…

Nashville's Hattie B's Hot Chicken expanding to Atlanta

December 9, 2016

Nashville-based Hattie B's Hot Chicken will open its first Atlanta location late next year, according to a press release from Dallas-based Falcon Realty…

Panera promotes Blaine Hurst to president

December 9, 2016

Panera Bread has named company veteran Blaine Hurst as its president effective Dec. 12, following the resignation of Drew Madsen for personal reasons…

Native American franchisee signs master franchise agreement to expand Rex's Chicken

December 8, 2016

Beautiful Brands International signed an agreement with the Muscogee Creek Nation's Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise division to open as many as 500 Rex's…

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…

Trumping the restaurant industry

The founder and owner of the six-restaurant Uncle Jack's brand and former host of the Food Network's "Restaurant Stakeout" discusses how he thinks…

Dickey's opens locations in TX and OR

December 8, 2016

Texas and Oregon are getting more barbecue, according to a press release. Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened two locations this Thursday, one in Frisco and the other…

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…

Dickey's BBQ hoping social media contest inspires Elf on the Shelf photos

December 7, 2016

It's that time of year again, and Dickey's Barbecue Pit is using social media to host its Big Yellow Cup contest and to celebrate the season, according to a…

Cousins gives cash to Wisconsin philanthropies

December 7, 2016

A branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Faith, Hope and Love organization received some philanthropic "love" from Cousins Subs Make It…

Captain D's: Something's 'fishy' in Florida

December 7, 2016

Captain D's opened its newest corporate location Monday in Lake City, Florida, bringing the state's  total to 30 restaurants, according to a news release. 

McAlister's Deli names president

December 7, 2016

Paul Macaluso has taken over as president of McAlister's Deli, according to a press release from the brand's parent company, Focus Brands. Before joining Focus…