Is your restaurant stuck in a monkey trap?

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

From switching out the décor to updating technology, restaurateurs must take chances to keep their business fresh.

The 7 fundamentals of employee feedback

Providing employee feedback benefits both the individual and the team, but keep it simple and sincere.

Tropical Smoothie names new VP, marketing

March 13, 2012

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced the hiring of Cyndi Richardson as vice president of marketing. In this role, Richardson will be responsible for creating…

FREEBIRDS adds to executive team

March 13, 2012

FREEBIRDS World Burrito has named two new executives to its team: Dave Coussirat will serve as the new director of operations for Texas and Oklahoma and Bonnie…

Togo's establishes $15 million fund for growth

March 13, 2012

Togo’s Eateries Inc. has announced the formation of a $15 million fund to fuel its development in future years. The funding is available through a franchisee…

Jamba Juice launches new juice blends

March 13, 2012

Jamba Juice Company has debuted three new squeezed-to-order juice blends, expanding its current menu of juice and smoothie products. The juice blends are a…

Would YOU resist a robber?

The young manager knelt in front of the safe, a thousand thoughts cluttering his head. His fingers were nearly frozen with fear as he fumbled with the…

Don’t gamble on your summer hiring success

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

If a candidate isn't serious enough to take a short assessment, the odds are he or she won't turn out to be one of your top performers.

Serving sizes lead label-readers astray, what will restaurant menus do?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Healthy framing has the greatest influence with consumers who are most concerned about their diets, and restaurant operators should focus on portion sizes…

Restaurants sign up for new cause-based mobile app

March 13, 2012

A handful of restaurants have signed up for ValuedPatron Marketing Services LLC's new Eat-A-Bite, Give-A-Bit smartphone application that helps patrons and…

Mintel: 2012 restaurant economic prospects look positive

March 13, 2012

Interest in where food comes from, as well as changes in restaurant spending will both be driving the foodservice rollercoaster in 2012, according to market…

More consumers heading to restaurants for a snack

March 13, 2012

Consumers are snacking significantly more now than they were two years ago. Almost half (48 percent) of consumers polled say they're now snacking at least…

Caribou Coffee uses social media to spearhead evolution

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Caribou Coffee underwent a brand relaunch in late 2009 and is using social media to ensure its evolution continues down the right path.

Boston Market names chief brand officer

March 12, 2012

Boston Market Corporation has named Sara Rosenberg Bittorf as chief brand officer. Bittorf, who most recently served as vice president of marketing for…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill introduces compostable plates

March 12, 2012

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced the introduction of compostable entrée plates and Level 1 recyclable plate lids as part of its ongoing…

Noodles & Company expands in Central Indiana

March 12, 2012

Noodles & Company has announced that is has expanded its development agreement with long-term franchise group Sagamore Dining Partners LLC, based in…

Solo Cup unveils Trophy Plus for both hot and cold applications

March 12, 2012

A dual-temperature insulated cup with better rigidity and enhanced glossy appearance is being launched by Solo Foodservice to help operators boost beverage…

HuHot Mongolian Grills kicks off video contest

March 12, 2012

HuHot Mongolian Grills is inviting patrons to “Feed Your Inner Warrior,” through a video contest this March with cash prizes.

Zaxby's ranks No. 7 in customer satisfaction survey

March 12, 2012

Zaxby’s has been ranked number seven in the Top 10 Excellent Large Fast-Food Chains with 500 or more U.S. units in the recently published Quick-Track study…

Restaurant unit count drops in fall 2011

March 12, 2012

The total U.S. restaurant unit count dropped from 587,335 in Fall 2010 to 580,852 in Fall 2011, mostly due to independent restaurant closings. The data…