Digital Technologies Reshaping Restaurant Operations

Operators are increasingly using digital devices to improve service, help manage labor challenges and gather insightful analytics.

55-year-old fast casual concept launching container model

April 29, 2022

Beef-A-Roo, a 55-year-old brand based in Rockford, Illinois, is franchising for the first time in its history, thanks to NEXT Brands and Development acquiring…

Using technology to pump up online ordering on Cinco de Mayo

by Graham Campbell

With some customers still uncomfortable eating out, restaurant owners need to have the capabilities to manage an influx of online orders for carryout, curbside…

Acrelec partners with PAR Technology to upgrade digital menu boards

April 29, 2022

Acrelec, a technology company that works to improve the customer experience for restaurants and retail brands, completed its integration with Brink POS…

Menu innovation fuels Juice It Up's Q1 growth

April 28, 2022

It's been a good year for Juice It Up, which reported that its Q1 year-over-year same-store sales were up 7%, while total system sales jumped 12.1% compared to…

Halal Guys strikes deal with Yankees

April 28, 2022

Yankees fans can now order The Halal Guys' chicken and beef gyros and platters while watching games live at Yankee Stadium in NYC. One cart will be near the…

Freddy's expanding in Chicago

April 28, 2022

Wichita, Kansas-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers signed six multi-unit agreements to bring 64 locations to new and existing markets, including…

Moe's hires Marketing, Operations VPs

April 28, 2022

Moe's Southwest Grill, owned by Focus Brands, has hired two senior leaders: Annica Conrad as VP of Marketing and Mike Smith as VP of Operations.

Vegan BBQ joint opening NYC storefront

April 28, 2022

Pure Grit BBQ, which has been selling vegan barbecue essentials online since 2020, is opening its first storefront next month in New York City, at 36 Lexington…

Shake Shack striving to improve worker conditions, lower carbon footprint

April 28, 2022

In its third annual "Stand For Something Good Summary," Shake Shack revealed Thursday that it was focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace…

Webinar deep dives into modern loyalty programs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Transactions are just the tip of the loyalty iceberg. This webinar deep-dives below the surface to explain how to get more out of your rewards program.

P.F. Chang's, Shipley Do-Nuts, WOWorks, Oath Pizza share ways to lure multi-unit operators

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Franchisors need strong listening and communication skills, as well as a strong brand foundation, when looking to partner with multi-unit franchisees.

Big Chicken setting the 'Moody'

April 27, 2022

Austin is about to satisfy the raging appetites of concertgoers and sports fans with the opening of Shaquille O'Neal-owned Big Chicken inside the Moody Center…

Big Chicken coming to Ohio

April 27, 2022

Big Chicken, founded by Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, is entering Ohio, thanks to a deal with franchisees Steve Christensen, Reid Richards and Mike Craddick…

Magnolia Bakery focusing on digital customers

April 27, 2022

Although New York-based Magnolia Bakery has been around since 1996, the 35-unit to-go and counter-service bakery is on a mission to future-proof its business…

Local Kitchens adding 3 micro halls to Bay Area

April 27, 2022

Local Kitchens, a micro food hall offering several fast casual concepts under one roof, is adding three locations in the Bay Area as part of its Northern…

Focus Brands, Wing Shack, Jamco leaders talk data control, loyalty strategies

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Regaining control of data is paramount for restaurant brands after two years of data collection being in the hands of third-party delivery partners.

Mutts Cantina breaking ground in Austin

April 27, 2022

Mutts Canine Cantina is building a restaurant in North Austin. Slated to open in the late summer months or early fall, the off-leash dog park with an outdoor…

Sweet Paris relying on female-dominated team to fuel growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Allison Chavez, co-founder of Sweet Paris, a Texas-based chain of 11 crepe shops, is ready to grow her concept with a little help from other female leaders.

The Cumin Bowl debuting ghost kitchens

April 26, 2022

The Cumin Bowl, a Chicago-based brand owned by the Cumin Culinary Brands specializing in customizable Indian bowls, is serving diners in the Dallas-Fort Worth…