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…

Why Moe's Southwest Grill, A&W focusing on digital marketing

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Digital media is always changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

5 ways to attract the under-tapped teen consumer

As the restaurant industry faces among the lowest annual revenues since 2008, the teen market represents a bright spot in future spending. For the restaurant…

What to learn from DC pizza brand's fake news nightmare

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The potentially brand-ending effects of rumor in the Internet age became painfully evident Sunday when a fake news report connected to Washington D.C's…

Automated food safety compliance platform hits market

December 7, 2016

VeriSolutions and AT&T have created an automated system to help restaurant brands comply with food-safety guidelines. VeriSolutions' platform features a…

Chipotle's stocks drop after Ells admits 'nervous' about 2017 outlook

December 7, 2016

Chipotle's Steve Ells isn't satisfied with the rate of recovery and the quality of the experience offered to customers. He addressed investors Tuesdays at a…