Clothes can make the employee

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Earlier this month I ran across an article in Freakonomics referencing a study that showed "wearing a white lab coat — a piece of clothing associated with care…

NRA survey shows demand for online, smartphone presence

March 28, 2012

The restaurant industry was one of the first to come back from the recession, and for 2012, the National Restaurant Association's Forecast predicts a record…

Starbucks under fire for use of beetle blood in flavoring

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In response to its use of cochineal extract, a Change.org campaign asks Starbucks to remove the ingredient from use.

HuHot menu explodes with Dynamite Shrimp

March 27, 2012

HuHot Mongolian Grill is launching its Dynamite Shrimp appetizer, available only in April and May.

Bruegger's to offer tax-days incentive

March 27, 2012

In honor of tax season, Bruegger’s is offering its Big Bagel Bundle for $10.40, available at that price from April 13-17.

Culinary Tide's 2012 top trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Culinary Tides, Inc. released the report: "Top 10 Trends Analysis - Shifting Sands 2012: A cross analysis of predictions across Government, Technology, Health…

Report: Expectations rise for restaurant industry

March 27, 2012

The American restaurant industry is starting to benefit from a rise in consumer spending and foot traffic, albeit from a diminished base, according to the 22nd…

Survey: Summer job market improving

March 27, 2012

With more than 200,000 jobs added to U.S. payrolls in each of the last three months, hiring managers for summer jobs have more positive news for job-seeking…

What's in your egg salad?

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

When I was about 8 years old, my mother finally left me alone in the kitchen to create something of my own devise. I couldn't use the stove, but I could use…

MAD Greens adds MonkeyMedia Software's catering platform

March 26, 2012

MonkeyMedia Software, a provider of complete catering solutions for multi-unit restaurant operators, has announced a partnership with Denver-based MAD Greens…

Jason Falls to keynote Foodservice Social Media Universe

March 26, 2012

Social media and marketing expert, Jason Falls is the keynote speaker at this year’s Foodservice Social Media Universe (#FSMU) conference at the Swissotel in…

Dickey's Barbecue Pit signs Bay area franchise deals

March 26, 2012

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is heating up its expansion in the San Francisco Bay area. The barbecue chain currently has six Bay area stores and is searching for…

Social media: A necessary evil?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Market Force just completed a consumer study of social media usage. Not surprisingly, every year we've looked at usage we've seen the numbers going up. About…

Do you really offer gluten-free dishes?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Identifying and avoiding potential contamination starts with the very basics in the kitchen.

Digital Signage Today publishes guide to digital signage ROI

March 26, 2012

LOUISVILLE, KY. — Digital Signage Today, the daily news and information portal devoted to the digital signage industry, has just published the 2012 edition of…

Report: Soup and salad purchases increase

March 26, 2012

As consumers seek lighter, healthier and more affordable food choices, away-from-home soup and salad purchases are on the rise, according to market research…

The Chalak Group secures $17 million in funding

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 25, 2012

The Chalak Group has raised $17 million in equity financing that will be used to expand its Genghis Grill and Baker Bros. American Deli chains, in addition to…

Tropical Smoothie Café promotes menu makeover

March 25, 2012

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced a new menu rollout for all 305 locations nationwide that includes a 40 percent reduction of sodium in all chicken-based…

La Madeleine unveils spring line of LTOs

March 25, 2012

La Madeleine has launched its new spring menu that features tartines, light pasta and a citrus salade. The selections will be available through May 15.

NRA's Operator Innovations winners to be revealed during “Destination: Celebration” event

March 25, 2012

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will play host to the show’s first-ever “Destination: Celebration” event -- a kick-off party…