Restaurant index: Traffic dips in April, same-store sales post a gain

June 12, 2019

U.S. restaurant traffic declined in April despite restaurant operators reporting a modest net increase in same-store sales, according to the National…

Time is running out to nominate your brand for the 'Perfect Pitch'

June 12, 2019

The deadline is June 14.

Tork introduces digital custom print dinner napkins

Suzanne Cohen, foodservice marketing director of Tork, an Essity brand, introduces its digital custom print dinner napkins.

Digital ordering is bigger business than delivery

June 12, 2019

Delivery seems to be the darling of the industry these days, but digital ordering is even more important, according to The NPD Group. It found that delivery …

Chipotle sees 10% sales lift after digitizing customer experience

June 12, 2019

Chipotle has seen quite a sales lift since digitizing its customer experience. The chain, which recently tapped Sparkfly to help it launch a loyalty…

Co-branded Fatburger, Buffalo's Express opens in Huntington Beach

June 12, 2019

FAT Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express, opened a co-branded location Tuesday in Huntington Beach, California, according to a…

Salata reveals rebrand

Houston-based Salata Salad Kitchen has launched a rebrand designed to highlight its food and celebrate the individuality of its guests.

Hot Dog on a Stick opens in China

June 11, 2019

Hot Dog on a Stick is opening its first location in China through a master franchise agreement with Eugene Restaurant Management, which plans to open 2…

Sweetgreen boosting delivery with acquisition of Galley Foods

June 11, 2019

Sweetgreen has acquired Galley Foods, a Washington, D.C.-based meal service delivering ready-to-eat fresh meals, for an undisclosed amount of cash and stock…

How Schlotzsky's, Auntie Anne's, Krystal, Huey Magoo's bring technology to the table

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The final panel at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in Louisville made it clear that chains need to tackle the challenges of online ordering…

Take a sip: 10 fast casuals upgrade summer beverage offerings

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant operators can provide value to guests with limited-time offers and specialty beverages.

Live webinar: Boosting the employee experience

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Retail, restaurant and service employees play a critical part in a rewarding customer experience and that's why the employee experience must be as fulfilling…

McAlister's hires former Coca-Cola, CPK exec to lead marketing team

June 11, 2019

McAlister's Deli, owned by Focus Brands, has hired Natalia P. Franco as its chief marketing officer. In her new role, she'll oversee developing and executing…

Payments startup raises $40M to enhance restaurant division

June 11, 2019

SpotOn Transact LLC, a San Francisco-based payments startup, has raised $40 million in funding to enhance its restaurant division, according to a news release.

Amazon closing down US restaurant food delivery service

June 11, 2019

Omnichannel retailer Amazon plans to close its 4-year-old Amazon Restaurants delivery service by the end of June.

Voodoo adding Denver unit

June 11, 2019

Portland-based Voodoo Doughnut is opening its eighth unit Sunday in Denver.

Is B.Good ghosting Chicago?

June 10, 2019

B.Good, a farm-to-table fast casual chain with 69 North American locations, is now available to even more people in Chicago.

Modern Market is newest kid on the block

June 10, 2019

Modern Market Eatery is opening its ninth Denver-area restaurant Friday at The Streets at South Glenn in Centennial, Colorado. It's celebrating with a block…

Wahlburgers snags Dunkin exec

June 10, 2019

Wahlburgers, which has 30 locations throughout North America and in London, has hired Dan Wheeler as senior vice president of marketing and innovation…

Fransmart, Five Guys exec to help emerging brands expand

June 10, 2019

Franchise development firm Fransmart is teaming up with veteran Five Guys Burgers & Fries executive Mauricio Romero to form King Street Advisors.