Wing It On spreading its wings with growth plan

April 3, 2017

Wing It On, a Connecticut-based fast casual brand, is on a growth mission. It opened its first unit outside its home state last year in Rock Hill, South…

DQ, Mazzio's and Rave roll out the tech to roll in the employees

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

At the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Dallas this week, three big restaurant companies discussed how tech is changing the way they hire and…

Food trucks and restaurants – a symbiotic relationship

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While many limited service restaurants are clearly interested in expanding into food trucks, veteran food truck operators are using the skills they develop on…

Dickey's launches website honoring franchisees

April 3, 2017

Dickey's Barbecue Pit has launched its latest phase of technology development with a new website, www.smokedonsite.com. This companion website serves to…

C-Speak: PDQ president using tech to get rid of the back office

PDQ President Steve Erickson and David Cantu, co-founder of HotSchedules, discuss how the brand uses technology to control operations and deliver better…

Growth slows for restaurant chains in 2016

March 31, 2017

The Top 500 chain restaurants experienced a deceleration in 2016 with cumulative sales growth checking in at 3.6 percent, down from 5.2 percent the prior year…

Franchise focus: Gyroville delivers Greek traditions in fast casual setting

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

CEO Lambros Kokkinelis, delivering his family's Greek recipes in a fast casual setting, is on a mission to expand throughout the nation.

Starbucks to dedicate new store to mobile orders

March 31, 2017

Following its recent issues with mobile order and pay at some of its busiest locations, Starbucks next week will open a store inside its Seattle headquarters…

Tim Hortons franchisees seek to delay mobile ordering

March 31, 2017

Tim Hortons franchisees are attempting to delay the release of the chain's new mobile ordering app because they believe not enough testing has been done.

Keynoter: Want to motivate employees? Try ‘trust and track’ instead of ‘command and control’

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Creating an employee training system that delivers outstanding customer service requires making employees feel engaged and providing regular feedback…

Heard at the Summit: Attendees share insights, pain points and keys to success

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit attendees discuss everything from bunnies to BS.

Zaxby's menu features spring items

March 30, 2017

Zaxby's Grilled Cobb Zalad and Berry Breezy Lemon Squeezy drink are the concept's spring menu highlights, according to a press release.

Which Wich founder tells Summit attendees: 'If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, BS them until you both believe it'

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Jeff Sinelli learned early in life a few lessons that helped him pursue his dreams and not be afraid to get out of his comfort zone. He also learned the…

Food safety expert: 'When that small voice says — "You can't" — tell it to shut up'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Betsy Craig entered the restaurant industry at age 16 and worked as a bar back, grill cook, kitchen prep bartender, bouncer and a sales exec before creating…

Study: Consumers receptive to chatbots

March 30, 2017

A majority of consumers are comfortable talking with a chatbot yet only a fraction have engaged with one, according to the 2017 Mobile Consumer Report from…

Chicken Salad Chick opens another Tennessee location

March 29, 2017

Jackson, Tennessee will be home to a new Chicken Salad Chick location come April 5, according to a press release.

Blaze Pizza 'Keepin It Real' in 2017

March 29, 2017

Blaze Pizza won't have any artificial additives in its menu items as part of its "Keepin' It Real" initiative, which also encourages guests to commit to…

Pupatella expands with four Virginia locations

March 29, 2017

Franchisee Zeeshan Kaba has signed a deal with Pupatella, a Neapolitan pizza concept, to open four locations in Richmond, Virginia, according to a press…

Which Wich CEO, Summit attendees make 10,000 PB&Js for Dallas homeless

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

Attendees at this year's Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit rolled up their sleeves and made more than 10,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches…

Olea Kiosks introduces drive-thru kiosk for QSR, fast casual restaurants

March 29, 2017

Olea Kiosks has introduced a drive-thru kiosk for the QSR and fast casual industries. The new device has been dubbed the Detroit in honor of the city that made…