Still need to fill some summer employee spots? Look for candidates with camp counselor qualities

by Lon Southerland — Executive Vice President, GuestMetrics, LLC.

Need some pinch-hitters to flesh out the spring hires that didn't work, or didn't last? Think about candidates who've had experience as camp counselors, or…

Muscle Maker Grill opens 2 locations in Orange County

June 21, 2016

Two new Muscle Maker Grill California locations are opening, one at 2775 North Main Street in Santa Ana, and another at 2646 DuPont Drive in Irvine, come June…

Consolidated Concepts partners with GuestMetrics on food cost analysis tools

June 21, 2016

Consolidated Concepts, a supply chain player, and data analytics firm GuestMetrics are teaming up in a five-year partnership that will mesh…

El Pollo Loco signs deal with PLM Restaurants

June 21, 2016

PLM Restaurants signed a franchise deal to acquire two existing El Pollo Loco Tucson locations, and open six new locations by August 2019. 

Dean Foods scoops up Friendly's for $155M cash

June 21, 2016

Friendly's Ice Cream and Dean Foods Co. today finalized a $155 million cash deal that makes the retail ice cream and manufacturing business officially part of…

Umami Burger partners with Medeiros to launch in Japan

June 21, 2016

Umami Burger is joining Japanese company, Medeiros Holdings Co., Ltd., to launch 10 licensed locations in Japan in the next five years. The first location…

Freebirds mobile app aims to enhance customer experience

June 21, 2016

Freebirds, the Texas-based restaurant, is launching a mobile app and rewards program.

Harris Poll forewarns of potential upheaval due to upcoming OT regulation

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

Americans have a hard time putting work away. In a new Harris Poll, most said it's at least partly because they have too much to do to in an eight-hour day.

Are you ready to 'pitch' your fast casual concept?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Fast Casual is now accepting entries for The Perfect Pitch — what we like to describe as a friendlier version of "Shark Tank."

International franchise expansion requires hefty work upfront

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

Domestic franchisors, whether running one location or 100 in the U.S., face a challenging journey in the quest to go international.

Snapchat campaigns capture a lot of dough for Virginia pizza chain

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

Ever thought of using that perpetual teenage social media favorite, Snapchat, in your social media marketing? Virginia-based Firenza certainly did, and the…

Uncle Maddio's partners with George Peach Council for 'peachy' pizza campaign

June 20, 2016

Peachy Keen pizza and Summer Grilled Peach salad are back again at Uncle Maddio’s Pizza this summer, which is co-marketing the LTOs with the Georgia Peach…

Pancheros Mexican Grill launches third Minnesota location

June 20, 2016

Bob Thomson, owner of two existing Panchero franchises in Minnesota, is opening his third location at  284 57th Avenue, in Fridley, Minnesota on June 21.

Panda Express to open fifth NYC location

June 20, 2016

Panda Express is opening a new location in New York City, its fifth, at 835 Third Ave.

Wahlburgers expands into Washington D.C.

June 20, 2016

Wahlburgers, the Massachusetts-based burger franchise, is opening its first Washington, D.C. location.

Tips, advice for married couples taking the vow to run a franchise

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

A happy union of marriage is no easy feat as it requires love, passion, dedication, commitment, loyalty and lots of communication, just to name a few top…

New plans on the horizon for Fiesta Restaurant Group

June 17, 2016

Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc is separating its current restaurants, Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, into two companies. Its headquarters will be moving to…

How to get 'free' money out of your landlord

When it comes to opening a location in a shopping center, obtaining a lease with a prime location and reasonable lease terms can be difficult for many small…

You CAN take it with you: Super-portable pizza cones set to conquer the world

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

Easy entry for franchisees and portability for customers are helping Kono Pizza expand around the world.

Fast Casual Summit - Interview with Jim Mizes, Blaze Pizza

Many businesses in the Fast Casual industry are taking on mobile initiatives to enhance diners’ experiences. At the 2015 Fast Casual Summit Hughes sat down…