Chocolate companies warn of an impending shortage

November 18, 2014

Mars Inc. and Barry Callebaut, two chocolate giants, have warned of an impending chocolate shortage. The Washington Post reported their warnings, stemming from…

Asian concepts poised for high unit growth this year

November 18, 2014

New data from Technomic forecasts a 2.3-percent unit growth rate over 2013 among the 500 largest US restaurant chains.

How a hotel became a hot fast casual concept

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marriott transformed its Courtyard food and beverage offerings away from the traditional buffet into a new fast casual format, resulting in a 27-percent jump…

Jersey Mike's should break 1000-unit mark in 2015

Next year could be shaping up to be a banner year for Jersey Mike's. The sub shop is set to open 220 new stores in 2015, bringing its total to more than 1,000.

Gusto Wood Fired Grill opens in Atlanta

November 17, 2014

The concept, which features grilled proteins, is owned by former NFL player Nate Hybl, who played for the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

LivingSocial adds communication platform for merchants

November 17, 2014

LivingSocial has launched Connect, a communications toolkit for merchants to engage and build relationships with customers acquired through its platform.

PHresh opening first 'iKitchen' in Orlando

November 17, 2014

The new concept will feature a menu designed to follow American Heart Association guidelines, a small footprint and self-service kiosks.

Chipotle Cultivate Foundation awards $500,000 grant to the International Rescue Committee

November 17, 2014

The IRC's MicroProducer Academy helps refugee farmers adapt existing agricultural skills to an urban American environment and marketplace while improving their…

Digital Screenmedia Association and NEC to host menu board webinar

November 17, 2014

The webinar will cover the value of menu boards, interactive screens, mobile payments and proximity marketing.

Einstein Bros. & Noah's New York Bagels offer Black Friday catering special

November 17, 2014

Einstein Noah will offer special pricing on catering orders placed through its 1-800-BAGEL-ME phone line.

Starbucks adds holiday Panini

November 17, 2014

The Holiday Turkey & Stuffing Panini features turkey, cranberry-herbed stuffing and turkey gravy on a focaccia roll.

Maui Wowi will open new Chico, California, location in spring

November 17, 2014

Maui Wowi Hawaii announced recently that franchisee Jules Jackson has signed a lease and will soon begin construction on a new location in the Shops and…

Menchie's opens in Perth, Australia

November 17, 2014

The location is Menchie's first in Western Australia.

Mobile payments present opportunity for brands to engage customers

November 14, 2014

Now that Apple Pay is here, marketers have to figure out what to do with it. While mobile payments will likely be a good thing, there's a lot of potential…

Just Mayo vs. Mayonnaise: How the FDA restricts food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

The FDA established Standards of Identity for many products so that consumers were protected from mislabeled food product. But consumers today are more…

Cobranded build-your-own pizza, froyo concept marks debut

November 14, 2014

DIY Restaurant Group celebrated the grand opening of its newest concept, uBuild + Trugurt Duo, in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, on Nov. 12. The Duo concept…

NRA report: Millennials spend higher proportions on food than families

November 14, 2014

The National Restaurant Association has published its newest edition of its Consumer Spending in Restaurants report. The report was last published in 2009 and…

Technology, desire to connect with customer drives Buffalo Wild Wings' success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Based on customer research and feedback, Buffalo Wild Wings invested significantly in defining, delivering and enhancing its brand experience using technology.

Newk’s Eatery launches online ordering

November 14, 2014

Guests can now place their orders online, then pick up at Newk's Grab N'Go entrances.

Togo's appoints new COO

November 14, 2014

Jim Peros will oversee all operations and the expansion of the brand's restaurants throughout the West.