Marketing exec explains why cause marketing is a priority at sub chain

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Studies show that many consumers seek out dining choices based on an establishment's philanthropic efforts.

Technomic: Fast casuals leading restaurant growth

March 21, 2013

Eight of the 10 fastest-growing restaurant chains with sales above $2 million are from the fast casual sector, according to Technomic, which released today the…

Study claims NYC's proposed Styrofoam ban will add to foodservice costs

March 21, 2013

On the heels of a court ruling overturning the ban on large sodas, another proposal from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his administration is under…

PeopleMatter acquires employment assessments provider

March 21, 2013

PeopleMatter announced it has acquired PeopleClues, a global provider of employment assessments. With the agreement, PeopleClues joins PeopleMatter as the…

Panda Express opening 100 units in 2013

March 21, 2013

Panda Express is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new menu items, including some healthy twists, and a commitment to growing the 1,600-unit brand…

NRA marketing exec group sets spring conference lineup

March 21, 2013

The National Restaurant Association Marketing Executives Group (MEG) has announced its line-up of speakers for its spring conference in Chicago. May 15-17. The…

Fast casual eatery partnering with local cheese provider

March 21, 2013

MAD Greens Inspired Eats, a Denver-based restaurant group, will make the switch from a national cheese purveyor to Colorado-based Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy…

Heartland, LevelUp partnering to take mobile payments mainstream

March 21, 2013

Mobile payments are going mainstream this year if Heartland Payment Systems and LevelUp have anything to say about it. Heartland, one of the nation's largest…

Chipotle withdraws Boy Scout sponsorship because of group's ban on gays

March 20, 2013

Because of the Boy Scouts of America's long-standing ban on gays, Chipotle Mexican Grill has pulled its sponsorship of Utah's Scout-O-Rama, according to the…

Menu development in a multiunit restaurant catering operation

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

The assumption that menus are the same between dine-in, takeout and catering can be deadly to our brand and catering customer experience.

Red Lobster testing fast cas concept

March 20, 2013

Just a month after Applebee's extended its fast casual lunch concept to all stores in its home market of Kansas City, Mo., Red Lobster announced this week that…

Bellwether, Restaurant Insights merge to offer services to chain restaurants

March 20, 2013

Bellwether Food Group, a strategic planning, sales and brand consultancy firm, and Restaurant Insights, a market research company, are merging to create a new…

Wingstop heats up NCAA tourney with LTO

March 20, 2013

Now that the NCAA tournament brackets are complete, Wingstop is adding to the excitement with a limited-time offer, the Wingstop Triple Double Pack, available…

La Madeleine debuts spring menu

March 20, 2013

There's a new spring menu launching March 27 at la Madeleine with rustic, authentic French flavors, according to a company press release. The menu, available…

Retail’s perpetual food cost advantage over QSR

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Build awareness throughout the company employees (top to bottom) that food-cost control is the top priority, second only to customer satisfaction.

PizzaRev gets an investment boost from Buffalo Wild Wings

March 19, 2013

PizzaRev, an artisan pizza concept based in Los Angeles, today announced that Buffalo Wild Wings has taken a minority position in its new concept. Terms of the…

FastCasual.com hosting webinar on mobile payment security

March 19, 2013

With a push toward mobility, restaurant owners are capitalizing on wireless technology to provide customers with new loyalty and couponing programs. Creating a…

Starbucks buys Costa Rican farmland

March 19, 2013

Starbucks bought a 240-acre farm this week on the slopes of the Poas Volcano in Costa Rica, which will be home to a farming research and development center…

Fast Casual chain treats fans to New Orleans trip

March 19, 2013

McAlister's Deli has announced the Grand Prize winner of its Big Easy Experience promotion. Melanie Hoffman, Grapevine, Texas, won an all-inclusive trip to New…

How digital menu boards lead to restaurant 'bliss'

When digital signage fulfills the need of a restaurant while entertaining customers, the "bliss point" in food and beverage marketing is realized.