Three takeaways from Starbucks' Q1 2015 report

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Starbucks' consistent success comes down to three things: a strong loyalty program, excellent operational execution and product innovation.

State of the Union puts minimum wage, 30-hour work week, joint employer issues in the spotlight

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

It's been a busy week in Washington. From the State of the Union address to the Supreme Court to more on the minimum wage, here's a round-up of hot public…

Is Zoës Kitchen poised for a breakout year?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Going public landed $42 million on the Mediterranean-inspired concept's balance sheet, and Zoës Kitchen is ready to put those dollars to work growing its…

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc. hopes investors will RAVE about new name

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Pizza Inn Holdings Inc., the parent company of Pie Five Pizza Co. and Pizza Inn, has announced that it is changing its name to RAVE Restaurant Group Inc.…

Competition for talent among hot trends for employers in 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The upswing in the economy means competition for talent will heat up in 2015. That means employers need to up their game when it comes to attracting and…

Digital strategy produces 119% jump in Tijuana Flats' online ordering

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

A simplified website, local SEO optimization, Pandora ads and special events for bloggers helped lift sales and drive traffic to Tijuana Flats stores.

The four 'Cs' driving Jason's Deli's success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jason's Deli racks up around $2.5M in AUVs. It's achieving that success by sticking with its core strengths, listening to customers, maintaining control and…

'Black Friday' a boon to restaurants, too

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mall-based restaurants can see a significant spike in sales around the holiday season, bolstered by high traffic volumes and consumers' desire for indulgence.

Minimum wage: how restaurants are responding to the 'inevitable'

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Many restaurant operators believe a minimum wage increase is inevitable, and they are responding in a variety of ways.

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…

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.

COO: Newk's riding high on 'second wave' of fast casual

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jim Greco, newly-appointed COO of Newk’s Franchise Company, sees an opportunity for the chain to supplant early leaders like Panera thanks to culinary-driven…

Four ways the game has changed for restaurant brands

Nimbleness, dynamic customer relationships, customization and millennial insights are all key to brand success, says FOCUS Brands CEO Steve DeSutter.

New guide caters to restaurateurs, retailers looking to boost income with ATMs

'How to Profit from ATMs: A Guide for Retailers and Restaurateurs' delivers 40 pages packed with essential information about the business of owning, operating…

Chipotle cites increased throughput as a driver behind same-store sales lift

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Same-store sales drive strong second quarter results.

Report: Food industry franchising profitability on the rise

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

More than 70 percent of franchisees surveyed said they would recommend their brand to other candidates – a strong indicator of job satisfaction.

NYC approves soda ban; restaurant association responds

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Big-margin soft drinks are good for operators' bottom lines.

Fast casual concepts among fastest growing U.S. companies

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Smashburger's growth is down from last year but is still the fastest-growing concept in the segment.

The changing role of corporate consciousness

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How fast casual CEOs are turning an enlightened approach to sales success.

Qdoba franchisee same-store sales lagging

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Promotional and product activity expected to pick up in Q4.