FCES15: Stay on trend with the latest food trends

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Tastes and trends in food change and evolve rapidly. What may have been an innovative concept last year may be exactly the wrong one now.

FCES15: The changing course of consumer behavior

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Consumers of all kinds have a nearly endless array of options from which to choose, whether they're purchasing furniture, cars, housewares, or any good or…

FCES15: The evolution of restaurant technology

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

There has been a massive evolution in the use of technology within the past decade, the past five years — and even within just the last year. There are no…

FCES15: Top 10 PR do's (and a few don'ts)

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

"Whatever I present to you is my PR moment," Nick Powills, CEO of No Limit Agency, said in opening his session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Miami.

FCES15: Beverage smarts: What’s on trend

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Beverages are an important aspect of the consumer dining experience and play a critical part of a restaurant’s branding efforts. Being on trend is key to…

FCES15: Real estate decision requires lots of homework, data insight

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

As any business owner knows the location decision can sink the business or be the foundation of initial success and growth. But it involves much more than…

FCES15: Tips on building a foundation for profitable growth

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Strategic and profitable growth for today's restaurants, quick service eateries and retailers is a comprehensive endeavor. But it's doable and the number one…

FCES15: Why design is key to customer engagement

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Design is a key aspect for the customer experience and plays directly into the "corporate soul" and building a relationship with customers.

Why giving back should be part of your business strategy

Corporate social responsibility is a vital part of a brand’s identity, especially to the increasingly impactful millennial generation.

Are you following the 12 dos and don'ts of restaurant financing?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although there is no secret recipe for raising funds to open a business, there are some practices that should always be followed and even more to avoid.

Franchise focus: Can Captain D's hook fast casual market share?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While many may still consider the seafood restaurant a quick service restaurant, CEO Phil Greifeld said that in 2011 the chain began transitioning from a QSR…

How restaurant chains can increase profits by improving energy and operational efficiency

By implementing device-level monitoring of energy consumption, chains gain unmatched visibility into the devices running their restaurants and can easily…

Restaurateurs speak out against NLRB ruling

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

The National Labor Relations Board made it easier on Thursday for restaurant workers to unionize, and many restaurateurs are already worried about what the…

It's something personal: tips for building loyal locals and establishing community roots

by Nicole Troxell — Associate Editor, Networld Media Group

Technology and social media outlets provide opportunities to personalize messages, but showing the locals you care about their community is proving to be an…

Will Chipotle raise prices again in 2015?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Another price increase may be on the horizon as Chipotle navigates high beef costs, and the pork supply issue could take a $2 million chunk out of the bottom…

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…