Fast casual segment rises above competition

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

A new study conducted by market research firm Technomic has found that sales at the top 150 fast casual chains grew 8.4 percent in 2011. In comparison, 201…

Blurring of the lines between QSR and Fast Casual

By Mindy Armstrong, Insights Manager, Food IQ 

Mobile: What your customers are using

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Panel discusses trends in the table and delivery service spaces as they apply to restaurant strategies.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill to expand outside home state

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is expanding outside of its home state for the first time since the chain's launch in 2007.

Commentary: Horchata the next chai in global beverage platform

By Michael Szyliowicz, Mont Blanc Gourmet 

Smashburger CEO David Prokupek's smashing success

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How Smashburger’s CEO and chairman is banking on better burgers.

Keep data in and hackers out: What every restaurant operator should know

The three areas that restaurant operators can address to help reduce their vulnerability and mitigate data compromise.

McAlister's Deli unveils new look

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The chain's new store design includes a tea bar and has been unveiled at two new locations.

Healthy beverage evolution: Have we come full circle?

How American consumers are once again searching for healthier beverage options.

Use online guest feedback to motivate, engage employees

Use guest feedback to build a distinctive customer experience that will drive retention, loyalty and sustainable business performance.

Top 5 All-Time Food Flavor Pairings

Historically, food products with contrasting flavors have represented the most successful new food products in the United States and worldwide. Too much…

Small details keeps customers coming back

How small details can mean big returns for operators and their guests.

More restaurant chains aiming for green certification

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Since 2008, the number of Green Certified Restaurants has accelerated significantly.

Chipotle battles new criticism from growers' group

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

CIW has challenged major chains before, promoting farm workers' rights.

Starbucks under fire for use of beetle blood in flavoring

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In response to its use of cochineal extract, a Change.org campaign asks Starbucks to remove the ingredient from use.

Piada: Fast casual Italian style

The fast casual concept has a menu focused on Italian street food.

Daphne's California Greek launches national franchise plan

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The new franchise program is expected to double Daphne's unit count over a three-year period.

2012 Top 10 food trends include “heirloom foods”

In addition to the Top 5 food trends for 2012 that I discussed in my previous post, here's my prediction for trend concepts No. 6 through 10.

The 7 fundamentals of employee feedback

Providing employee feedback benefits both the individual and the team, but keep it simple and sincere.

Caribou Coffee uses social media to spearhead evolution

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Caribou Coffee underwent a brand relaunch in late 2009 and is using social media to ensure its evolution continues down the right path.