Taco Cabana sees progress after strategic brand renewal

July 18, 2018

Taco Cabana is making improvements by introducing a series of menu upgrades, event programs and service enhancements, according to a press release. 

Freebirds World Burrito spices up menu with Beyond Meat's protein

July 17, 2018

Freebirds World Burrito, a fast casual known for customizable burritos, is introducing Beyond Meat's plant-based meat at the brand's 73 locations, according to…

Research: Short wait times, ambiance important to fast casual customers

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Ambiance — the look and feel of the service environment — has emerged as a critical factor in guest satisfaction, according to research presented at the…

Oprah invests in True Kitchen

July 12, 2018

Oprah Winfrey has made an investment in True Food Kitchen, a healthful fast casual brand based in Phoenix with 23 units, according to a company press release.

Taco Del Mar acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners

July 10, 2018

High Bluff Capital Partners has added Taco Del Mar to its portfolio, according to The Seattle Times. 

Toast secures $115M in funding

July 10, 2018

Toast, a restaurant management platform, has secured $115 million in Series D funding for research and development, recruit talent and expand its market…

Gen Z revealed highest spenders in survey

A study reveals three ways for restaurant brands to increase sales.

Survey: 3 ways to increase restaurant sales

A study reveals three ways for restaurant brands to increase sales.

Why a balanced relationship is key for succeeding as a franchisor, franchisee

by Judy Mottl — editor, Retail Customer Experience Networld Media Group

Experts at the recent International Franchise Expo offered insight and advice on striking the perfect balance in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. It's…

Everytable drops prices in lower-income areas

July 3, 2018

Everytable, a Los Angeles-based fast casual focused on healthful foods, is bringing low-cost options to low-income neighborhoods, according to CNBC. Investors…

The counter: restaurant industry scorecard for Q1 2018

Adam Berebitsky discusses why sales rose in Q1 and what will determine restaurants’ success for the second half of the year.

Mama Fu's expands executive team

June 21, 2018

Austin, Texas-based Mama Fu's has added three executives to its leadership team. Jamie Cohen, is now CMO; Hemesh Patel is director of delivery and guest…

Top tips for digital signage deployments

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

Brands give top tips on how to use digital signage for maximum success.

3 ways restaurants can engage Gen Z

June 20, 2018

Members of Generation Z, which make up 26 percent of the U.S. population, spend $1 out of every $5 eating out — a statistic that makes clear the critical role…

Meatless: It's not just for vegans anymore

June 14, 2018

NPD Group said data shows a clearly higher demand for plant-based proteins today, evidenced by 19 percent growth in cases of such proteins shipped from…

Kotipizza, Social Burgerjoint have great May, but not Chalupa

June 7, 2018

Kotipizza reports that its total sales grew a hefty 12.9 percent in May 2018 compared to the same month last year. Same-store sales, based on sales figures…

Blogger pens guide to being 'unstoppable' in business, life

June 7, 2018

Restaurateurs, perhaps more than most in business, know the value of persistence and determination. But remaining persistent in the face of the most harrowing…

Top missteps to avoid on the way to franchising success

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

From operational strategy errors to overlooking the customer experience, there are plenty of things to trip a new franchisor up on the way to successful…

The man that made Starbucks an industry superpower steps down

Starbucks Corporation Executive Chairman and — until last year, CEO — of four decades, Howard Schultz, is stepping down, but leaving a huge trail of successes…

[LIVE WEBINAR] Combating rising operating costs in a tight labor market

Make a note to join us June 19 for an hour of free expert guidance on taking some of the sting out of your labor costs, even as the hiring environment demands…