Thanks, Tyler

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

As Firehouse Subs continues to grow (407 restaurants and counting), it is imperative that my HQ team assists our franchisees in their efforts to establish and…

The brand you live is the only one they'll love

by Lori Walderich — CMO, Top That! Pizza

If you think big and creatively, you should find plenty of brand-building opportunities.

Be allergy aware: A quick guide to the most common food allergies

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Eight foods are responsible for 90% of food allergic reactions. I've assembled this guide to help you (and your kitchen) be on the lookout for a food allergy.

Menu labeling launches into the twittersphere

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Menu Labeling went viral this past weekend.

Lower Calories for Bigger Profits

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Lower Calories for Bigger Profits: Healthy Menu Promotion Examples from 4 Industry Leaders

Procedure relevancy - the army way

In our training classes, we often discuss customer service. It is ALWAYS about listening to the customer and then delivering more than they expect. Another…

What’s the Five Guys mystique?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

A year ago, Market Force conducted a survey and asked consumers to tell us their favorite fast casual restaurant, and why they nominated them. And we did it…

Skimming: credit cards - and profits

Credit card skimming in the restaurant industry is becoming more exposed as high-dollar theft cases are being made against restaurant workers. Recently in the…

More steps to gluten free

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Last week, I started this discussion identifying items that contain gluten that might suprise you, as well as the first steps in creating gluten free dishes. 

Details, Details, Details

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

The restaurant business is all about paying attention to the details. And when it comes to the details, there are two rules to keep in mind:

Frozen = Fresh?

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I don’t consider myself a complainer of any sort. When you’re in the business, you should have sympathy for the operational challenges faced by all…

What does research in chicken consumers tell your restaurant business?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Market Force (www.marketforce) consumer survey on chicken preferences and trends

It’s all about today

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 18 was a fairly busy day for me. Tasked with the Saturday chores of grocery shopping, laundry and general errand running, it was a day that required…

Remember your first boss?

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Do you remember your first boss? Of COURSE you do. That person holds a unique place in your personal history. Be it a source of inspiration, perspiration, or…

Are we missing something?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Recently Market Force ran a series of studies with over 4,00 consumers to investigate their attitudes and behaviors around fast casual and family restaurants…

A glance in the rearview mirror

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I apologize in advance for stating the obvious: The recession has taken a toll on the restaurant industry.  Industry traffic is down; the majority of chains…

The power of small numbers

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

“As long as repeat business is important, and as long as customers have a chance to go somewhere else, employees must deliver high levels of satisfaction for a…