Social media: A necessary evil?

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

Market Force just completed a consumer study of social media usage. Not surprisingly, every year we've looked at usage we've seen the numbers going up. About…

Piada: Fast casual Italian style

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

Mintel: Local produce edging out organic in terms of consumer importance

March 21, 2012

According to the latest research data from Mintel, locally purchased fruits and vegetables by grocery stores and restaurants are now more important to…

The leadership of Ray Kroc to drive catering sales

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

I have been reading a lot about Ray Kroc these days. As I dig deeper into his story, I become more fascinated with his meticulous attention to detail. Like all…

Flying Biscuit Café launches 'On-the-Fly' menu

March 18, 2012

The Flying Biscuit Café has cooked up a solution to help time-strapped customers enjoy some its menu staples.

MICROS, Pinkberry initiate Google Wallet rollout

March 18, 2012

MICROS Systems Inc., a provider of information technology solutions for the hospitality and retail industries, has announced that it has partnered with…

Red Door Interactive wins Silver ADDY for Rubio's campaign

March 14, 2012

Red Door Interactive was awarded a Silver ADDY for its work on behalf of Rubio's Restaurants, the company has announced.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill introduces compostable plates

March 12, 2012

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced the introduction of compostable entrée plates and Level 1 recyclable plate lids as part of its ongoing…

Zaxby's ranks No. 7 in customer satisfaction survey

March 12, 2012

Zaxby’s has been ranked number seven in the Top 10 Excellent Large Fast-Food Chains with 500 or more U.S. units in the recently published Quick-Track study…

Starbucks takes localization approach to Europe

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In 2009, Starbucks Corp. renovated several Seattle locations to better reflect the neighborhoods in which the coffeehouses were settled. The company is now…

The difference between social marketing and social operational insights

Operators can extract both marketing and operational insights from online feedback, but first they must understand the differences between the two.

Panda Express tests Paw Plate

March 5, 2012

Guests at select Panda Express locations will experience a new way of dining during a market test this month, when the chain replaces its traditional two item…

Order entry should be frontline when it comes to catering

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

The order-entry experience may be the single most important component of the catering order-to-cash cycle. It is the first point of contact to your…

Is your restaurant on a desire path?

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Put your product on paths that grow more and more comfortable as consumers use them.

Starbucks earns high customer experience ratings

February 29, 2012

Chick-fil-A and Subway tied with Starbucks to earn the top customer experience ratings in the restaurant industry, out of 17 total chains.

POS Video Cameras Help Improve Restaurant Service

Miami Management used video cameras at the point of sale to improve accuracy and speed up drive-thru times.

Courting new trials

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

Let’s talk for a minute about new trial. No, not the court kind, but the kind that every restaurant wants … new consumers trying out your restaurant for the…

Commentary: Pinterest offers restaurants another way to communicate with customers

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California Tortilla rebrands airport locations to Burrito Elito

February 14, 2012

California Tortilla has unveiled Burrito Elito, a sister concept that will debut in Boston Logan and Philadelphia airports.

Panera Bread to intensify drive-thru operations

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Catering sales and new menu item rollouts continue to contribute to revenue, same-store sales growth.