I could not have said it better myself

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Put a bunch of fast casual restaurateurs in a room together and before long it is likely that a discussion will break out on what sets us apart from our fast…

What else can I get you?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Listen to your customers before -- and after -- tweaking your menu options, and teach your staff how to sell something new.

But I thought it was being done – Inspecting the expected

We may have too much faith that it cannot happen, or won’t happen or we’re simply naïve. Perhaps we don’t seek, therefore we don’t find. Maybe it’s…

Convenience stores, QSR, fast casual and the food police

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Perhaps it is consumers who should be studied further to uncover the reason for their behavioral disconnects, instead of placing all the blame on QSRs and…

What’s on your kids’ menu?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

About 8 percent of all Americans under the age of 18 have some kind of food allergy.

Gloves! The controversy continues – Part 1

by Paul Mcginnis — Vice President, Marketing, Ecolab Food Safety Specialties

To glove, or not to glove, that is the question. It’s a debate that has raged in foodservice circles for years and centers on the question of whether hand…

Ring in 2012 with organic food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

I predict that 2012 will be a banner year for Organic Food Product Innovation, and those who sit on the sidelines will miss the opportunity to strike gold in…

2012 will be the year of more information

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Miniature portions, specialty beverages are among the trends to watch.

Adaptation – 3 Categories Evolve

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Be mindful of where categories were during the Recession and do not stray too far from the familiar.

The ageless meatball is the new menu trendsetter

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Meatballs are versatile and offer a big profit margin.

The most gluten-free meal of the day

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Some of the simplest sweets can become gluten-free with simple substitutions, like chocolate chip cookies made with non-wheat flours.

Adaptation – 3 Factions Evolve

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

The strongest trends, even in the restaurant industry, are the ones most adept at change.

First impressions still count for new customers

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

Food is still the biggest driver of a customer's first impression.

Size matters and not just desserts

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Offering smaller portion sizes can lift sales.

Bacon: An indispensible ingredient in food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Bacon appears to be one ingredient that the American consumer cannot do without. It's been around since the beginning of time, but never been applied to so…

Exploring the role food plays in patient health

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

The gap between food science and medical science presents a huge healthcare and business development opportunity.

Teaching product innovation at culinary schools

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

There is no better time to begin teaching food product innovation principles to culinary students than while they are still in school. They're opened minded…

Living the dream

by Jon Sooy — VP Sales and Marketing, Golden Pacific Systems, Inc.

It was just a day like any other day. It was filled with lots of action, excitement and pressure. The restaurant business is tough, but you love it. Your head…

Use of sea salt proves natural foods are taking over

by Melissa Abbott — Director, Culinary Insights, The Hartman Group, Inc

In its first fry redesign in 41 years, Wendy's recently unveiled Natural-Cut Sea Salt Fries — revamped 100 percent russet potatoes, cut with the skin on and…

You can’t get mustard only here

Always make sure you're in the right place.