Want to influence customers? Listen up, say marketing experts

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Listening to customers can yield key insights into what customers like, what they don't like, what's working and what's not. Those insights yield actionable…

Big brands capture big social media share, but smaller brands get the love

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

It's no surprise that Chipotle grabs the lions' share of social media attention among top fast casual brands, but smaller, regional eateries inspire the most…

Nine keys for driving speed of service

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurants can become victims of their own success when high volume slows down service. Check out these tips for satisfying the need for speed.

Fast casual execs weigh successes and failures of QSR segment

by Alicia Kelso — senior editor, QSRweb.com

Despite a few notable bright spots -- Wendy's, Domino's -- most observers agree that the QSR segment is in trouble. What are the lessons and opportunities for…

If you build it, they won't come

by Alicia Kelso — senior editor, QSRweb.com

Having a website, an app and/or social media accounts isn't enough. Brands must plan to engage customers if they want to build loyalty and convert sales.

How your mobile payment app can cost you customers and ding your reputation

Without a thoughtful approach to user experience, staff training and enticing loyalty incentives, brand apps are doomed to failure.

Apple Pay's impact on restaurant loyalty marketing

Focusing on the creation of an experience that’s easy for the customer, instead of optimal for the brand, makes customers feel like VIPs.

Experts share insights on millennial dining-out decisions

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Shaped by user-centric devices and the Great Recession, value-conscious millennials are looking for great experiences that are friction-free.

Doing well by doing good

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

When brands connect themselves and their customers to causes they love, everyone can benefit.

'Failure is not an option' in CEO's cancer battle

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Just as things started taking off for Chicken Salad Chick, President and CEO Kevin Brown was diagnosed with stage IV liver cancer. He's fighting back, and…

How to survive the protein craze

Cutting costs by creating limited time offers or new menu items that scale down the serving of animal protein could be interesting to test with consumers.

New Wild Wing Cafe CEO has deep roots in fast casual, QSR

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurant industry veteran Tom Lewison has been tapped to help Wild Wing Cafe take flight.

Restaurants tap into the selfie trend

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Selfies that include brand references are an implied testimonial, and brands are wise to tap into the trend.

#CONNECTsummit14: Marketers should opt in to text as key mobile messaging channel

When it comes to building relationships with hardcore fans, marketers shouldn't overlook the original mobile messaging channel: text.

Noodles & Company reports limp Q2 comps

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Noodles & Company posted disappointing Q2 results, with comps declining 1 percent for company owned stores, 2.2 percent for franchised stores and 1.1 percent…

Summit will help fast casual restaurants 'think mobile first'

CONNECT Mobile Innovation Summit coming up Aug. 18-20 will feature the CEOs of Firehouse Subs and McAlister's Deli.

Homestyle Dining leverages smaller footprint to create 'plush fast casual' steak concept

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Bo's Steak & Grill features a backyard barbecue theme, with country music, denim and red solo cups.

Turning social media likes into restaurant traffic

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Offer customers something, like a discount or a recipe, in return for their like.

Pasta Patrol: Fazoli's takes brand door-to-door to reach seniors, families

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Community marketing efforts help double visits from senior adults.

Fresh To Order CEO: Fast casual concepts need to 'elevate up'

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Panos believes many brands in the segment are not delivering on true, fresh, made-from-scratch products.