Rearview 2014: Cause marketing moves from fundraising to partnerships

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Cause marketing went to the next level in 2014, beyond raising awareness and funds for a cause to deep partnerships between restaurants and non-profits.

Rearview 2014: Millennials take the wheel

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

As more and more of their contemporaries move into leadership roles, millennials are moving from the passenger side to the driver's seat.

Digital strategy produces 119% jump in Tijuana Flats' online ordering

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

A simplified website, local SEO optimization, Pandora ads and special events for bloggers helped lift sales and drive traffic to Tijuana Flats stores.

The four 'Cs' driving Jason's Deli's success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jason's Deli racks up around $2.5M in AUVs. It's achieving that success by sticking with its core strengths, listening to customers, maintaining control and…

Dickey's in the spotlight for cooking competition show

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Dickey's will be the latest brand featured in TNT's cooking competition show "On the Menu." The winning dish will debut as an LTO the day after the episode…

'Black Friday' a boon to restaurants, too

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mall-based restaurants can see a significant spike in sales around the holiday season, bolstered by high traffic volumes and consumers' desire for indulgence.

Smashburger CMO: Better burgers are here to stay

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Smashburger grew by about 20 percent this year, and it's likely it will continue that pace next year, according to newly-appointed CMO Josh Kern.

Of note on social media: Panda Express 'joy spotting' campaign

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

An eight-hour social media campaign yielded a 389-percent increase in mentions of the brand on Twitter and a 24-percent increase in followers.

7 tips for getting Millennials to stay in love with your brand

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

How do brands keep once-smitten customers from getting bored and breaking up?

How a hotel became a hot fast casual concept

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marriott transformed its Courtyard food and beverage offerings away from the traditional buffet into a new fast casual format, resulting in a 27-percent jump…

Technology, desire to connect with customer drives Buffalo Wild Wings' success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Based on customer research and feedback, Buffalo Wild Wings invested significantly in defining, delivering and enhancing its brand experience using technology.

Four ways the game has changed for restaurant brands

Nimbleness, dynamic customer relationships, customization and millennial insights are all key to brand success, says FOCUS Brands CEO Steve DeSutter.

5 tips to promote upcoming events at your restaurant

Work with local businesses and non-profits to promote your restaurant’s event, tie them to your event theme and encourage a co-sponsorship.

Four reasons digital screens are more than menu boards

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Engaging digital signage can be a key differentiator in the customer experience by educating guests about menu items, driving craving, reducing perceived wait…

Restaurants beefing up offerings despite rising protein costs

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Operators are so undeterred by rising protein costs that menu mentions of protein across the board have risen 67 percent in the last five years.

Will the shift from credit cards to mobile payments be good, bad, or neutral?

Will the shift from credit cards to mobile payments be good, bad, or neutral for the restaurant industry?

Prognostication: 2015 menu trends

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Beverages, micro-local, crowdsourcing and increased competition from nontraditional foodservice outlets are all expected to shape the restaurant landscape in…

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.