Panera CEO: Q1 growth proves digital strategy is working

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Sales are up 6.2 percent at Panera Bread's nearly 500 company-owned stores thanks to the rollout of the chain's digital operations, ordering and payment system.

Why your loyalty program is failing and how to fix it (Part 1)

In comparison to other industries, hospitality is limping behind in the loyalty stakes, so how exactly have operators gotten themselves into this state of…

How Smashburger, Billy Sims BBQ, East Coast Wings get franchisees to be social

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marketers have been touting the benefits of digital marketing for years, but motivating franchisees to carve out time to learn the ropes can be difficult.

At the Summit: Are you embracing the Internet of Things in your franchise?

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Everyone seems to be talking about the "Internet of Things," or IOT, but what does that have to do with restaurants?

Wingstop, Pizza Hut, Cici's Pizza execs debate importance of mobile apps

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

The customer experience at a restaurant is paramount to a restaurant's success. Mobile apps have become increasingly part of that experience, but how important…

Slapfish CEO urges Summit attendees to 'make your most annoying customer your best friend'

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Slapfish founder Andrew Gruel responds to approximately 30 online reviews daily about his company — regardless of whether they are positive or negative. He…

5 mistakes you're making with your loyalty platform

By carefully vetting loyalty strategies and course correcting to improve results, fast casuals can effectively interact with customers and create experiences…

5 things to consider before measuring customer behavior via mobile

Mobile interaction allows consumers to engage more naturally at times that are comfortable and appropriate for them and to share their experiences with others…

Starbucks, loyalty experts defend changes to rewards program

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Many Starbucks fans are angry about the changes and sharing their rage via Twitter, but loyalty platform experts agree that the move was smart for the coffee…

Researcher: Loyalty platforms a must for millennials

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Though monetary value is crucial, millennials can incentivized to maintain loyalty participation through other means.

Panera exec: Payment, mobile innovations achieving major success

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Panera's still full throttle in expanding payment strategies to reduce consumer friction points and enhancing the customer experience.

sweetgreen's tech team focused on 'Innovation, impact, sustainability' to design mobile app

The chain recently launched a mobile app with seamless integration and single sign-on for mobile ordering, mobile payment and a rewards program.

7 tips for running an awesome online ad campaign

Today’s most powerful marketing tool for reaching this "instant gratification" audience is online advertising.

5 ways to boost the fast casual mobile experience

The most successful fast casual establishments are leveraging mobile technology to forge stronger relationships with their customers.

Fast-food breakfast is 'top food story' of the year

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Three of this year's top-10 stories revolved around the fast food industry: Domino's new emoji ordering option ranked as No. 7 and the availability of alcohol…

Saying no to digital: Why haven't all restaurateurs embraced new POS systems?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

A new study looks at why many restaurants haven't implemented a digital POS system.

10 fresh restaurant marketing ideas for 2016

Today there are marketing techniques that won't break the bank and will help you save time. Use these restaurant marketing ideas to take your business to the…

Will mobile cause tablet ordering to go the way of the dinosaur?

by Tal Nathanel — Co-Founder and U.S. CEO, MyCheck

With the recent introduction of a re-ordering capability on mobile payment platforms, tableside tablets may soon become the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the…

Email marketing is far from a dead marketing tool

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Email is ubiquitous personally and professionally, which means email marketing is far from dead.

FCES15: The evolution of restaurant technology

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

There has been a massive evolution in the use of technology within the past decade, the past five years — and even within just the last year. There are no…