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

Editor's note: This post was originally published on SmartBlog on Restaurants. For more foodservice news, sign up for Restaurant SmartBrief.

Commentary: Five key secrets of social loyalty

For restaurant operators, 2011 was a better year than 2010. But with continuing unemployment in the U.S. and Europe, and slow economic growth forecasts for…

Get 'in' on the biggest trend In foodservice

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Healthy, affordable dining — for kids.

The Apps of Foodservice

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Now is the time for restaurants to take control of their mobile presence -- develop apps, mobilize websites, give flexibility to online menus, add special…

Dunkin' Donuts, Taco Bell, Quiznos test Facebook loyalty program

January 25, 2012

Plink, a Facebook credits-based online-to-offline loyalty program, has officially launched, rewarding customers for dining at their favorite restaurants.

Restaurant.com launches iPhone app

January 24, 2012

The Restaurant.com iPhone mobile app, now available in Apple's App Store, gives diners the ability to scan nearby dining options, purchase a paperless savings…

Starbucks named a top global brand, place to work

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

January 19, 2012

Based on financial performance and brand strength, Starbucks was listed on Intrabrand's top 100 global brands of 2011. The Seattle-based coffee chain was No.

Restaurant industry's 2012 trends shaped by demographics, nutrition

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

NPD Group's research also expects retail competition to increase and commodity prices to affect menu offerings.

Webinar: Restaurant loyalty - Mobile innovations to build traffic in 2012

More than 1 billion smart phones will be in use across the globe by 2015, according to technology research firm IDC. For restaurant operators, the…

Zpizza introduces fan-created pizza

January 9, 2012

To celebrate National Pizza Week, Jan. 9-15, zpizza has added the fan-created Pepperoni Caprese Pizza to its menu through the end of January.

Wingstop celebrates successful 2011

January 9, 2012

Wingstop celebrated a groundbreaking year in 2011 – opening 34 new restaurants, including its 500th location in Brooklyn, N.Y. – and reaching more than eight…

Webinar to focus on mobile loyalty trends

January 9, 2012

More than 1 billion smart phones will be in use across the globe by 2015, according to technology research firm IDC. For restaurant operators, the…

Starbucks named in patent infringement suit over mobile payment app

by James Wester

Semiconducter company alleges Starbucks, Expedia and others infringed on mobile payment patents.

Corner Bakery Cafe launches healthy living Facebook program

January 3, 2012

To help guests put the flavor back into healthy living, Corner Bakery Cafe has introduced a Facebook program inviting fans to kick off the new year by…

McDonald's tests geotargeted mobile marketing

January 2, 2012

To boost sales of its McCafe beverage line and drive in-store traffic, McDonald's has launched a geotargeted promotion that uses mobile ads to reach potential…

Togo's hosting Pastrami Pounder Challenge

December 29, 2011

Togo's Sandwiches will host the "Pastrami Pounder Challenge" in celebration of National Pastrami Day, Jan. 14.

3 trends hitting foodservice

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

The next big thing to hit foodservice is gamification, especially in marketing.

Commentary: What restaurant marketing trends will emerge in 2012?

Fast casual players are starting to look like two different groups, perhaps three, including "Fine Fast Casual," "Quick Fast Casual" and "Chain Fast Casual…

FastCasual.com seeking Top 100 nominations

December 18, 2011

FastCasual.com is seeking nominations for this year's Top 100 Movers & Shakers, set to publish in March. The 2012 Top 100 Movers & Shakers is being…