Mapping a route through industry roadblocks

by Dustin Minton — National Restaurant Practice Co-Leader, BDO USA, LLP

Learning how to manage in an oversaturated market can feel like trying to drive on a crowded highway during rush hour. In the moment, roadblocks and traffic…

Cousins redesign highlights why Boomers are still important

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Millennials are the age group of the moment, but the boomers who once held that title should not be forgotten just yet, particularly when it comes to…

Asian Box collaborates with 2 local suppliers

February 27, 2017

Rue & Forsman Ranch and Passmore Ranch, both based in CA, collaborated with Asian Box to offer their produce and seafood in the concept's six locations…

5 ways to run your restaurant in an uncertain political time

by Steve Starr — Chief, starrdesign

With questions surrounding labor costs and market patterns many restaurateur operators may wonder how to deal with this tumultuous period and continue to move…

Workers' groups quiet about Trump's pick to replace Hardee's CEO as labor sec nominee

February 20, 2017

President Trump's latest pick for labor secretary, R. Alexander Acosta, has evoked little response from workers' rights and other organizations supporting…

Multi-Unit Menu Management Release Saves Time and Improves Consistency for Restaurant Chains

VANCOUVER, BC, — A new release from pizza and delivery point of sale developer SpeedLine Solutions Inc. helps restaurant chains save time and improve brand…

New restaurant rating system focuses on economic impact

February 14, 2017

Food industry veteran Sara Brito and entrepreneur Jeff Hermanson have collaborated to create a new rating system for all restaurants based on economic impact…

Marco's names COO

February 14, 2017

Marco's Pizza has promoted its EVP of operations and former Burger King executive, Tony Libardi to chief operations officer, a news release said. In the new…

NYC restaurateur proposes 3-tier minimum wage to 'help small business owners'

by Cherryh Butler — editor, fcc

CEO Willie Degel thinks the industry should have a specific minimum wage for private companies with less than $25 million in revenues, a higher wage for…

Flames of resistance rise against Hardee's CEO as labor secretary

February 9, 2017

The "pot" of resistance is still boiling under Labor Department Secretary nominee and Hardee's parent company CEO Andrew Puzder. Senate Minority Leader Chuck…

Rave Q2 results show Pie Five, Pizza Inn struggles

February 8, 2017

With a new CEO in place now in the form of former Smashburger CEO Scott Crane, Rave Restaurant Group today reported its relatively downbeat Q2 2017 financial…

Panera reports solid Q4 earnings

February 7, 2017

Panera Bread Company today reported that comparable net bakery-cafe sales were up 3 percent at company-owned restaurants for fiscal Q4 2016. They were up 6.…

What impact does lower grocery store prices have on restaurants?

by Dustin Minton — National Restaurant Practice Co-Leader, BDO USA, LLP

Falling food prices are driving grocery store prices to decline, and this has some questioning the long-term impact of a price gap between grocery store and…

Hardee's CEO and labor secretary nominee admits hiring undocumented immigrant

February 7, 2017

Controversy and contention have followed CKE Restaurant Group CEO Andrew F. Puzder since President Trump nominated him for Labor Secretary, and today it…

Chipotle reports Q4 revenue increase, decrease in sales

February 2, 2017

Although Chipotle reported today that its revenue increased by 3.7 percent to $1 billion for the fourth quarter and year ending Dec. 31, 2016, the rest of its…

Why the restaurant industry's relationship with US government is still #Complicated

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Considering President Donald Trump's passion for business, many were hoping the relationship between the restaurant industry and the government would be less…

New fast casual concept F3 Grill brings its burger to Chicago

January 27, 2017

Devon Avenue, Chicago is the home of eclectic international restaurants, including authentic Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, but it didn't boast the…

Starbucks brews Q1 growth

January 27, 2017

Starbucks reported today week that its Q1 comparable store sales were up 6 percent in China and 3 percent globally and in the U.S. and Americas during for the…

Starbucks CEO to employees: We will fight to keep 'human and civil rights intact'

January 27, 2017

In a memo to employees, CEO Howard Schultz made a commitment to hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years, stressed his opposition to the president's…

3 Ways to Optimize Labor Efficiencies and Cut Costs

Operators are facing high turnover rates and new regulatory pressures, making the task of managing labor costs increasingly more difficult. There are steps…