Franchise Focus: Togo's exec pulls back the curtain on loyalty strategy

by Matthew Harper — Intern, Networld Media Group

Cultivating brand loyalty is a key component to running any successful restaurant, but implementing it is easier said than done. Despite the difficulties, one…

Franchise Focus: How Nature's Table franchises healthful eating

by Matthew Harper — Intern, Networld Media Group

What makes your restaurant unique? Restaurateurs must have an answer to this question before, during and after they build their brand from the ground up. For…

Freebirds president steps down

August 11, 2016

Bobby Shaw, who served as COO for Freebirds for the past three years and was named president earlier this year, announced today via LinkedIn his last day with…

Why your fast casual brand can't ignore artificial intelligence

Many fast casual leaders are unaware of the technology and tools available to them that provide accuracy when determining the best locations. Location…

Blaze Pizza "Disney-fies" new location

August 9, 2016

Blaze Pizza opened its new flagship location at Walt Disney World Resort in Disney Springs. According to a company press release, the unit debuts in an…

Can coasters address consumer disengagement in restaurants?

August 5, 2016

In hopes of counteracting phone distractions in restaurants, Heckler Design has created coasters made to hold customer phones, according to a company press…

Fired Pie announces additional Arizona locations

August 5, 2016

Fired Pie recently opened its 16th location in Chandler and 17th in Glendale — both in Arizona, according to a news release. The restaurant has a total of 1…

Wingstop reports strong Q2 results, entry into Saudi Arabia

August 4, 2016

The chicken business is good for Wingstop, which saw an 18.2-percent increase in Q2 revenue over the same period last year.

Dismal Q2 results inspire Noodles & Co to scale back growth

August 4, 2016

Although Noodles & Company reported Thursday that Q2 revenue was up, it also noted that comparable sales were down. Total revenue increased 5.4 to percent…

Dickey's expands in home state with 2 new locations

August 4, 2016

Dickey's is opening two new units in southern Texas, in New Braunfels and San Marcos. The New Braunfels location opens this fall, followed by the San Marcos…

Cott buying S&D Coffee for $355M

August 4, 2016

Canadian-based Cott Corporation, a beverage producer and provider, is acquiring S&D Coffee for $355 million on a cash and debt-free basis. 

Jack in the Box, Qdoba post Q3 bounces

August 4, 2016

Jack in the Box got a lift in its third-quarter earnings, according to the company which reported Wednesday that earnings hit $30.8 million or 93 cents per…

Reaching a dual audience: Naf Naf COO discusses brand success

Frank Weiner, COO of Naf Naf grill discusses, the brand's ability to overcome challenges

Cradlepoint spices up connectivity for Fuzzy's Taco Shop

August 4, 2016

Cradlepoint, a provider of cloud-based network solutions over wired and wireless broadband, is helping Fuzzy's Taco Shop ensure secure, reliable connectivity…

Cinnaholic cinnamon rolls swirl into San Diego

August 3, 2016

Come Aug. 12, Cinnaholic, a vegan bakery concept, will open its first San Diego location at Mission Valley Mall.

Pie Five Pizza leaps into jaguar country

August 2, 2016

Pie Five Pizza Co. is opening its second Alabama location at 7450 Airport Blvd. in Mobile. The location is just outside of the University of Southern Alabama.

Moe's seeks franchisees for move into Motown

August 1, 2016

Moe's Southwest Grill is seeking franchisees to open Detroit-area locations of the chain with experienced multi-unit franchise owners.  

Smoothie King surpasses 800 units, anticipates exponential growth

August 1, 2016

Though a relatively young concept, Smoothie King will cross a major milestone this week when it opens its 800th location on Aug. 2 in Orlando, Florida. To…

Franchises beware: Learning from Jimmy John's legal issues

Franchisors observing the recent legal challenges facing Jimmy John's would be wise to exhibit caution when restricting former and current employees from…

Panera reports mixed Q2 financials

July 27, 2016

Panera Bread Co. is taking the good news with the bad today, reporting a 9 percent drop year over year with Q2 net income of $34.5 million. The company ended…