Panera Bread's Bill Moreton, Ron Shaich to become Co-CEOs

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 15, 2012

St. Louis-based Panera Bread Company has announced that, effective immediately, founder and executive chairman, Ron Shaich, and president and current chief…

FreshBerry serving up Digital Menu Me digital menu boards

March 15, 2012

San Francisco-based Digital Menu Me, a provider of cloud-based digital signage, has announced the systemwide deployment of cloud-based digital menu boards into…

Dickey's Barbecue Pit expanding in key markets

March 14, 2012

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is expanding its operations in Georgia and California as part of the company's long-term growth.

Is your restaurant stuck in a monkey trap?

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

From switching out the décor to updating technology, restaurateurs must take chances to keep their business fresh.

The 7 fundamentals of employee feedback

Providing employee feedback benefits both the individual and the team, but keep it simple and sincere.

FREEBIRDS adds to executive team

March 13, 2012

FREEBIRDS World Burrito has named two new executives to its team: Dave Coussirat will serve as the new director of operations for Texas and Oklahoma and Bonnie…

Would YOU resist a robber?

The young manager knelt in front of the safe, a thousand thoughts cluttering his head. His fingers were nearly frozen with fear as he fumbled with the…

Don’t gamble on your summer hiring success

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

If a candidate isn't serious enough to take a short assessment, the odds are he or she won't turn out to be one of your top performers.

Restaurants sign up for new cause-based mobile app

March 13, 2012

A handful of restaurants have signed up for ValuedPatron Marketing Services LLC's new Eat-A-Bite, Give-A-Bit smartphone application that helps patrons and…

Mintel: 2012 restaurant economic prospects look positive

March 13, 2012

Interest in where food comes from, as well as changes in restaurant spending will both be driving the foodservice rollercoaster in 2012, according to market…

More consumers heading to restaurants for a snack

March 13, 2012

Consumers are snacking significantly more now than they were two years ago. Almost half (48 percent) of consumers polled say they're now snacking at least…

Boston Market names chief brand officer

March 12, 2012

Boston Market Corporation has named Sara Rosenberg Bittorf as chief brand officer. Bittorf, who most recently served as vice president of marketing for…

Solo Cup unveils Trophy Plus for both hot and cold applications

March 12, 2012

A dual-temperature insulated cup with better rigidity and enhanced glossy appearance is being launched by Solo Foodservice to help operators boost beverage…

Zaxby's ranks No. 7 in customer satisfaction survey

March 12, 2012

Zaxby’s has been ranked number seven in the Top 10 Excellent Large Fast-Food Chains with 500 or more U.S. units in the recently published Quick-Track study…

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group appoints chief restaurant officer

March 11, 2012

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has announced the appointment of Brian L. Unger to chief restaurant officer, a newly created position at the company. Unger…

Starbucks takes localization approach to Europe

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In 2009, Starbucks Corp. renovated several Seattle locations to better reflect the neighborhoods in which the coffeehouses were settled. The company is now…

Johnny Carros joins MOOYAH as franchise consultant

March 8, 2012

Restaurant-industry veteran Johnny Carros is joining MOOYAH as its new franchise business consultant, the company has announced.

Corner Bakery Cafe hires VP of franchise sales

March 7, 2012

On the heels of signing several multi-unit franchise deals in 2011, Corner Bakery Cafe has named hospitality industry veteran Jonathan Benjamin as vice…

Panera Bread to boost ad spend, cites fast casual competition

March 7, 2012

Panera Bread Co. has announced its plans to increase its media investment in 2012 by 26 percent, according to a story in The Wall Street Journal.

Pizza Fusion plans Vegas unit

March 7, 2012

Pizza Fusion will open a new restaurant in the Las Vegas area this spring.