Is the 'Groundhog Day effect' finally over for menu labeling?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

We can't predict what will happen over the next three months, but we do think the "Groundhog Day effect" is coming to an end for menu labeling.

US restaurant chains relying on value meals, new menu items to drive traffic in 2018

January 30, 2018

With restaurant traffic stuck between a 1 percent increase and flat for several years now, U.S. restaurant chains are turning to value deals, new menu items…

Starbucks Q1 numbers miss expectations

January 26, 2018

Although Starbucks Corporation Thursday reported that global same-store sales rose 2 percent last quarter, they were below the 3 percent average of analysts…

Top 10 stories of 2017 will carry over to 2018

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Stories about Panera, Chipotle and Boloco are among FastCasual's Top 10 most read stories of the year.

11 menu trends going mainstream in 2018

Now trending: Detroit-styled pizza, Vibrantly colored drinks and salads, soft-serve ice cream coming in innovative flavors and a focus on mushroom-centric…

Are ready-to-make meal kits stealing your customers?

by Amanda McNamara — Content Marketing Specialist, Toast Inc.

Now trending: Fast Casuals can learn from the success of ready-to-make meal kits companies.

Now trending: A new twist on Asian flavors

The limitless variety of Asian flavors can revolutionize menus.

Dickey's, Freshii, Boloco leaders predict 2018 fast casual trends

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

An increased focus on delivery, the elevation of vegetarian and vegan concepts and finding ways to operate in smaller areas are just a few predictions from 1…

2018 restaurant trend predictions from 10 fast casual CEOs

by Cherryh Butler — Content/Trends specialist, Barkley

Editor's note: This is part 1 in a series of stories featuring industry predictions from fast casual leaders around the world.

Study: Fast casual customers want more digital ordering opportunities

December 7, 2017

Digital ordering is more popular than ever, according to the 2017 Online and Mobile Ordering Index, which found that nearly two-thirds of fast casual customers…

Chefs predict top menu trends of 2018

December 5, 2017

Doughnuts with non-traditional filling, ethnic-inspired kids' dishes, farm/estate-branded items and heritage-breed meats are just a menu items on trend for…

NPD: Q3 restaurant industry growth attributed to increased traffic at coffee, burger chains

November 28, 2017

After six consecutive quarters of flat or negative traffic, strong growth at burger and gourmet coffee chains is to thank for a total foodservice industry…

Technomic: Foodservice operators challenged by slow Q3 sales

November 14, 2017

The restaurant industry landscape continues to be challenging for leading operators, according to Technomic's compilation and analysis of third quarter…

SlabbKiosks provides kiosk solutions to a budding industry

SlabbKiosks will be showcasing their payment and cash management solutions at this year’s Marijuana Business Conference. Look for them at booth # 3540 on the…

Report: US foodservice revenues to hit $990 Billion, fast casual growth expected

November 13, 2017

U.S. restaurant and foodservice revenues are forecast to reach $990 billion by 2021, according to "Restaurants & Foodservice: United States," a report…

3 ways to open a (drive-thru) window of opportunity for fast casuals

The market is maturing and becoming saturated, requiring fast casual restaurants to look for new ways to stay ahead of the competition. Is the drive-thru the…

Menu experts predict global menu trends — does your brand measure up?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Menu experts chat about current and future trends at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit.

CEOs of Wing Zone, Focus Brands, Captain D's, Backyard Burgers, Koti Pizza predict industry changes, trends

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

This year's Fast Casual Executive Summit wrapped up Tuesday night with insights from some of the industry's most successful CEOs.

Combat declining traffic by understanding the ailment before determining the remedy

Once you gain an understanding of what causes traffic issues at a specific location, you will be better prepared to create solutions that address the true…

Coffee chains proliferate ... especially in Juneau

October 17, 2017

NPD Group said a recent restaurant census found that there were 33,129 gourmet coffee shops in the U.S., a 2 percent increase in units from last year. That's…