Growth slows for restaurant chains in 2016

March 31, 2017

The Top 500 chain restaurants experienced a deceleration in 2016 with cumulative sales growth checking in at 3.6 percent, down from 5.2 percent the prior year…

Study: Consumers receptive to chatbots

March 30, 2017

A majority of consumers are comfortable talking with a chatbot yet only a fraction have engaged with one, according to the 2017 Mobile Consumer Report from…

Restaurants lead the charge for the cashless future

Although mobile payments are convenient for both employees and customers, transitioning to a cashless operation also presents a new set of challenges.

How self-serve kiosks can rescue corporate dining — part 1

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The self-serve kiosk rewrites the economics of corporate dining.

Reader Poll: Restaurant confrontations - are they happening more often?

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

The news is filled with a constant flow of incidents demonstrating the worst in human behavior often happening at the chains this website's readers oversee. It…

ICX Association extends entry deadline for annual Elevate Awards

March 14, 2017

Nomination deadline for the Association's annual awards has been extended to April 3.

Study: Americans still love In-n-Out, Chik-fil-A , Chipotle, Firehouse, Marco's Pizza

March 7, 2017

Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Marco's Pizza, Firehouse Subs and In-n-Out still top the list of Americans' favorite fast food chains, according to a consumer study…

Restaurant numbers drop as diners stay home

February 27, 2017

A series of restaurant industry polls and data analyses indicated significant change is underway in the restaurant industry, much of it not particularly…

Research: Worldwide political uncertainty = unpredictable economies

February 24, 2017

The wildly fluctuating and uncertain political climate in both the U.S. and Europe may cause some real problems for the economy this year for both areas, while…

Nekter Juice Bar expects a big year

February 21, 2017

Nekter has re-evaluated its growth potential in its three-year forecast and increased its projection from 300 units from 425.

Consumer appetite for healthy food boosts Green & Tonic sales

February 20, 2017

Green & Tonic's same-store Q4 sales rose 22 percent compared to a year ago, and its average unit volumes increased 29 percent, according to a press release.

Ode to the taco: Why the old-school menu item is trending

Tacos aren't new, but they are trendier than ever. Here's why.

The Pie Hole opens first international location in Japan

February 13, 2017

Pie and coffee concept, The Pie Hole, has opened its first international location in Tokyo to tap into the growing Japanese coffee market, a press release…

How mobile ordering is reinventing the drive-thru experience

by Elizabeth Friend — Strategy Analyst, Euromonitor International

Much of the draw of the drive-thru is rooted in speed and convenience; however, recent advancements in technology have created the potential for an even…

Dat Dog expands franchising, corporate-owned units

January 24, 2017

Fast casual hot dog concept Dat Dog is ready to move out of New Orleans and will open two new restaurants in Louisiana and Mississippi, according to a press…

3 technologies restaurants should be running toward, not from

It’s time for restaurant marketers to make some bets on technology.

Why gluten-free isn't a dying trend

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

The gluten-free demand, which started a few ago, shows no signs of abatement. Instead, the trend is giving indications that it's spreading to include all…

Salad sales up, reveals new report

January 10, 2017

A new Salad Keynote report reveals 46 percent of consumers are eating more green salads than a year ago, and restaurateurs are seeing the increased sales.

Fast Casual CEOs predict the future

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Several CEOs weigh in on the year's unfolding trends.

6 ways technology can conquer 2017's top challenges

One tech experts looks at a few 2017 restaurant technology trends through the lens of the complex issues that today's restaurant brands will face over the next…