Will the menu trends of 2017 turn to the dark side?

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

Charcoal, heavy fats and lots of bubbles may not sound like they belong on 2017's list of menu trends, but the Canadian food-centric marketing consultancy…

Report: 4 top pizza industry growth factors

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

Good news came this morning in the form of a new report on the global pizza market for the next three years. Technavio's latest research shows that the market…

Going global: Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit adds European event

Early-bird registration is now open for next year's London and Dallas summits.

Spreading the love: Chains offering freebies in honor of National Sandwich Day

Fast food chains are offering discounts in honor of National Sandwich Day.

Fast casual industry to hit $67B by 2020

November 2, 2016

The fast casual restaurant market in the U.S. is expected to reach $66.87 billion by 2020, according to the latest study released by Technavio. 

Now trending: Restaurants offering gender-neutral bathrooms

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Many restaurants are ditching signs indicating separate men's and women's restrooms.

Pei Wei Test Kitchen stirs up 'priceless' ROI

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Pei Wei has opened an official test kitchen that also serves as a fully functioning restaurant.

Fazoli's sees record growth

October 20, 2016

Fazoli's franchise-owned restaurants reported a 5.1 percent same-store sales increase during the fiscal year second quarter, ending Sept. 30, according to a…

Rooting out today's top culinary trends

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

Root vegetables are the food service trend of the moment, according to research on the top plant-based edibles in restaurant kitchens and menus from market…

Free webinar: How to Create Loyal Guest Behavior

September 1, 2016

Restaurant chains across the country are continuing to build and execute loyalty programs that provide immediate and sustainable results.

College kids still love fast food, but they're pickier than ever

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

Today's coeds have high expectations for even the fastest food that they order.

Technomic report says customers blame restaurants for third-party delivery service failures

August 23, 2016

Technomic Inc. found that 76 percent of consumers polled hold restaurants responsible for all errors on online portals and delivery services. In fact, the…

RSR reveals digital gift card winners

August 23, 2016

 Retail Systems Research has published the report, "Digital Gift Cards In 2016: Where Omni-Channel Strategy Meets Customer Expectations." 

The true effects of food photos: part 1

by Matthew Harper — Intern, Networld Media Group

Back in the 1800s when photography was first invented, it would have been hard to imagine people using the technology to document lunch. As restaurants are…

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.  

Alabama and Pittsburgh get a gold rush from KFC

August 1, 2016

KFC is testing a new "Georgia Gold" fried chicken and tenders in this month in Mobile and Pittsburgh. The company said the chicken has a crispy, tangy flavor, 

Smoke's Poutinerie bringing gravy-smothered fries to a state near you

by Matthew Harper — Intern, Networld Media Group

The cold country up north that brought you Justin Bieber and maple syrup is growing its newest sensation in the U.S.: Smoke's Brands.

AI meets customer engagement: Creepy or necessary?

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

A new artificial intelligence platform promises to engage diners in a caring way with very little thought and effort from restaurant operators.

Smoothie system sales down, the NPD Group finds

July 25, 2016

Dollar sales of smoothie makers declined during the first part of 2016, a press release said. According to the NPD Group, a global information company, dollar…

Why your app isn't appealing to your customer base

Not all apps are created equal, and consumers don't have the patience to wait while you to get it right.