Fast casuals, overpopulation to blame for casual dining downfall

July 27, 2009

An article in the Orlando Sentinel has identified several reasons behind the decline of casual-dining restaurants.   In addition to the popularity of fast…

Fast Casual Summit to tackle industry challenges

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The Fast Casual Executive Summit speakers include Au Bon Pain CEO Sue Morelli and the CEO of Red Mango.

Fast Casual launches State of the Industry survey

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The editor of fastcasual.com talks about this year's State of the Industry survey.

NRA Show exhibitors donate 66,000 lbs. of food

July 9, 2009

CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association has announced that exhibiting companies at its 2009 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 16-19 at McCormick…

Fast casual food trends: 2009 and beyond

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From probiotics to family meals, restaurant brands tackle healthful menu items and value offerings.

Twitter looks to Starbucks, other retailers, for revenue stream

June 24, 2009

Bloomberg News: Twitter Inc. plans to generate its first revenue in 2009 from companies such as Dell Inc., Whole Foods Market Inc. and Starbucks Corp., which…

NRA projects increase in summer 2009 employment

June 22, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Restaurant Association has released its employment projections for the summer of 2009. Nationally, eating and drinking places…

Fast casuals leverage the power of Twitter

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How brands are finding value in real-time communication via the microblogging site.

Mintel releases findings on trends in ice cream, coffeehouses and alcohol

June 10, 2009

CHICAGO — Restaurant industry research firm Mintel has released new findings about three of the hottest food and drink markets: ice cream, coffeehouses and…

NPD: QSR only strength in global foodservice for 2008

June 7, 2009

CHICAGO — Among the effects of the worldwide economic downturn was fewer visits to foodservice outlets across the globe, according to market research company…

Restaurant Performance Index hits highest level in nearly a year

May 28, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry grew more optimistic in April, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…

How can restaurant operators leverage online ordering?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Keith Franklin, national sales manager for OrderUp.com, discusses online ordering and the next generation of consumers.

ASK THE EXPERTS: How will online ordering evolve over the next several years?

May 27, 2009

According to Food Action Group, 87 percent of consumers say they plan to use online ordering more in the future. How will that information impact restaurant…

ASK THE EXPERTS: What are some architectural design trends in the fast casual space?

May 27, 2009

When consumers experience fast-casual restaurants, they expect good food quickly and a nice ambiance. Keeping on top of the latest design trends is not always…

NRA 2009: Five hot new products on the show floor

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 15, 2009

The 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show kicked off today at Chicago's McCormick Place. The show runs May 16-19 and features new…

Technomic report: Fast casual chains grew 10% in 2008

May 12, 2009

CHICAGO — According to a new report by foodservice consultants Technomic, sales for the Top 100 fast casual chains grew 10.8 percent, totaling $16.7 billion…

Hospitality Solutions to intro handheld POS at NRA Show

May 11, 2009

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Hospitality Solutions International (HSI), a division of Micros Systems Inc., has announced it will showcase its revolutionary handheld…

Executives to discuss word-of-mouth, social media marketing at NRA Show

May 10, 2009

CHICAGO — The 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will gather executives from top restaurant companies for a panel discussion on…

NRA panel to discuss fast casual growth strategies

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 7, 2009

Fast casual operators will come together during the 2009 NRA Show to share their insights about the segment and its five-star value proposition.

NRA events include menu beverage pairings, Salute to Excellence gala

May 6, 2009

The National Restaurant Association will feature a new event during its International Wine, Spirits & Beer show (IWSB). The Menu Pairings Event will be…