Freebirds talks mobile innovation at CONNECT Mobile Innovation Summit

Freebirds' VP of Marketing Erin Levzow talks with Hughes' Tim Tang about the importance of mobile for both the business and the customer.

C-Speak: How Fazoli's CEO keeps dishing out growth

Carl Howard discusses how he turned a failing QSR brand into a thriving fast casual franchise and why he believes his work isn't quite yet done.

Reaching a dual audience: Naf Naf COO discusses brand success

Frank Weiner, COO of Naf Naf grill discusses, the brand's ability to overcome challenges

19 quarters and counting: How Captain D's keeps increasing sales

Listening, according to the brand's head chef, Jason Henderson, has been key to the chain's re-emergence as a growing force in the restaurant industry.

Starting an evolution: Freebirds CEO discusses mobile app, redesign

Freebirds CEO Bobby Shaw discusses why it was time for the 29-year-old brand to evolve.

Technology helping Rise to raise profile

Rise Biscuits Donuts director of technology discusses how the chain's use of technology is helping the brand expand.

The Pincho Factory discovers customer love with thousands of matches on Tinder

Otto Othman, co-founder of The Pincho Factory, a Miami-based burger joint, explains how the chain used Tinder, a dating app, to develop customer love.

Video: How BWW plans to turn around sales

Buffalo Wild Wings COO Jim Schmidt expects a quick rebound for the chain that is centered around wings and sports.

Video: Pei Wei dishes on rebranding, CEO search

CMO Clay Dover gives Cherryh Cansler, editor of FastCasual, the scoop on the chain's rebranding efforts and its search for the perfect CEO.

Video: Retailers dive into technology at Interactive Customer Experience Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The Interactive Customer Experience (ICX) Summit featured almost three days of education, networking and tours.

Video: Dickey's CEO honored to win Fast Casual Top 100

Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pits, which topped this year's list of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, gives an acceptance speech at…

Video: Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit attendees party with a purpose

More than 140 restaurant execs, plus a variety of sponsors, attended the first Franchising Restaurant and Innovation Summit.

Video: Illegal Pete’s founder discusses how raising hourly wage to $17 has grown his business

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Employees get a food and drink credit, medical and dental insurance and tips, which all resulted to a 3.2-percent increase to the brand's bottom line.

Video: Former NFL star shares how football experience shapes his restaurant business

John Offerdahl, former Miami Dolphins linebacker and owner of Offerdahl’s Café Grill, discusses how the lessons he learned from playing in the NFL helps him…

Video: Smashburger founder discusses why old brands are struggling

Fast casual is pervasive, persistent and is starting to cover all categories, said Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan.

Video: Why fast casual continues to steal casual-dining customers

The fast casual industry has grown by 600 percent over the past 15 years, and that’s because it knows the secret to attracting and keeping customers.

Video: Execs discuss how to build a foundation for profitable growth

C-level execs from Kudo Corporation, Corner Bakery Café, Giardino Gourmet Salads and Supply Chain Services discuss how to ensure profitable growth, including…

Video: What fast casuals can learn from Chick-Fil-A

Maureen Donahue, Chick-Fil-A's manager of franchising selection, believes one big reason for the brand's success is that the chain doesn't target a specific…

Video: Why COO describes Blaze Pizza as a technology 'fast follower'

Jim Mizes, COO of Blaze Pizza, shares insight how his company uses technology to reach customers.

Video: Pie Five VP shares strategy on connecting with millennials

Christina Coy, VP of marketing for Pie Five, discusses how the brand uses social media, YouTube and mobile marketing to connect and engage millennials.