Ask the experts: Is your brand ready for catering?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Franchisors and their franchisees must understand what they're getting into before deciding if catering should be a part of the business model.

3 tips for restaurant owners to master user-generated content

We live in a social media world and nowhere is that more clear than in the restaurant industry. Pictures of food are ubiquitous, dominating photo-driven…

Restaurants offering Tax Day specials

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

The tax man cometh. One of Americans' least favorite days — income tax filing day — is Monday.

It's time to break the pencil: What employees need to know about food safety

With multiple locations and an ever-changing labor force, how can restaurants be confident the food they sell is safe and that every employee is acting…

Kitchen design and technology: 5 ways to improve foodservice operations

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

A successful foodservice operation must incorporate three elements: food, people and equipment.

How Smashburger, Billy Sims BBQ, East Coast Wings get franchisees to be social

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marketers have been touting the benefits of digital marketing for years, but motivating franchisees to carve out time to learn the ropes can be difficult.

At the Summit: Are you embracing the Internet of Things in your franchise?

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Everyone seems to be talking about the "Internet of Things," or IOT, but what does that have to do with restaurants?

Restaurant, retail customer experience leaders headline ICX Summit

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Gurus from Smashburger, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Detroit Red Wings, Domino's Pizza and Wingstop are among a hefty list of speakers and panelists offering expert…

The McDonald's NLRB case: At the intersection of hot legal and political issues

Despite popular belief, the fate of fast food franchises around the country does not rest in the hands of Lauren Esposito, an unelected administrative judge…

At the Summit: How to create a franchise-friendly supply chain

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

The supply chain is often the thorn in the side of franchisors, especially those that have brands spread nationwide or globally.

Wingstop, Pizza Hut, Cici's Pizza execs debate importance of mobile apps

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

The customer experience at a restaurant is paramount to a restaurant's success. Mobile apps have become increasingly part of that experience, but how important…

4 things you don't know about the ACA (but should)

The employer shared responsibility rules under the Affordable Care Act (sometimes called "pay or play") is just one more area that is moving so fast that many…

Location matters: Are you on the wrong side of the road?

Most Investors understand the importance of analyzing demographics and traffic counts, but asking the question: "Is this location on the right side of the…

Why millennials make valuable franchise partners

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Millennials have ignited rapid change in the industry and view franchising differently than the previous generation of business owners.

Slapfish CEO urges Summit attendees to 'make your most annoying customer your best friend'

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Slapfish founder Andrew Gruel responds to approximately 30 online reviews daily about his company — regardless of whether they are positive or negative. He…

Caging your losses: How controlling loss can offset costs of using cage-free eggs

While restaurant owners and operators can try to pass price increases to customers, recent media reports suggest that although consumers are willing to pay…

Infographic: Are you using Instagram to attract Millennials?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Of Instagram's 40 million monthly users, 90 percent are Millennials.

5 Tips to turn BoH staff into customer-experience superheroes

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Use these tips to transform your back-of-house staff into customer-experience superheroes — cape optional.

5 things to consider before measuring customer behavior via mobile

Mobile interaction allows consumers to engage more naturally at times that are comfortable and appropriate for them and to share their experiences with others…

Infographic: March Madness fans go mad for gluten-free options

To see how gluten-free options are taking over at arenas, check out this infographic designed by Maui Wowi.