Commentary: Time to UNthink 'free'?

by Lori Walderich — CMO, Top That! Pizza

A marketing expert weighs in on KFC's missteps with its Oprah-endorsed grilled chicken meal coupon.

KFC scrambles to recover from Oprah coupon PR nightmare

A downloadable offer for two-piece grilled chicken meal jams Web site and stores across the country.

Has Krispy Kreme turned the corner?

With debt down and same-store sales finally up, maybe the company isn't doomed after all.

Planning ahead key to one-day promotions

A Popeyes operator learns that even the best preparation doesn't compare to actually going through the paces.

Swine flu and restaurants: Tips for protecting your customers and staff

The current scare underscores the need for solid communication with employees and customers.

Refrigeration options expand beyond cooling

Manufacturers offer solutions from colder hold temperatures to above-store reporting.

Industry consultants can help QSRs with tough decisions

The economic recession means brands are making hard choices. Outside experts can help.

Knowing each market essential for QSR growth

Consulting services can help brands know where to build, when to pull out and how to reach local audiences.

Now is the right time to hire a foodservice consultant

Outside experts provide objectivity and breadth of knowledge in QSR corporate decision making.

Cupcakes boost Cold Stone Creamery sales

New product line leads to double-digit increase.

Deep fryer innovations save money, time

New technology developments are designed to help operators cut oil, labor and costs.

Popeyes rewards its top franchisees with culinary program

The brand's 2008 Gold, Silver and Bronze Plate winners get a taste of Louisiana cuisine in the company's first Popeyes Louisiana Heritage Culinary Institute.

Krispy Kreme sees promise in ice cream test

Soft serve line boosting traffic in test markets.

Burger King menu to get creative

New flexible broilers allow the chain to go beyond Whoppers into casual dining fare.

Church's Chicken sweetens franchising deals

The Southern chicken chain introduces a modular building prototype, leasing packages and more in order to speed up store openings by franchisees.

Will national menu labeling take hold?

Support grows for federal standards as more communities propose their own rules for calorie count postings. Still, its final format is far from certain.

McDonald's McCafe beats Starbucks in taste test

During a QSRWeb taste test, McCafe coffees won over Starbucks regulars, but the chain's coffeehouse atmosphere is still preferred.

McDonald's McCafe line exceeding expectations

The chain's specialty coffees are hitting the mark with consumers and on track for mid-year rollout completion.

Grandy's heats up its menu, sales

The homestyle chicken chain's venture into spicy menu items helps boost comps and kicks off its first round of limited-time offerings.

Captain D's: Achieving relevance

New value messaging, updated menu and emphasis on guest service come together to reinvigorate the brand.