#QSRNext Keynote: Unlocking the secrets of menu innovation with Frisch's CEO

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

James Walker, CEO of Frisch's, will give the keynote address on menu innovation at the #QSRNext half-day event for restaurant executives on Nov. 8 at 10 a.m.

Haven Hot Chicken wins The Perfect Pitch at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2023

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Haven Hot Chicken won The Perfect Pitch concept competition at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 9.

How restaurants can attract, retain top talent in a tight job market

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Hiring and retention are still issues in the industry, but things are looking up. One expert offers insight and tips on the restaurant hiring landscape.

How diversity became Shake Shack's key ingredient

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Shake Shack set big goals for diversity. At the Fast Casual Executive Summit, Idris Stover, director of diversity, equity inclusion and engagement, discussed…

Scooter's Coffee exec: 'The whole point of innovation is growth'

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nathan Lester, senior director, drive-thru innovations for Scooter’s Coffee, spoke about pairing innovation and growth during the keynote address kicking off…

How White Castle, Clutch Coffee fixing drive-thru issues

by Daniel Brown — Editor, Networld Media Group

With emerging technologies, including AI, changing the look and feel of the drive-thru experience, operators are future-proofing their operations

Transforming your old restaurant: Expert insights on nailing the perfect makeover

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

When a QSR starts to feel tired and out of touch with contemporary dining trends, it's essential to implement a well-thought-out strategy to breathe new life…

AI won't replace restaurant employees, it will make CX better

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

A panel at the Interactive Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte from Sept. 11 to 13 tackled AI head on and how its real benefit is to improve the customer…

Should restaurants enter the Metaverse?

by cooper, Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

What is the metaverse good for? A panel at the Interactive Customer Experience Summit debated this topic.

Redefining QSRs: How PDQ journeyed to superior quality, service

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

PDQ - short for People Dedicated to Quality - has 63 traditional units as well as sports arenas and airport locations. The brand is a people-first…

How to cut costs with delivery

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Third party delivery got big during COVID-19 but can also cost restaurants a lot. How can restaurants save money?

How Dave's Hot Chicken wins with authenticity

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Dave's Hot Chicken went from a parking lot pop-up to a fast casual juggernaut. The opening keynote at the Interactive Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte…

Checkers & Rally's rolls out Spanish AI at drive-thrus

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Checkers & Rally's has released Spanish AI at the drive-thru in conjunction with Hi Auto. The brand added English AI to its drive-thrus last year.

Subway confirms sale to Roark Capital

Subway has sold to Roark Capital for an undisclosed amount.

'It's a revolution': Jars by Fabio Viviani brings playfulness back to desserts

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Jars by Fabio Viviani is a dessert concept that could be coming to a town near you. Though the brand has one unit open in Chicago, it has sold more than a…

Del Taco launches unit inside Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Del Taco has lauched a unit inside the Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mexican QSR brand plans a unit in the Excalibur soon.

Introducing FastCasual's 2023 Perfect Pitchers

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Founders of Haven Hot Chicken, Mahana Fresh, Pizzawala, Pucci Brothers Fresh Italian and Sankranti Indian Kitchen will take the stage on Oct. 9 to pitch their…

Savvy Sliders' heavy growth potential makes it a QSR standout

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Savvy Sliders is making a name for itself with fresh, never frozen all-beef sliders, hand-breaded chicken strips and hand-spun milkshakes. Company officials…

American consumers in no mood to give up daily coffee

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Americans are still gulping down the coffee despite increasing costs and concerns about inflation.

Smalls Sliders takes the stage as up-and-coming burger brand

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Smalls Sliders offers less than 12 SKUs, but the brand is scaling in a big way.