IoT, customer-facing robots and VR among topics to be discussed at 2017 ICX Summit

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

The annual conference, which draws hundreds of customer experience leaders and innovators, is June 5-7 in Dallas and features a range of interesting sessions…

Sleep talkers beware: Alexa is listening for your restaurant reorders

Amazon Prime members can now voice-order meals through Amazon Restaurants on Alexa-enabled devices,

'If in doubt, leave it out': The lessons in Cinnabon's Carrie Fisher tweet

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Cinnabon's poorly received social media post about Carrie Fisher, upon her death this week, has restaurant leaders talking about how best to prevent such…

5 findings inside diners' minds make great guides for 2017

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

NPD Group recently outlined its top five predictions about the American diner's state of mind as it relates to the dinner plate. Taken collectively, these five…

Cinnabon unleashes wrath of internet over Fisher tweet

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Cinnabon is struggling today with a problem that haunts just about every restaurateur in the digital age after the company's social media managers posted what…

A 'post mortem': Looking back at 2016's hard-learned lessons

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Experts weigh in on the eight lessons they learned in 2016 about the fine art of running a restaurant.

How is color coloring customer perceptions?

Color is critical to customer experience since it has a notable and predictable impact on their moods and emotions.

Johnny Rockets tests self-order kiosks in moving to a QSR format

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Self-order kiosks play an important role in moving to more of a quick-serve format for Johnny Rockets as the 30-year-old iconic brand seeks to refresh itself.

Wasabi to employees: We like you, we really like you

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Some of the world's leading brands make their employees their first and most important customer. The UK-based foodservice brand,Wasabi, is making it a priority…

A&W raises frothy mug to post-Yum Brands success

Despite the slackening of sales across parts of the broader restaurant industry, A&W is heading into 2017 nearly as a centenarian, yet thriving brand.

Kiosks killing jobs? Current events beg the question, but the facts say otherwise

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Automatic Merchandiser

Several restaurant chains are using kiosks and other technology that allow orders to be placed more rapidly and efficiently. Kiosks are fostering fears about…

Why Moe's Southwest Grill, A&W focusing on digital marketing

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Digital media is always changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

A chicken chain 'phoenix' rises from ashes with help of a 'patient' man and a whole American Indian nation

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

This week, Beautiful Brands International signed an agreement with the Muscogee Creek Nation's Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise division to open as many as…

Fast Casual Summit: 4 questions restaurant brands must answer

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

At last month's Fast Casual Executive Summit outside Los Angeles, restaurant marketing consultant Gerry O’Brion said the difference between winners and losers…

KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell leading Chinese health initiatives

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The Chinese government wants to help its people live longer, healthier lives and has enlisted the support of the nation’s leading fast-food operator, Yum…

Fast Casual Summit: 5 lessons learned from m-commerce innovators

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Why restaurants must "adapt to mobile commerce or die."

Last-minute federal injunction halts OT rules

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Less than a week before the overtime regulations were to kick in, a federal judge in Texas has blocked the rule that would have made an estimated 4 million…

Did they just say that? World watches while McDonald's promises to 'make ordering fun'

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

McDonald's took one giant leap into its digital future this week, saying it's switching to self-serve order stations and table delivery for all U.S.

Top seven steps to supply chain heaven outlined at summit

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Figuring out supply chain problems has a new urgency and importance today that might not have existed just three years ago. Here from the Fast Casual Summit…

Welcome to Taco Bell, here's your whiskey freeze

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Taco Bell opens its first flagship location today on the Vegas strip with lots of new accoutrements.