Restaurateur confusion grows as wage increase whirlwind blows through industry

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

June 28, 2017

Like similar measures that have already taken effect in New York and the Pacific Northwest, the one taking place in Southern California is hitting a lot of…

Surprise! Readiness tips for times when bad news lands on your doorstep

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

On any day of the week, any brand in the world can get sucked into the vortex of a negative news event. Read on for tips from a PR veteran and longtime…

Tim Hortons-RBI battle heats up

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

The growing dispute — in both the media and the courts — between Tim Hortons U.S. franchisees and Restaurant Brands International is increasing in intensity…

Free Webinar: How to get your brand all wrapped up in that 'transparency thing'

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

Can consumers really see your brand? Do they really see how you're "being transparent" about your ingredients, their sources and quality? This free webinar…

New studies show restaurant 'do's and don'ts' of online ordering, delivery

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

As the restaurant industry continues to bask in the big-dollar benefits of online ordering, two new studies shed light on best practices when it comes to…

NRA applauds Trump's apprenticeship order, while critics say it's full of holes

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

The National Restaurant Association and its educational foundation have been pushing for more love from the feds for apprenticeships and this week they got…

Harken restaurateurs: Are you ready for the 'Day of the Dad?'

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

Read on to find out why that fancy cocktail and offbeat entree will do your brand no favors on Father's Day.

McDonald's France intros burger by 'la McFork'

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

McDonald's may be the iconic American brand, but at least in France this month the brand has made a concession to the sensibilities of the oh-so-refined tastes…

Play ball! Make local sports sponsorships work brand magic

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

Sports sponsorships hold big, positive benefits for restaurants at the local level, by connecting with customers in a fun, upbeat and even passionate level.

America's tastes today? Cauliflower on pizza; radishes as raw meat

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

With rapid-fire delivery and an upbeat attitude, menu analyst and Kruse Co. owner, Nancy Kruse, last week told a standing room only crowd at the National…

Leading restaurant recruiter on capturing and keeping those game-changing employees (Part 2 OF 2)

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

In this second part of this series on the importance of hiring innovators, we talk to recruitment and hiring company, Outmatch, for advice on how to attract…

Leaders of Fazoli's, Saladworks, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Grimaldi's, Focus Brands: 'Change is coming'

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

The sands are shifting almost daily and almost on every front: That's the verdict from five restaurant industry leaders who shared their views Monday on the…

Menu labeling: Big Apple again achieves what feds cannot

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

May 19, 2017

As the song says, "making it" in New York has long been seen as the route to also making it "anywhere." But that rule does not apparently apply to menu…

Oscar Meyer teaches an ol' dog new, nitrate-free tricks

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

Oscar Meyer will offer hotdogs with no additional nitrates or nitrites.

Drink it in: The growing importance of beverages on the bottom line

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

Execs from Coca-Cola Company, Krystal Company and S&D Coffee & Tea predict the year's coming beverage trends.

Will Brits embrace Tim Horton's?

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

The lessons to be learned in taking a brand to a new country are unfolding live as Tim Hortons UK emerges in her Majesty's homeland.

'Do you deliver ... profits?' This webinar does

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

Mastering delivery isn't easy, but this free May 18 webinar is a great place to learn how to re-ignite your program.

Carolinas' Shuckin' Shack finds recycling shells sells

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

Oyster restaurants are at the forefront of a shell-recycling movement that not only may again make Chesapeake Bay a hotbed of oyster activity but also serves…

FDA delays: 1 more year to menu labeling enforcement

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

May 1, 2017

It's official: Menu labeling enforcement waits another year.

Future franchisees are watching: What do they see in you?

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

Three restaurant industry leaders talk about branding strategy when it comes to the essential task of drawing franchisees in for business.