2020 Perfect Pitch winner: We make a 'damn good biscuit'

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

Louisville, Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly took the top honor during the Fast Casual Executive Summit 'Perfect Pitch' competition, beating out three other…

Sonic LTO 'shakes' up espresso-lovers

November 3, 2020

Sonic is hitting the nation's super-sized contingent of espresso and sweets lovers with a double-whammy this month with Espresso Shakes LTO. The super-charged…

The lowdown on upcoming menu trends: McAlister's, Ike's, other restaurateurs weigh in

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

On the menu trend flavor front, searing "heat" is turning to smoke, while coffee is sliding over to make room for tea, and customers are trading in exotic…

McDonald's hires diversity, inclusion VP

November 2, 2020

McDonald's has named former VF Corporation diversity executive, Reginald J. Miller, as its vice president and global diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

Inspire Brands' acquisition of Dunkin’ will more than double company's size

In a mammoth deal announced Saturday, 11,000-unit Inspire Brands signed a merger agreement with 20,500-unit Dunkin' Brands for a move that may signal some…

Fast casual brands offer tips, best practices for managing the supply chain

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

The supply chain is a critical aspect of a brand's operations and it needs to scale easily while reducing costs, increasing efficiencies and boosting revenue.

Jollibee adds 6 North American stores

October 30, 2020

Philippines-based QSR chain, Jollibee is continuing its North American expansion with six store openings between Oct. 1 and the end of the year in the U.S. and…

Stoner's Pizza deal will nearly double chain's size

October 30, 2020

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based quick-service pizza brand, Stoner's Pizza Joint, has signed a deal to add 10 units with franchisee group, Pie Enterprises LLC.

More Black franchisees sue McDonald's

October 30, 2020

McDonald's Corp has been named as the defendant in a lawsuit filed by Black franchisees, who accuse the Chicago-based company of racial discrimination.

Tray DineSafe offers contactless automated locker, virtual drive thru

October 30, 2020

Tray, an enterprise restaurant management platform, has launched DineSafe, a suite of contactless self-service features that enables a safe post-COVID…

Disposable aprons address pandemic-era safety concerns

October 29, 2020

Safety ranks at the top of most diners' lists of concerns, and now brands have a line of disposable aprons to give both workers and customers added protection.

McDonald's names Boeing exec to chief learning, development post

October 29, 2020

McDonald's has named a former Boeing executive as its SVP, chief learning and development officer. Bethany Tate Cornell comes to McDonald's from Boeing where…

Chicago banning dine-in service

October 29, 2020

Chicago restaurants must close all dine-in service as of Friday, according to a mandate from Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Taco Bell ticks up Yum Brands Q3 results

October 29, 2020

Yum Brands revealed third-quarter results Thursday that made clear the power of the Taco Bell brand for the Louisville, Kentucky-based company. Worldwide…

Take-home ice cream sales sweeten Dunkin Brand's Q3 earnings

October 29, 2020

As Dunkin' Brands continues possible acquisition talks with Inspire Brands, it released third-quarter financial results showing that Baskin-Robbins U.S. comp…

NRA pushes recessed Congress for relief deal by year's end

October 28, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent the Senate into recess Tuesday, for two weeks until Nov. 9, still without any type of recovery bill that might help…

Free McDonald's bakery items with coffee 1st week of November

October 28, 2020

McDonald's is offering Halloween-triggered treats to its customers in the week following All Hallows Eve in a way that also promotes its newly introduced…

Fast casual brands share tips, advice on sustainability

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

Today's fast casual brands are focused on going green for many reasons. An increasing number of consumers are not just expecting it, but demanding it. A panel…

White Castle closing 4 hours on Election Day, pays employees PTO

October 27, 2020

White Castle said today it will close its stores from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 3, to give team members time to vote in the 202…

Rapid Fired creator kicks off Dayton, Ohio chicken-centered QSR

October 27, 2020

The creators of Rapid Fired Pizza and Hot Head Burritos are creating a chicken-centered QSR opening December in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio. Wiley's Wings Tenders…