Arby's goes a little 'foodie' with ol' Porky

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

Arby's is not only putting all its guns behind its "We have the meats" branding, but it's also getting a little "foodie-esque" in the process. For proof, look…

Chipotle class action suits allege brand misled public, investors about food safety measures

July 20, 2017

One class action suit was filed, another is waiting for class certification and a third is in the wings, all alleging that Chipotle and its leadership led food…

BBC uncovers fecal bacteria in 3 US fast food chains' ice

July 20, 2017

A BBC "Watchdog" series investigation that found feces in iced drinks served at three U.S.-based fast food chains in the U.K., is rapidly growing into a global…

It’s a jungle out there, all right, and its name is Amazon

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

There may never be a more fitting name than that of Amazon, the mega online retailer that has come to demonstrate what the term “It’s a jungle out there…

KC grocery-shoppers dip into Dunkin'

July 18, 2017

Under the title of "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em," comes Dunkin' Donuts, which has partnered with national grocer Price Chopper to put Dunkin' offerings in…

Subway's new stores get 'fresh' with diners

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

Though so-called "brand refreshes" happen all the time among QSR chains, few concepts have taken the term, "refresh" as literally as Subway with its new…

Domino's moo-ves in to milk some action from 'Cow Appreciation' events

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

What do you do when a competitor has a really good annual promotion that they thought of first? If you're Domino's, you apparently tell the competition to…

Everything's bigger in ... China?

July 12, 2017

China's restaurant industry is    one of the nation's main economic growth drivers, according to a report released by Meituan-Dianping, a foodservice-focused…

Study on independent brands: Only the strong survive, but they also thrive

July 11, 2017

Staying independent is a pretty rough game for U.S. restaurateurs. Still, survival is not only possible but also relatively profitable for solid concepts with…

Be my 'bBff': Marketing guru says best brands 'participate' in diners' lives

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

Brands with the most loyal and committed customers know you only earn super-loyalty when you participate in customers' lives, says veteran marketing guru…

Caliburger founder to discuss how $3.1M investment will fuel robotics in the kitchen

The substantial investment is the combined effort of Acacia Research Corporation, Match Robotics VC, and a number of undisclosed strategic investors.

Diners dump buckets full of criticism on KFC's 'robotic' colonel

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

Ok, just going to tell you right off, fair reader, that though I am a journalist and pledged to stay fervently objective, I've decided to go a bit subjective…

It's good to be Yum China: Q2 operating profit up 64%

July 6, 2017

Yum China continues to be embraced with open arms in China, reporting a 3 percent spike in Q2 same-store sales and mobile payments exceeding 40 percent of…

Japanese mega-retailer proves 'grocery-ification' of eating out goes beyond US

July 5, 2017

Call it the grocery-ification of the restaurant business, and it is happening and not just in the U.S.

Captain D's ready to move in 'bayou'

June 28, 2017

Captain D's has opened its newest corporate-owned location, this one on the fringes of the bayou along Government Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, according…

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…

Krystal names former Popeyes VP to chief people officer slot

June 27, 2017

Former Popeyes Vice President Catherine Jefferson has joined Krystal as chief people officer, bringing 20 years of human resources experience to the key role…

Marco's introduces tuition perk for employees

June 27, 2017

Marco's has added an employee perk that substantially boosts its attractiveness to potential employees, according to a news release.

Pizza in Chile? Little Caesars says, 'Yes!'

June 26, 2017

Little Caesars is putting their pizza in Chile, where consumers are increasingly demanding "takeaway" brands that offer value per serving.

Dunkin' targets travelers with touchdown at Vegas Hard Rock

June 23, 2017

For the truly hip traveling public, Hard Rock hotels and those airport-centric Hudson News shops are part of the everyday scenery. Now Dunkin' Donuts is…