Veteran marketing innovator named CMO at Rita's

June 22, 2017

Italian ice concept, Rita's Franchise Co., has named a new CMO for the 600-unit chain. Industry veteran, Phyllis Savar Levy, who has assumed the role and that…

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…

Of twisted dogs and magical milkshakes: 2 brands 'LTO' up for summer

June 21, 2017

Sonic Drive-In has always been a little different; now its dogs are getting "twisted," too. A news release said that the chain is bringing back pretzel dogs as…

Church's 'fries' up to Toronto

June 21, 2017

Church's Chicken has taken its fried chicken and biscuits to the Great White North, with this week's opening of the brand's first Canadian location on Lawrence…

Fast food customer satisfaction remains unchanged, but high

June 20, 2017

There weren't too many surprises for fast food operators in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index, a national poll on the quality of an entire range…

Cole named Focus Brands president and COO; Damico named Naf Naf CEO

June 20, 2017

Six-chain operator, Focus Brands, has created a new leadership position — president and COO for North America — and named its current global channels group…

How to avoid disputes in the franchisor-franchisee partnership

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Attorney Brian Schnell of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP offers up advice and tips on how potential franchise operators and franchisors can sidestep common disputes…

Chick-fil-A delivers 'true' gluten-free sandwich

June 19, 2017

Chick-fil-A has added a gluten-free bun, now available for all of its sandwiches, in response to the estimated 18 million Americans who want bread free of the…

Irish Beef lassos Tucson Arby's stores

June 15, 2017

Irish Beef, a Dallas-based restaurant management and investment company, has acquired eight Tucson-area Arby’s locations from Cardinal RB Arizona LLC, with…

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.

Former Dunkin', Starbucks, Yum exec named Papa Murphy's CEO

June 15, 2017

Weldon Spangler, a former leader with Dunkin' Brands, Starbucks and Yum, has been named CEO of Papa Murphy's, effective July 17, the company announced. Jean…

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…

A Sonic 'boom'

June 14, 2017

Sonic Drive-in has signed five new agreements for franchise development, mostly in the eastern half of the nation, a news release said. The largely South and…

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.

Buffalo Wild Wings pilots small, delivery centric brand

June 14, 2017

Buffalo Wild Wings is piloting a downsized format brand called B-Dubs Express this summer in Minneapolis to capture some of the increasing sales around…

KFC: Brand is getting kinda 'spacey'

June 14, 2017

The air gets pretty thin 28 miles up, so you'll excuse KFC if they seem a little "spaced out" as they prepare to send their brand name and their Zinger chicken…

C-Speak: How Hopdoddy relies on tech to customize training, showcase brand culture, streamline openings

Hopdoddy Burger Bar has taken every aspect of workforce management digital to enhance its in-person training, onboarding, and management procedures.

El Pollo Loco debuts new look, LTO

June 13, 2017

El Pollo Loco opened a store this week in Arizona while also debuting an LTO nationwide, a news release said. The new store on East Shea Boulevard in…

From venison to pork belly to liger shakes: Is Arby's the trendiest QSR?

As further proof that any restaurateur today needs also to be a bit of a pop culture freak, Arby's joined the so-called "unicorn food" trend this week with its…

Altogether America: 'Thanks Golden State for the free taco'

June 9, 2017

Taco Bell is again gaining marketing value through the successes of sports with their Steal a Game, Steal a Taco promotion.