Dunkin's big eGift card win: A lesson for sales-seeking QSRs

by Brett Narlinger — Senior Vice President, Global Commece, Blackhawk Network

QSRs need to get on the E-train, as in eGifts. Dunkin' recently launched a campaign around this kind of product with tremendous success that spilled over into…

Gift Cards to Drive the 2020 Holiday Shopping Season

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 will likely drive a major change in our gift-giving choices this year.

White Castle launches 1st systemwide loyalty program

September 10, 2020

White Castle has launched its first systemwide loyalty program — The Craver Nation. It provides discounts and special offers to customers based on their…

Yum China launches Hong Kong Stock Exchange public offering

August 31, 2020

Yum China Holdings Inc. is launching its Hong Kong public offering today, which a news release said forms part of the global offering of 41,910,700 new shares…

Restaurant chain transaction decline on healthier track

August 26, 2020

Customer transaction declines at major restaurant chains improved in the week ending August 16, moving into single digits after 21 weeks of double-digit…

Arkansas-based Minute Man relaunching with focus on diner, employee health

August 26, 2020

A 72-year-old Arkansas fast food brand called Minute Man is on the cusp of what brand leaders hope will be a successful comeback.

It takes more than a pandemic to freeze Kona Ice out of summer action

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

Kona Ice has always leaned heavily on summer festivals for a large chunk of annual sales, but as the pandemic turned those events from actual to virtual, the…

Optimize Technology to Deliver Better Customer Loyalty & Engagement

When it comes to driving loyalty and increasing profitability through customer relationships, here are four technology-driven tactics imperative to a…

US Foods debut ghost kitchens to help food operators drive revenue, expand with ease

August 19, 2020

US Foods is launching a ghost kitchen program in a quest to help restaurant operators expand off-premise dining and create a new revenue stream at the same…

Dream Dinners makes the meal kit a millennial 'must-have'

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

Newly named Dream Dinners CEO Tina Kuna has been around the block when it comes to making meal kits into big business. In fact, the transformation she led at…

Heftier check sizes boost Jack in the Box Q3 sales

August 6, 2020

Jack in the Box pulled out systemwide sales growth in the quarter that ended July 5 of 6.6%, driven by average check growth of 20.2%, though transactions were…

Popeyes perks up RBI's Q2, Burger King, Tim Hortons pull it back down

The power of a really popular chicken sandwich buoyed otherwise dismal results for Restaurant Brands International and its Popeyes, Burger King and Tim Hortons…

Payment speed top of mind for business owners

August 5, 2020

Although small business owners have increased their technology spend in the past two years, 39% said they still spent at least five hours per week dealing with…

Steak 'n Shake jumps the engine on former drive-in carhop service

August 5, 2020

Although Steak 'n Shake is typically a casual dining affair, the brand has revived its former drive-in service at a time when many customers would prefer to…

Virtual restaurant franchise launches Miami virtual food hall

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

With brands like Chef Burger, El Taco Loco and Mama Rosa, its safe to say that the nation's first virtual restaurant franchise has a little something for…

NRA: 'Second wave of closings hinders recovery efforts'

July 27, 2020

The National Restaurant Association wants all U.S. governors and mayors to know the restaurant industry has maintained an "unwavering commitment to customer…

Fast food drive-thrus: Plan for it now or pay for it later

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

If you're building or renovating a QSR now or in the near future, industry experts increasingly recommend that you find a site and the dollars to include a…

Edible's sales skyrocket 18% 1st half of year

July 21, 2020

Edible said today that the first half of 2020 was a record-breaker with sales up 18% systemwide for the period and an eye-popping 70% in the U.S. since April…

What QSRs stand to gain (or lose) by taking a stand

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

This year —  more than most —  there are plenty of issues up for debate, and many brands are choosing sides. New research shows this act of social…

Discover commits $5M to support Black-owned restaurants

July 6, 2020

Discover Financial Services has committed $5 million to provide assistance to Black-owned restaurants in the U.S. in the form of $25,000 grants for…