Innovative Upstarts Part 3 — Slim Chickens finds chicken biz is anything BUT slim pickings

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

In the hotly contested chicken sector of food service, one relatively new player is showing competitors how it's done, increasing sales by 50 percent last year…

Americans have lots of new-found love for fast food, but still smitten with full-service

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

Americans are feeling the love a little more these days for fast food, according to this year's customer satisfaction survey and index for the food service…

Watch out American fast food operators: Sushi is on a roll for Kula USA

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

Revolving sushi bars are very big in Japan, and could soon be a growing player in the U.S. quick-service market if the success Kula Sushi USA is having is any…

Why your loyalty program is failing and how to fix it (Part 3)

By harnessing the power of smart loyalty and letting customers control their own experience, brands can create a superior consumer journey.

Part Two: A glimpse of the groundwork involved in creating a new food service sector

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

In part two of this series on a new food service sector that some have called "luxury QSR," the first official player in that category talks about the kind of…

Part One: A new restaurant sector pokes its way out of the shell in California

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

In this first of a three-part series, we take a closer look at the chain that claims it's inventing a new restaurant sector that combines speed and quality…

Differentiate or die: Dunkin' innovation chief warns retailers about new digital age

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

John Costello, Dunkin’ Brands president, global marketing and innovation, doesn’t mince words when it comes to the state of retail and what retailers must do…

Why 'locally sourced,' 'organic' aren't just buzzwords

QSRs need to pay heed to the increasing movement of consumers toward all things healthy and natural, and they need to be authentic about it.

Consumers rank Panera, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, DQ as favorite brands

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

Results are in from a study created via a mobile insights platform that captures customer impressions of some of the nation's premier QSR brands.

Site selection secrets for restaurant tenants

The commercial space chosen by a restaurant tenant can be a deciding factor in the success or failure of the business.

3 tips for restaurant owners to master user-generated content

We live in a social media world and nowhere is that more clear than in the restaurant industry. Pictures of food are ubiquitous, dominating photo-driven…

At the Summit: Are you embracing the Internet of Things in your franchise?

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Everyone seems to be talking about the "Internet of Things," or IOT, but what does that have to do with restaurants?

Restaurant, retail customer experience leaders headline ICX Summit

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

Gurus from Smashburger, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Detroit Red Wings, Domino's Pizza and Wingstop are among a hefty list of speakers and panelists offering expert…

At the Summit: How to create a franchise-friendly supply chain

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

The supply chain is often the thorn in the side of franchisors, especially those that have brands spread nationwide or globally.

Wingstop, Pizza Hut, Cici's Pizza execs debate importance of mobile apps

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

The customer experience at a restaurant is paramount to a restaurant's success. Mobile apps have become increasingly part of that experience, but how important…

Location matters: Are you on the wrong side of the road?

Most Investors understand the importance of analyzing demographics and traffic counts, but asking the question: "Is this location on the right side of the…

Slapfish CEO urges Summit attendees to 'make your most annoying customer your best friend'

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Slapfish founder Andrew Gruel responds to approximately 30 online reviews daily about his company — regardless of whether they are positive or negative. He…

Google goes "hands free" with mobile payments

by Will Hernandez — Editor, NetWorld Media Group

The company is testing what it calls a 'Hands Free' app that enables users to make and confirm purchases without a payment card or mobile wallet.

Can a credit card payment breach happen at your restaurant?

by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

Credit card payment security is a common source of concern for nearly any business.

Growing reception and use of restaurant self-serve POS

While rugged mobile tablets are making their way into the food services market, one element of the checkout experience that continues to be in demand for…