McDonald's owner/operator relays lessons learned from pandemic

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

The rigors of business in a pandemic-ridden world have given restaurateurs a run for their money. But there have also been invaluable lessons learned through…

Checkers, Rally's CEO on jumping into the driver's seat in a firestorm

Just about three weeks after veteran restaurant industry leader, Frances Allen, took the reins at Checkers and Rally's, the biggest crisis to hit the industry…

COVID-19 blindsided restaurateurs right from start, Ohio poll shows

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

As early as March 8, as COVID-19 restrictions in the U.S. were just beginning, Ohio restaurateurs were hit with a sucker punch that knocked sales down 20…

From booze in tea to oysters in bags, academia takes a turn at 2020 trend predictions

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

Data analysts and marketers have long held the title of food trend prediction pros. But now some of the academics and agricultural specialists are looking into…

In-N-Out Burger named top QSR brand, convenience store wins favorite sandwich category

In-N-Out took top honors as customers' favorite QSR and burger chain, while convenience store, Wawa, landed in the No. 1 slot for best fast food sandwiches…

Sub Station II, Chicken Salad Chick, Pizza Inn franchisees: Tech buy-in demands time, trust

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

Franchisors who want franchisees to invest in tech tools, like mobile ordering and menu boards, would do well to remember that it pays to put yourself in their…

Church's formula for sales success: Mystery shoppers + competitive upselling

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

Church's saw a golden opportunity in its value meal program that made clever use of a mystery shopping program to get employees up to speed quickly on the art…

Long John Silver's woos 'em at the drive-thru with 'do-it-all' menu boards

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Animation and video-capable order-taking menu boards at Long John Silver's are "grabbing" customers right out of the drivers' seats at Long John Silver’s.

8 ways to cut drive-thru times

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

The following eight expert tips for cutting drive -thru times should get your pick-up lanes moving along faster than ever.

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…

Dippin' Dots makes big moves to continue upward growth trend

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

New products, new markets and new partnerships are in the works for Dippin' Dots as part of a plan to continue the company's explosive growth worldwide.

Dunkin’ innovation chief: Hope is no strategy; retailers must differentiate or die

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…

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.

Digital signage and menu boards: Is the writing on the wall?

Menu boards are the backbone of any restaurant's operations. After all, guests can't order what they can't see.

Drive-thru menu boards accelerating into the digital future

The days of static signage at the drive-thru are over. Innovative new technologies have made the drive-thru experience interactive and personalized for each…

Ask the experts: Have digital menu boards reached critical mass?

by Christopher Hall

Digital signage is becoming increasingly common in both quick service and fast casual restaurants, so for this month's "Ask the experts" feature, we asked Jeff…

Next up for QSR: Adaptive drive-thru digital menu boards

Given that almost two-thirds of sales come from drive-thru customers, this segment represents the single largest opportunity to improve revenues and…

Hot Dog on a Stick testing new store model, breakfast

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Sixty-six-year-old concept experiments with drive-thru, domestic franchising.

Drive-thru usage up, speed of service down

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Chains add technology, double lanes to expedite orders.

Seattle's Best Coffee launches new drive-thru concept

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The brand is also offering fresh-baked muffins, cookies, multigrain bars, breakfast sandwiches and snack items.