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…

McDonald's top execs to cut salaries as March sales drop 22%

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

McDonald's executives are slashing salaries amid a sharp drop in same-store sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To AI or not to AI: Researcher says proceed with caution

Research just published by a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor indicates that AI may not always serve restaurant brands well, depending on their…

White Castle's pandemic response shows QSR strains amid dine-in closings

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

With five states closing in-restaurant dining, we talk to one QSR affected by the closures in response to the pandemic and how it's affecting operations for…

American QSR customers enter their 'blue mood'

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

What do purple food, an illegal South American bean and a funky blue fungus on corn have in common? According to Technomic, they're all proven, promising food…

Navigating QSR social media 'landmines' on way to customer conversions

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

A digital marketing expert speaking at last week's Mid-America Restaurant Expo in Columbus, Ohio said all the data points to the fact that QSRs and social…

Coronavirus' effect on supply chains: Potentially worse than 2002 SARS outbreak

While this morning the coronavirus has reportedly killed more than 2,100 and sickened more than 75,700, QSRs and other businesses are waiting and wondering how…

QSRs say 'XO, XO' during Valentine's Week

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

When plucking the petals off the "loves me, loves me not" daisy, QSRs have definitely landed on "loves me," with a bevy of offerings this Valentine's Week…

US restaurants vs coronavirus: The very real things US brands can do now

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

No, the coronavirus is not a major health threat in the U.S. at this time. But the fact is, that could quickly change, and there are some very real…

Moving from pizza to pistachio doughnuts: Chicago restaurateur says it's a natural

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

Ask a pizzaiolo the key to mastering the pie and you'll likely hear it's the dough. Chicago restaurateur Rich Labriola won't argue that point. In fact, he's so…

Taco Bell offering paid sick days, $100,000 GM salaries

Taco Bell is upping the ante on QSR industry employer desirability and packaging sustainability with its 2020 commitments.

What wowed QSRweb readers in 2019

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

From major C-suite changes at major QSRs, to everything and anything about the delivery game in quick-service, the top stories "of the year that was" on…

McDonald's adds tech to 'round up' purchases to support Ronald McDonald Houses

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

You might call the position McDonald's recently found itself in something like "When the need-meeter needs help." Donations have been way down for Ronald…

QSR Conundrums: Taming that booming 'order-online, pickup in-store' business

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

In this first of a new QSRweb bimonthly series, QSR Conundrums, our experts give their best thoughts on new ways to handle a relatively new "problem" of…

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…

Delivering a frictionless guest experience: one size doesn't fit all

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Technology allows restaurants to deliver a better guest experience, but companies still need to test new solutions since no one tool meets all companies…

Dog Haus, Ike's, Zoup leaders say being trendy is definitely not 'where it's at'

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

The name of the game now in limited-service menu innovation has less to do with following the waves of trends that regularly sweep through food service and…

Integrating delivery services: a disruption that can't be ignored

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Meeting this off-premise challenge, driven by the growth of e-commerce, requires a thorough assessment of how the organization manages its delivery orders.

Subway franchisee shows those with autism how building sandwiches can build a better life

Many of those with autism find the path to a job and more independent life strewn with obstacles. But one Las Vegas-area Subway franchisee has gone a long way…

The real reason Wendy's is giving breakfast another try

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

It takes a lot of guts for a QSR like Wendy's to try breakfast again -- for the fourth time in the chain's history. But a recent location data study shows why…