QSR operators' digital signage life extension planner

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Digital signage is almost daily becoming more affordable and functional, but the fact remains that it's still a costly part of the QSR business. The good news…

Zoup CEO talks growing pains

Eric Ersher, founder of Zoup, talks with Hughes' Tom Tang about the challenges of growing and success.

Taco Bell 'lights Ohio's fire' with 2 new test fries

August 16, 2018

The Midwestern cities of Cincinnati and Columbus Ohio will be the test grounds for Taco Bell's latest takes on spicy fries. The chain will starts tests today…

QSR money-saver: The overlooked elements of distributor audits

by Andrew Rosenbloom — Director of Marketing, Consolidated Concepts

In an analysis of distributor and vendor invoices, 35 percent were found to have errors. That's money you're leaving on the table. Here are some ideas on how…

Subway partners with global food network to innovate 'locally relevant' menus

August 7, 2018

Gobal QSR chains often face challenges when it comes to developing trendy menus, but Subway hopes to overcome them by partnering with an online food and travel…

AI ordering for even the most indecisive QSR customers

July 27, 2018

Conversational AI producers at Clinc used a video of the world's most indecisive QSR drive-thru customer to show how its AI-powered QSR drive-thru and in-store…

QSR trends-to-be: Native American novelties to fermented Finnish foods

As a restaurateur, can you choose the menu trends coming down the pike, or would you like to know what trends forecasters say SHOULD be on you menus? Take this…

McDonald's salads eyed as possible source of parasitic illness

July 13, 2018

McDonald's salads are being eyed as the possible source of a parasite that has sickened more than 35 people since mid-May, according to public health officials…

A&W's North American stores 'afloat' in root beer giveaways

July 10, 2018

The ship has come in for root beer fans from the tip of Florida to the top of Canada, not to mention the root beer-centric brand, A&W, itself, which has…

Church's Chicken takes global approach to menu innovation

July 3, 2018

Sister brands, Church's Chicken (primarily in the U.S.) and Texas Chicken (global) recently held their first worldwide innovation sessions in a trio of cities…

Fast food pizza drives QSR customer satisfaction gains

Fast food pizza brands are making customers very happy this year and that's helping to  push the whole QSR category up a notch in its measurement of customer…

Dunkin' Donuts does 'sweet' fries with brown-sugar cold brew

June 28, 2018

Dunkin' Donuts is betting that a sweet version of the French fry will take U.S. customers by storm, launching Donut Fries July 2 as an LTO following a…

Growing restaurant beverage trend demands brands rethink sweeteners

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

Natural and healthful sourcing is hugely in demand for today's restaurateurs. Why then do so few brands offer naturally sourced lower-calorie sweeteners…

8 important reasons QSR leaders need a kiosk strategy

A good deal of data suggests kiosks help boost QSR business, so it makes sense to develop a kiosk strategy for your quick-serve brand, if you haven't already…

Caterers can make $6 for every dollar invested in food waste

Restaurant brands with large catering arms would do themselves a favor by cutting food waste, according to a news report that found that every $1 invested in…

Top food trends now: The 'women' have spoken

June 20, 2018

The women have spoken, and they have some interesting ideas about where food is going in the years ahead. Les Dames d'Escoffier International — 2,300 women…

KFC UK's lighter ways: The big chicken 'pivots' as QSR world watches

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

KFC in U.K. and Ireland is vowing to slash one-fifth of the calories from its menu in less than seven years. A monumental move, to be sure, and one that all…

Meatless: It's not just for vegans anymore

June 14, 2018

NPD Group said data shows a clearly higher demand for plant-based proteins today, evidenced by 19 percent growth in cases of such proteins shipped from…

Sonic's summer is all about pickles, chicken

June 12, 2018

Summer at Sonic means snow cone slushes, and this year one of those slushes means "pucker up." The brand this week ushered in four snow cone flavors, including…

Long John Silver's, Goodcents Deli, Rosati's on the 'franchise-worthy' customer experience

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

Three brands' leaders offered wisdom-packed responses during an hour-long panel on making your brand's customer experience franchise-worthy at this spring's…