Expert preparation tips for QSR boycotts, vitriol in presidential election year

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

The boycott of Wendy's that ensued after the online "pile-on" under the hashtag #Wendysisoverparty, could happen to any QSR, but these three marketing and…

Wendy's, Taco Bell leaders stress brands' support for black community

June 9, 2020

Wendy's said it is engaging with a newly formed company advisory group of black leaders and other individuals at the chain to "identify and prioritize the…

Former Focus Brands exec named Global Franchise Group CFO

June 8, 2020

Former Focus Brands accounting executive Sam Patterson has moved into the CFO's job at Global Franchise Group, the franchisor for Hot Dog on a Stick, Great…

Firehouse Subs '5-alarm' tech emergency highlights value of evaluating systems

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

For Firehouse Subs, the emergence of COVID-19 on the American landscape triggered nothing short of a five-alarm emergency to get the sandwich brand in sync…

Former IHOP CIO takes on same role at Casey's General Stores

June 2, 2020

Casey's General Stores Inc. has named Adrian Butler, former CIO at IHOP parent, Dine Brands Global, as the convenience store company's CIO, in a newly created…

Meeting QSRs' urgent app-based COVID-19 training needs

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

QSR leaders nationally are urgently seeking training services that can be pushed out quickly to vast numbers of hourly workers across many locales and types of…

Dunkin' Brands names vice president, managing counsel

May 19, 2020

Dunkin' Brands, the parent company of Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins, has promoted Ryan Schaffer to vice president and managing counsel. Schaffer will lead a team…

Subway's take on getting back to dine-in

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

Like so many other QSRs these days, Subway stores and franchisees are in the process of powering and training up for dine-in amidst a socially distanced world.

Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons North America stores ready for dine-in, CEO says

May 12, 2020

The CEO of Restaurant Brands International Inc., the parent of Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons, has prepared its nearly 15,000 North American stores and…

Golden Chick president promises 500 stores, Netsurion on speeding up contactless pickup

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

Although just 189-stores in size now, Golden Chick is planning a lot of hatchlings for the future, with a goal of 500 stores nationally by 2030, according to…

Top online COVID-19 coverage for QSRs: From borrowing options to menu must-haves

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

Need guidance on how to get a loan without the help of a traditional bank? Wondering about your QSR's coffee sales in a pandemic-wary world? This review of…

Freddy's tackles 'hospitality through a speakerphone' + lawfirm unravels confusion surrounding stimulus funds

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

Freddy's Co-founder and COO Scott Redler discusses the challenge of customer service via drive-thru and delivery. Then, Messner Reeves attorneys Rachel Farr…

Nathan's Famous tech transformation: Serving customers 'where, when and how' they want it

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

After a solid 102 years in existence, Nathan's Famous — one of the few U.S. brands around for the last pandemic in 1918 — has made a timely tech transformation…

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…

Subway merges Europe, Mideast, Africa regions under former Focus Brands international president

April 24, 2020

Subway Restaurants named Mike Kehoe, former president, international at Focus Brands, as president of its newly formed EMEA region, a news release said.

COVID-19 liability protection for restaurateurs + Edible Brands' new QSR

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

Is your brand making the moves now to prevent COVID-19-related liability claims later? Today's podcast features two Messner Reeves LLP attorneys' expert…

Casey's General Store names former Red Robin exec to top restaurant post

April 15, 2020

Iowa-based Casey's General Stores, Inc. has named Michelle Wickham as its vice president, food service, where she will lead the brand's $1.1 billion prepared…

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…

Del Taco draws down $50M on revolving credit facility, withdraws 2020 guidance

April 2, 2020

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. withdrew its 2020 earnings outlook and has drawn down $50 million on its revolving credit facility, among several measures taken to…