Hopdoddy, restaurant designers discuss the ROI of redesign

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

Great restaurant design can yield tremendous return on investment if you and your design team really understand how to tell your story, prioritize your spend…

Mrs. Winner's on 'zigging' while the industry 'zags'

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

The fried chicken brand finds success by staying true to its roots: gravy and fried chicken.

Balance Grill, CoreLife, I Love Bacon execs on innovation that works ... and doesn't

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

A panel of restaurant leaders shared some of their best and worst innovations with fellow restaurateurs at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Nashville.

Carl’s Jr., Hardee's get a little diabolical with latest marketing campaign

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

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's are proving they're not below rolling in the mud a little in the name of a good marketing gag.

Blaze, Beefsteak, McAlisters chefs offer innovation ideas QSRs can sink their teeth into

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Menu development is a team effort consisting of culinary, financial and logistics input. A balance is needed for a menu item to succeed.

Mayhem alert: KFC's main marketing mind headlines Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Take a trip to marketing's wild side in April, when KFC Advertising Director George Felix headlines the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in the Derby…

Corner Bakery, Newk's, Saladworks leaders' quick quotes for QSRs on dynamite data use

QSR operators can take home some great ideas on effective data use from three fast casual brands who shared thoughts on the subject at the Fast Casual…

Young, cash-savvy, dine-out divas: QSR keys to unlock Gen Z

More than 75 percent of this 18-to-35 age group spend most of their money on food, a new survey finds. Here are four keys to capturing their hearts and…

Millennials: 'Give us big discounts, cut the small talk'

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

One of the more eye-opening sessions at this Fast Casual Executive Summit in Nashville this month was a quick, question-filled hour-long chat with a varied…

'Fall'-ing in love again: QSRs roll out offerings to roll in diners

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

Trees may shed plenty every fall, but QSR menus do not. Rather, many brands have been adding on like crazy this fall with innovative offerings, both LTO and…

Krystal proves hurricane response plans help

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

Many QSR chains lack hurricane response plans, citing the unique challenge that each storm presents. Not so though for Krystal, whose thorough hurricane…

7-Eleven launches fresh meals to compete with QSRs

7-Eleven is aiming squarely at the restaurant industry with a line of prepared foods to go in its sprawling network of northern Texas stores. Even the news…

White Castle’s 'Crave Mobiles' racking up more miles

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

White Castle food trucks have allowed the company to extend its presence in markets that aren't as well served by its brick and mortar restaurants, helping to…

Fazoli's 'Comeback Kid' shares turnaround story at London summit

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

"It was ugly," Fazoli's President and CEO Carl Howard exclaimed as he detailed the state of the chain when he arrived to lead it nine years ago. "I mean…

Show and tell: Coolgreens demonstrates how 'picturing' community health can be profitable

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

Oklahoma-based Coolgreens defines itself through community health, and as the chain expands, it will spread that idea in a very visual way.

3 commonalities among Lyfe Kitchen, Urban Plates, Baskin Robbins brand-building strategies

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Building a successful brand has three parts: storytelling, club making and country building, according to a branding expert at the National Restaurant Show.

Subway's new stores get 'fresh' with diners

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

Though so-called "brand refreshes" happen all the time among QSR chains, few concepts have taken the term, "refresh" as literally as Subway with its new…

Be my 'bBff': Marketing guru says best brands 'participate' in diners' lives

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

Brands with the most loyal and committed customers know you only earn super-loyalty when you participate in customers' lives, says veteran marketing guru…

The Halal Guys loyalty story to headline July 13 webinar

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

The Halal Guys have had enormous success with their well-researched loyalty program, which the brand's leadership with share with our readers during a July 1…

McDonald’s clarifies: No plans to replace workers with kiosks

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Cowen & Co. upgraded McDonald's outlook based on the chain's technology upgrades, including self-order kiosks. The company has been deploying kiosks globally…