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.

Your brand's name in lights, baby!

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

As a reader of this website, we know you're probably also an industry expert and leader. You know your stuff. But frankly, you're overlooking one of the best…

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 end-of-year campaigns roll out red (+ green) carpet for customers

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

From white-bearded nutcrackers to coffee-scented candles, QSRs are whispering sweet little nothings into their customers' ears this time of year in the form of…

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…

Chick-fil-A ends donations to 2 Christian anti-same-sex marriage groups, begins new philanthropic focus

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

Days after protests against the presence of Chick-fil-A's food truck at an Oregon high school's football games, the brand's foundation cuts funding to two anti…

Get real! Authenticity will rule in 2020 QSRs marketing

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

New research indicates that while consumers may not necessariy do what they say when it comes to brand patronage, they expect the QSRs they buy from to be "as…

Best practices for integrating carryout

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

By envisioning the carryout business as a component of an emerging, integrated digital ecosystem, restaurant decision makers can allocate resources in a way…

Veterans Day Monday has brands primed to show support

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

Veterans Day is Monday and brands nationally are rolling out the red carpet for all those who serve and have served.

2019 Perfect Pitch winner: 'Best fried chicken in the land of fried chicken'

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

Louisville, Kentucky brand, Royals Hot Chicken is not only a hot commodity in its fried chicken-steeped home base, but also managed to burn up the competition…

What to do when franchisees go rogue

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

As franchise organizations expand, they oftentimes find it makes sense to allow franchisees some freedom in how they market the brand. But knowing how much…

'How Chipotle Turned Free Burritos into Lasting Customer Relationships' focus of Oct 24 free webinar

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

Basketball and burritos are a pretty unbeatable mix. But when that duo is also paired with digital engagement as Chipotle did last spring, it is even more…

From Filipino 'chili dogs' to South Korean poutine, Indiana's 1st test kitchen readies for launch

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

Young chefs with concepts that offer everything from Filipino street food to Midwest/West U.S. fusion cuisine are getting all the startup help they need at a…

Sure, you're marketing to the individual diner, but what about the 'diners'?

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

Marketing to the individual and "knowing the diner" are familiar terms to restaurateurs, but new University of Virginia research shows brand leaders must also…

Creepy vs. OK: Is there a disconnect on restaurant tech between brands, customers?

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

Ever heard the term, "creepy tech"? If you lead a brand with even passing participation in restaurant tech, you probably should have, at least according to…

Making menu boards pay big QSR dividends

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

Spend more on menu boards? QSR operators might like to do that, but doubt that it will pay off enough in this super-competitive, squeaky tight margin market.

Your QSR's workplace culture: Brand builder or buster?

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

Think workplace culture doesn't show through to your customers? Think again. In fact, poor feedback about your brand through venues like social media and even…

How Yelp uses customer data to help restaurants

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

As more guests use social media to share their dining experiences, companies such as Yelp — which began as a restaurant review site but has expanded into a…