April Fool's: Restaurant brands get in on the fun

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant brands 'launch' clear coffee, a kale shake and an edible pizza box.

Baskin-Robbins launches online cake ordering nationwide

April 1, 2014

Baskin-Robbins today announced the launch of a new online cake ordering system for guests nationwide, at baskinrobbins.com/onlineordering.

Pretzelmaker plans fundraiser for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

April 1, 2014

Pretzelmaker has set a goal to give away 65,000 free pretzels on National Pretzel Day, April 26, while raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Dunkin' Donuts brings back Baskin-Robbins-inspired coffees

April 1, 2014

To celebrate spring's arrival, Dunkin' Donuts has brought back an iced coffee line inspired by its sister brand, Baskin-Robbins.

Wienerschnitzel offers 99-cent chili dog promo for tax season

April 1, 2014

Wienerschnitzel has reduced the price of its signature Chili Dogs to 99 cents for a limited time through April 27.

Dairy Queen pushes fan club signup for promotion

April 1, 2014

To celebrate Tax Day, April 15, Dairy Queen is giving away Waffle Cone Holders along with a $10 DQ gift card to 100 Blizzard Fan Club members.

Baskin-Robbins launches tie-in with The Amazing Spider-Man 2

April 1, 2014

Leading up to the May 2 premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Baskin-Robbins, in collaboration with Sony Pictures, has launched a variety of promotions…

White Castle stepping up breakfast with waffle sandwiches

March 31, 2014

It is getting very hot in the QSR breakfast space, with Taco Bell's extensive menu launch last week, Dunkin' Donuts' recently released version of Eggs Benedict…

Adoption rates for restaurant loyalty programs lower than other industries

March 31, 2014

Despite an increased focus on loyalty apps and loyalty programs by many big-name restaurant brands in recent months, plenty of opportunities remain in the…

Restaurant category media spend up 5.2 percent in 2013

March 31, 2014

Expenditures for the 10 largest advertising categories grew 1.8 percent in 2013 and reached $88,334.1 million, led by retail. According to a news release from…

Krispy Kreme rolls out new pie-inspired doughnuts

March 31, 2014

Krispy Kreme has launched two new doughnuts inspired by classic pie flavors. According to a news release, the Key Lime Pie and new Caramel Dutch Apple Pie…

WFF 2014: A view from the top

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Get a look at what happened at the 2014 WFF's Leadership Conference.

McDonald's giving coffee freebies

March 28, 2014

McDonald's McCafe is giving U.S. coffee drinkers a small brewed McCafe coffee during the chain's first-ever national Free Coffee Event. Free McCafe coffee is…

Dunkin' Donuts rolls out PEEPS donuts

March 28, 2014

PEEPS Marshmallow Chicks are flying into Dunkin' Donuts March 31, according to a company press release. The new donuts are shaped like flowers, decorated with…

How defining customer segments can help you maximize revenues

With new customers, you get one chance to make a good impression and get them to come back frequently.

Jersey Mike's unveils new 'A Sub Above' brand campaign

March 28, 2014

Jersey Mike's Subs is introducing a new branding campaign, called "A Sub Above," in partnership with Wisconsin-based agency Planet Propaganda.

Tim Hortons to re-introduce classic menu items for 50th anniversary

March 28, 2014

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Tim Hortons is asking its fans to help reintroduce one of its classic menu items with its Bring It Back online campaign.

Sonic's plan for differentiation: Chocolate jalapeno shakes and interactive screens

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The Point of Personalized Service initiative will boost customer experience, drive sales and profitability, CEO says.

Taco Time launches digital gifting program

March 27, 2014

TacoTime has introduced an eGift program that allows customers to send and receive TacoTime gift cards via email or smartphone.

Taco Bell recruits Ronald McDonald to promote new breakfast

March 27, 2014

Taco Bell's new breakfast menu officially launches today at the brand's more than 5,500 restaurants nationwide. The company has called its breakfast the…