Taco Bell, A&W CEOs among those sharing 2020 lessons learned

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

Granted, there's not much to love, let alone like about 2020 in the restaurant universe or elsewhere. But under the heading of pain so often bringing gain, we…

The virtues of virtual kitchens, plus a few myths revealed

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

Restaurateurs are popping out virtual brands today like candy from a Pez dispenser, leaving more than a few misconceptions about these concepts in their wake.

Fast casual leaders talk food safety in the world of COVID-19

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Food safety has always been top of mind for every restaurant, but is now even further a priority given the COVID-19 pandemic. Three fast casual brand leaders…

KFC Next Gen prototype steps-up digital, contactless experiences

With everything from cubbies and kiosks, to contactless everything, KFC unveils its Next Generation prototype restaurant.

Has US demonized restaurant industry as spreader of pandemic?

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

As a surge in COVID-19 grips the nation, restaurateurs are growing weary of the finger-pointing at their businesses as a major factor of rising cases. Instead…

Krispy Kreme expands into self-service to serve customers 24/7

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Krispy Kreme opened a pilot vending machine at its headquarters shop in Charlotte, North Carolina.  If successful, future machines will be placed in locations…

Coming back from COVID-19: Tips, strategies and a silver lining

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A panel of fast casual brand leaders shared how they're on a comeback trail post COVID-19 during the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit as well as insight on…

McDonald's reports prediction-beating Q3 results, brighter path forward

McDonald's started its Monday off right with analyst-beating results from its third quarter, led by healthy U.S. sales for the period that ended Sept. 30.

2020 Perfect Pitch winner: We make a 'damn good biscuit'

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Louisville, Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly took the top honor during the Fast Casual Executive Summit 'Perfect Pitch' competition, beating out three other…

Fast casual brands offer tips, best practices for managing the supply chain

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

The supply chain is a critical aspect of a brand's operations and it needs to scale easily while reducing costs, increasing efficiencies and boosting revenue.

Fast casual brands share tips, advice on sustainability

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Today's fast casual brands are focused on going green for many reasons. An increasing number of consumers are not just expecting it, but demanding it. A panel…

10 missteps to avoid in launching, expanding a fast casual brand

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Whether you are a seasoned restaurant operator or new to the industry, it’s always best to learn from other’s mistakes instead of making your own. Here are the…

UPshow shares 4 proven strategies for igniting profitability, growth

Join Bob Michelson, president and SVP, customer success at UPshow, as he discusses four proven strategies that participants can immediately deploy to boost…

HMS Host COO to restaurateurs: Stop trying to do it all

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

HMS Host COO Joe Thornton relayed a case study around his experience transforming Jamba as a prime example of how restaurant leaders can be more effective by…

Study: KFC, Taco Bell, Hardees have fastest drive-thru times

While customers are flocking to drive-thrus for their pandemic-era restaurant fix, they're waiting for their orders 30 seconds longer than last year.

Taco Bell COO on navigating change: 'It's actually getting … more fun'

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

Change is something every restaurateur has gotten a dose of this year, and Taco Bell Global COO Mike Grams said the brand is winning the adaptability game.

Taco Bell rides 'Go Mobile' model to serve 1B drive-thru customers

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

If there are a couple of things we've learned over the past half-year, it's that drive-thru and digital restaurant ordering are here to stay. In this interview…

Sonic 'booms' into future with 'oasis' in QSR design desert

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

Shortly after Inspire Brands acquired Sonic Drive-in about 1 1/2 years ago, it began reimagining the brand for the future. That new look has taken shape in a…

7 benefits of taking the Fast Casual Executive Summit virtual

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The virtual version of the Fast Casual Executive Summit is Oct. 20-21. Registration is open and is free to the first 500 restaurant executives who sign up.

NRA sends emergency restaurant support plan to legislators

The National Restaurant Association tells Congress the industry needs help and it needs it now.