Taco Bell Doritos Locos launch boosts brand perception

April 12, 2012

Taco Bell's new Doritos Locos Tacos appear to have lifted consumer perception of both brands, especially with regular patrons of Mexican restaurants, according…

Top 5 all-time 'contrasting' food flavor pairings

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

When you think about flavor pairings, do you think first about 'compatible flavors' or do you think first about 'contrasting flavors?'

Healthful, flavorful meals top trends at QSRs, fast casuals

April 9, 2012

As diners become more sophisticated in their tastes and desire for flavorful, healthful foods, quick-service and fast casual operators are plating up…

Study reveals how QSRs can build loyalty among Hispanic consumers

On average, Hispanics visit QSRs more than 10 times in a 30-day period, while non-Hispanics visit about seven times per month.

Kate Upton ad gives Carl's Jr. and Hardee's a major branding boost

April 2, 2012

CKE Restaurants brands Carl's Jr. and Hardee's have received a social media lift since debuting the Southwest Patty Melt commercials starring 2012 Sports…

Restaurant operators continue to report positive sales, optimism

April 2, 2012

Bolstered by positive same-store sales and traffic results and an optimistic outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association's…

Brands get nostalgic in updating to Facebook Timeline

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Chains need to take advantage of the new design or risk losing engagement.

NRA survey shows demand for online, smartphone presence

March 28, 2012

The restaurant industry was one of the first to come back from the recession, and for 2012, the National Restaurant Association's Forecast predicts a record…

Culinary Tide's 2012 top trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Culinary Tides, Inc. released the report: "Top 10 Trends Analysis - Shifting Sands 2012: A cross analysis of predictions across Government, Technology, Health…

Subway named as a consumer favorite for 8th year

March 27, 2012

The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend (EQ) study has been released, recognizing brands across industries that are identified by consumers as superior.

Report: Expectations rise for restaurant industry

March 27, 2012

The American restaurant industry is starting to benefit from a rise in consumer spending and foot traffic, albeit from a diminished base, according to the 22nd…

More restaurant chains aiming for green certification

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

CEO of Green Restaurant Association talks about the spike in environmentally-friendly efforts throughout the past few years.

Report: Soup and salad purchases increase

March 26, 2012

As consumers seek lighter, healthier and more affordable food choices, away-from-home soup and salad purchases are on the rise, according to market research…

Pop-ups threaten food trucks

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Pop-ups are morphing into a multipurpose tool, used to test concepts, market new brands, engage with a younger audience, or prove to landlords, lenders and…

Study shows women favor Dairy Queen

March 21, 2012

Following an analysis of 27 billion online conversations over a 12-month period, NetBase, a social intelligence platform company, found that the No. 1 thing…

Mintel: Local produce edging out organic in terms of consumer importance

March 21, 2012

According to the latest research data from Mintel, locally purchased fruits and vegetables by grocery stores and restaurants are now more important to…

Wendy's vs. Burger King: A shift in perception

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The burger wars have shifted in Wendy's favor in part because of favorable consumer perception.

Report shows a jump in chain restaurant growth

March 20, 2012

The 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains registered a 3.4 percent annual sales increase in 2011, a sharp improvement over 1.8 percent the prior year, according…

Spring deals, LTOs in full swing

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

QSRs take advantage of St. Patrick's Day, Easter themes for new menu introductions.

Is your restaurant stuck in a monkey trap?

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

From switching out the décor to updating technology, restaurateurs must take chances to keep their business fresh.