May 23, 2013
The Boston Fire Department was treated to free meals at Firehouse Subs.
Nurturing Boston

As soon as he learned about the April 15th Boston bombings, Dave Tucci, the New England area representative for Firehouse Subs’ DMA, called the Firehouse franchisee closest to the bombings.

Tucci was relieved to find out that all employees at Firehouse’s Copley Square location...

Corner Bakery's new menu items use fresh ingredients to offer premium quality.
The Corner of Innovation

In a push to distinguish itself from growing competition in the fast-casual bakery-café space, Corner Bakery Café is doubling down on menu innovation.

The 22-year-old, Dallas-based chain recently leveraged its high-quality kitchen equipment and capabilities, as well as more than 40 fresh...

Operators must protect their quick serve business from credit card fraud.
How to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Every merchant that accepts credit and debit cards is required to be compliant with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS), whose next set of standards will be released in October 2013. Yet despite these compliance requirements, the food and beverage industry had the...

Fast casual brands attract customers with alcoholic beverage programs
Buying into Booze

Fast-casual restaurants were once able to claim premium food, modern décor, and all-around upscale service as hallmarks of their category. But with more quick-service chains retooling in those areas to compete for post-recession consumers, fast casuals have been left to search for new ways to...

Innovations like the Marinara Tower were featured on the NRA Show floor.
Recapping the NRA Show

As the lights went out on the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (NRA Show) in Chicago on Tuesday, there was plenty to consider about the future of the industry.

The show featured no shortage of technological advancements, not just in computing hardware...

Superfoods like whole grains and oatmeal offer healthy menu alternative.
The Other Side of Super

Superfoods have swept the culinary world into a frenzy, enticing consumers with a taste of the exotic and courting them with nutrition and functionality, to the point where restaurants across the country are trying to stake a claim in this fledgling movement.

Quick-service restaurants are...

Tin Drum Asia Cafe used equity firm investment to stay debt free in growth.
Striking Gold

Steven Chan’s business was at a crossroads last year. His Atlanta-based fast casual Tin Drum AsiaCafé launched in 2000, sold its first franchise in 2001, and was growing slowly due to Chan’s determination to keep it debt-free. At the beginning of 2012, Tin Drum had 10 franchises in...

McAlisters Deli franchisee says casual dining experience helps in quick service.
What You Can Learn from Casual Dining

David Blackburn has been in the foodservice business his entire adult life. Since 1979, the McAlister’s Deli franchisee has cataloged more than 25 years of experience in the casual-dining sector, spending 16 of those as regional vice president of operations at O’Charley’s....

 
Executive Insights

Everyone in a company has a cause that’s close to his or her heart, but it’s the CEO’s job to select a charitable partner that connects with those who matter most—the customers—while balancing employees’ interests.

Industry News

Dylan's Candy Bar is pleased to announce that it will serve Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co., the all-natural, three-ingredient alternative to frozen yogurt and ice cream, in its candy cafe on the second level. Kicking off with four varieties - Dark Chocolate, Banana, Mango and Raspberry - the menu will offer consumers sundaes and smoothies that will include toppings from both Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co. and Dylan's Candy Bar, as well as the option of having it served on top of Chloe's very special hot vegan waffle.

Industry News

Maui Wowi Hawaiian recently initiated an increased effort to draw more female candidates through sharing the success stories of its current female franchisees. Maui Wowi franchise operator Cheryl Kohan is a business owner who knows from experience the type of qualities that lead to success.

Industry News

The Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) is now accepting applications for the second-annual WFF Sewell Scholars Award. The scholarship program, in partnership with Sysco Corporation, offers a grant to a high-potential woman in the foodservice industry to attend the WFF Executive Leadership Program.

Industry News

Papa John's International announced the promotion of Caroline Oyler to senior vice president, legal affairs.

In her new position, Oyler is responsible for the company’s legal functions, including intellectual property, international law, ethics, corporate governance, government contracts and franchising, litigation, and labor and employment matters.

Industry News

PreGel AMERICA, the U.S. subsidiary of the largest specialty dessert ingredient manufacturer in the world, announces the promotion of Anna Pata, formerly key account manager, to director of sales.

Industry News

McDonald's Corporation announces that Jeff Stratton, currently global chief restaurant officer, will succeed Jan Fields as president of McDonald's USA, effective December 1. Fields will be leaving after more than 35 years with the company.

Industry News

Residents of Danville, California, now have a new go-to, deli-inspired restaurant serving up big, made-to-order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients.

Togo’s Eateries, Inc., a “West Coast Original” since 1971, announced the opening of its newest restaurant located in the Town and Country Plaza in Danville.