June 20, 2013
Industry News

When the menu-labeling mandate, which requires calorie counts be posted on menuboards at chains with more than 20 units, passed with health-care reform in 2010, it was praised as a big step toward educating consumers on nutrition. The pizza industry, however, is still fighting back against what it sees as an unfair mandate that will be...

Industry News

EVOS, a fast-casual restaurant offering healthier all-American favorites with an earth-friendly attitude and “greater good” conscience, is celebrating Earth Day, Monday, April 22, with free organic milkshakes, no purchase necessary. This offer demonstrates just one of many ways EVOS supports local and organic farmers. Since...

Read Full Story // read more about: EVOS, Desserts, Green, Promotions
Industry News

Frozen-yogurt brand 16 Handles announced the release of its newest flavor: Tiramisu. Tiramisu pairs the rich flavor of espresso-soaked ladyfinger cookies with hits of vanilla and cinnamon. The new flavor pairs well with a variety of 16 Handles’ toppings, including graham cracker crumbs, bananas, and caramel or chocolate sauce. ...

Industry News

Portland International Airport (PDX) concessionaries, Port of Portland and St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), are partnering to fight hunger in the Portland metro area by donating extra food to local residents. The new food donation program at PDX collects and distributes unsold, ready-to-eat food products such as sandwiches, salads, parfaits,...

Read Full Story // read more about: Charitable Giving
Health

There’s been no shortage of foodservice professionals who are striving to do right by their customers in the health department. Whether it’s brands offering healthier menu items or executives practicing what they preach about nutrition, the industry is coming together to bring real change to the way Americans eat and live.

Women in Foodservice

Though research and development used to be an old boys’ club in the limited-service industry, the tables are slowly starting to turn. As quick serves and fast casuals expand their gender horizons both in the C-suite and beyond, more women are leading R&D efforts and bringing their unique viewpoint to the menu-creation process....

Industry News

Burger King Worldwide (BKW) announced an evolution of its senior management team as CEO Bernardo Hees and chief financial officer Daniel Schwartz assume new roles within the company. With a succession plan firmly in place, additional changes to BKW’s senior management team are a testament to the depth and breadth of the...

Industry News

Bojangles’ has added a milder, Southern-flavored, 100 percent white meat boneless chicken product to its menu called Homestyle Tenders.  The new tenderloin filets have a one-of-a-kind flavor for fans looking for a milder option at Bojangles’.  Homestyle Tenders are now available for purchase at all company...

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...

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...

The Low Down on High Chair Cleanliness

The high chairs you keep on hand for your youngest customers are a welcome convenience for their moms and dads. But ensuring that high chair surfaces are cleaned and sanitized is often overlooked even in quick-service restaurants that employ the most disciplined hygiene procedures.

Five to Seven will invest in healthy and sustainble fast food brands globally.
Good Food for All

Five to Seven, a new restaurant funding initiative launched in May by foodservice industry veterans Brad Blum and John Vincent, has goodness at its core and as its goal. “Good food for the planet” is the initiative’s tagline, as Blum and Vincent want “good food”...

Superfoods like blueberries offer nutritional and flavorful menu potential.
Wonder Food

Look, up on the table! It’s a burdock. It’s a plantain. It’s … superfood!

Although there’s nothing really super-heroic about eating nutrition-rich fruits and vegetables, the foods give customers an opportunity to pursue healthier options at a time when many...

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....

Ensure Ice Safety by Cleaning Frequently, Handling Properly

When it comes to ice, the Food and Drug Administration is crystal clear: Ice is considered a food—and it must be as safe as drinking water. The rule applies whether the ice is to be consumed or placed in contact with food or beverages to cool them.

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...

A Wing Zone franchisee changed his cooking equipment to get better results.
The Transformational Franchisee

Army and Air Force foodservice provider The Exchange has been serving U.S. military families since 1895 with meals in cafeteria lines and snack bars. It wasn’t until 1985, however, that it first signed a license agreement with a name-brand food franchisee—at the time, Burger King.