June 20, 2013
Women in Foodservice

The foodservice industry has come a long way since the days when it was dominated by men, with more than half of the restaurant talent pool now made up of women. From the front counter to the corner office, women are increasingly influencing the future of the industry.

In this newscast: Operators ramp up summer hiring; Carl's Jr. and Hardee's debut the Super Bacon Cheeseburger; Fazoli's announces a new fast-casual Italian concept; and more.

Denise Lee Yohn: QSR’s Marketing Guru

Q: While using Facebook and other social media networks, which is the best method and what works the most effectively?

Read Full Story // read more about: Marketing, Social Media
Industry News

Doc Popcorn plans to open approximately 15 new locations in Palace Entertainment venues across the country. The announcement follows the success of Doc Popcorn’s first PopCart unit at the Lake Compounce Amusement Park, a Palace Entertainment venue located in Bristol, Conneticut. Palace Entertainment is one of the leading leisure...

Read Full Story // read more about: Doc Popcorn, Growth, Health
Industry News

The latest menu innovation at Tropical Smoothie Café is getting its share of attention from vegans, vegetarians, and “flexitarians” alike. That’s because they’re chicken strips—without the chicken. Created by Los Angeles–based Beyond Meat—a company that develops plant-based protein products...

Industry News

In celebration of National Frozen Yogurt Month—which kicks off June 1—16 Handles is launching its Artisan Collection, an assortment of self-serve frozen yogurt flavors and toppings crafted by a team of culinary chefs and experts.  16 Handles new Artisan Fro-Yo Collection launches with three flavors, available in select...

Industry News

Togo’s, a “West Coast Original” since 1971 serving up made-to-order sandwiches stuffed with fresh ingredients, announced the return of its BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, available through August 27 at Togo’s nearly 250 locations. Togo’s BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich features pulled pork dripping with Sweet Baby...

Industry News

Burger King hopes its new delivery service will be a great profit-driver for the chain, as the company is banking on customers to put in large orders for office lunches, birthday parties, and other gatherings in the select cities where the service is offered. But it may not be the only brand with a careful eye on the BK Delivers...

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.

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 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...

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....

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”...

New fast food brands like Live Basil first start as innovative business ideas.
Birth of a Brand

It always starts with a simple idea.

For Brian Bailey at Ichor Restaurant Group, it began with the idea that Ohioans needed better barbecue. Six years after that idea initially took hold, Old Carolina Barbecue opened the doors to its first unit, in Canton, Ohio. The company later opened...

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.

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.

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...

 
Industry News

An Illinois franchisee of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies recently donated more than $1200 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of the Ultimate Gymnastics Tournament that was held November 30–December 2, 2012 at Harper College.

The 13th-annual Ultimate Wish Classic has raised more than $400,000 for the charitable foundation.

Industry News

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a tropical island-themed franchise concept serving fresh Hawaiian-grown coffee and all-natural smoothies, embodies the Aloha spirit and laidback lifestyle that its newest franchise operator has lived and breathed all her life.

Maui Wowi welcomes Pa 'Akai Ventures, operated by Jenna Roberts, to join the company's growing West Coast presence as a new franchisee in El Cajon, California, near San Diego.

Industry News

National Restaurant Association (NRA) president and CEO Dawn Sweeney has been recognized by the Campaign to End Obesity for her work in helping inspire and guide the foodservice industry’s nutrition initiatives.

Sweeney, in recognition of her efforts, received the award at a December 6 awards gala at Discovery Channel Worldwide headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. 

Industry News

Barberitos Franchising Inc. announces the opening of its 31st restaurant location in Cary, North Carolina. The new store will open in February 2013.

Industry News

Fish Consulting, a full-service national communications firm specializing in franchise marketing and public relations, announces it has promoted several senior leaders and added two new employees.

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.