May 19, 2013
Competition

Adam Goldman entered the Dunkin’ Donuts system in 2010, purchasing a pair of stores in Paterson, New Jersey, that included a forgotten downtown spot. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Goldman raised the downtown unit’s prospects with an unrelenting focus on fresh product and high-level customer service. Today, Goldman’s...

Industry News

Leading foodservice equipment innovator and manufacturer Henny Penny Corporation has launched a new advertising campaign to spotlight the company’s equipment solutions, as well as the positive effects they can have on a restaurant’s bottom line. Dubbed the “Better Solutions” campaign and created by nationally...

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

This year, the first-class industry publications, GVmanager and 24 Stunden Gastlichkeit , once again awarded the best in the industry with the BEST of Market 2013 at the Internorga fair in Hamburg on behalf of their readers. More than 2,200 decision makers from the hotel, gastronomy, and catering industries again put Rational in...

Industry News

Pineapple is the newest star in the Pollo Tropical kitchens, as the brand introduces its Tangy Pineapple Chicken Wrap and Tangy Pineapple Chicken Salad. The Tangy Pineapple Chicken Wrap features pineapple grilled with olive oil, cumin, and a hint of black pepper; marinated then flame-grilled chicken breast; Monterey Jack Cheese and...

Industry News

Sonic Drive-In in Valliant, Oklahoma, wants people to know, “Truckers Welcome!” This message scrolls across a large banner in front of the drive-in, and local franchisees, Tommy and Julie Dorries, have gone to great lengths to deliver a unique experience for truck drivers in a town that sees a lot of traffic from...

Industry News

Capture the delicious heritage of wild Alaska cod with new merchandising materials from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI). Inspired by the tradition of Alaska's fisheries, this vintage-inspired creative evokes the energy and dedication that have been passed down for generations in Alaska's fishing communities and...

Read Full Story // read more about: Marketing
Menu Innovations

Small portions are very big these days. Many 2013 trend predictions determined that small plates and snacking are expected to be popular among chefs and restaurant operators this year. While diners are still eating during the traditional meal times—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—they are eating less at those times, opting...

Alan Philips: Trends to Watch

My idea of “inclusive exclusivity” started in a boardroom many years ago in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I was making a presentation to a group of executives at the Borgata Hotel, Casino, & Spa to explain how they could import the feel of New York’s hottest nightclubs and restaurants to the Jersey Shore. Although this...

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...

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...

Secure quick serve restaurants improve sales and have high return on investment.
Safety, Security, Sales

Traditionally, when quick serves plan security strategies, they address three main industry challenges: prevent shrinkage, guard against in-store and drive-thru robbery, and protect the company from fraudulent lawsuits. Operators need to carefully examine security solutions that will provide the...

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...

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...

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....

Burger King's new coffee beverages position the brand to compete with McDonalds.
Coffee is King

Forget quick-serve mainstays like burgers and fries. These days, limited-service brands are looking to coffee to beef up business, and Burger King is the latest chain to get in on the action.

Burger King’s customers can now enjoy 10 new specialty drinks, including iced coffees in a...

 
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.