May 25, 2013
Franchising

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. Blackburn now owns and operates 23...

Industry News

Quiznos has introduced a new sub, Chicken Fajita, for a limited time only, inspired by regional Mexican and Latin American flavors that are among the top flavor trends for 2013, according to Mintel. The subs includes oven-roasted, all-white-meat chicken breast; fresh-sliced, tri-color bell peppers; Cheddar cheese; and a new Fajita Lime...

Industry News

John Galardi, 75, founder and chairman of Galardi Group, parent company of Wienerschnitzel, The Original Hamburger Stand, and Tastee Freez, passed away of pancreatic cancer on Saturday, April 13. Galardi began as an eager entrepreneur determined to make it in the world of fast food. Over the past 52 years, Galardi has guided...

Read Full Story // read more about: Wienerschnitzel
Industry News

The new food processor from Robot Coupe, the R402 Combination Food Processor, will prepare 800 vegetable servings in 2.5 hours. Operators can count on getting precise cuts each and every time in just a matter of seconds. With 21 different processing discs available, including dice and french fry cuts, it performs a multitude of tasks...

Industry News

Veteran restaurant marketing executive Michael Branigan has joined artisan frozen treat chain Bruster's Real Ice Cream as vice president of marketing and product innovation. Founded in 1989, Bruster's has more than 200 locations in 18 states, serving ice cream, waffle cones, shakes, cakes, and pies that are made fresh on site...

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. ...

Women leaders like Flatbread Grill's owners successfully launch new brands.
Cleared for Launch

Starting any business can be a difficult prospect, but in an industry where men have historically outnumbered women, the roadblocks to doing so can be even more challenging when you’re female.

For many female foodservice entrepreneurs, being taken seriously as a business owner is...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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

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.

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.