Market Force Information, a customer intelligence solutions company, acquired Winnipeg-based Tell Us About Us (TUAU), a provider in customer experience measurement and Canada’s largest customer intelligence solution provider. Effective March 15, this marks Market Force’s fourth acquisition since its inception in 2005. The addition of TUAU will bolster its Customer Intelligence suite with more in-depth […]

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released proposed regulations for the calorie-labeling mandate that quick-serve operators have been expecting since it was passed with health care reform in March of last year. As expected, fast food companies with 20 or more units will be affected by the regulations. The FDA states that […]

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) applauded Senators Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Representatives Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) and Richard Neal (D-Mass.), who week introduced bipartisan bills to make permanent a 15-year tax depreciation schedule for restaurant improvements and new construction, leasehold improvements, and retail improvements. Under S. 687 and H.R. 1265, restaurateurs, their […]

As the credit crisis continues to hound franchisors looking to expand their brand in a sea of potential franchisees, one burger chain is using a no-money-down alternative to expansion. “We don’t sell franchises,” says Thom Crosby, CEO of Pal’s Sudden Service. “We make all the capital investments and take the right leaders and place them […]

Atlanta-based fast casual Moe’s Southwest Grill recently unveiled a new prototype that it will roll out in new units this year. The changes made for the new prototype, though, are subtler than those made at most brands that revamp their concept and focus mostly on sustainability, efficiency, and a cleaner store look. Paul Damico, president […]

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. announced that it plans to enter into a supply chain distribution agreement with Sysco Corporation, a global provider in marketing and distributing a wide range of food and related products to the foodservice and food-away-from-home industry. Under the proposed agreement, Sygma, a Sysco subsidiary, will distribute proprietary doughnut mixes and other […]

For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named Manitowoc Foodservice as an Energy Star Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing energy-efficient products and helping to educate consumers about those products. Manitowoc Foodservice is a global manufacturer of commercial kitchen equipment. It participates […]

Efficient Energy America (E2America)—whose energy systems are used in chains like McDonalds, Bojangles, and Taco Bell—announced the company’s continued expansion and rapid acceptance of its HVAC control, optimization, and real-time reporting systems for commercial buildings. The company’s automated, self-refining, wireless, retrofit systems reduce electricity costs, usage, and carbon emissions for commercial enterprises.   The electricity market in the U.S. uses almost four trillion […]

Panda Restaurant Group Inc., parent company of Panda Express, announced a fundraising campaign to assist with disaster relief in Japan. Following the massive, magnitude 9.0 earthquake and 32-foot tsunami that left thousands dead and injured and caused extreme damage to coastal areas and communities, Panda Restaurant Group has committed to raising funds through in-store and […]

Much has been said about the advantages of integrating sustainable efforts into a quick serve’s operations, but a new study shows that such efforts might not just be good for the environment—they could reap financial rewards as well.  According to a study out of Ohio State University, seven out of 10 customers say it’s good […]

Saladworks is offering franchisor support in a big way: three members of the executive leadership team, including the concept’s founder and CEO, are visiting new franchisees in their markets as part of the site selection process. Twice a month, John Scardapane, Saladworks founder and CEO; Paul Steck, president; and Jena Henderson, vice president of brand […]

According to a recent study, nearly 50 percent of American workers have considered leaving their jobs, and salary is the No. 1 factor contributing to employee dissatisfaction. The study, which was conducted by market research firm MarketTools Inc., found that 47 percent of workers dissatisfied with their jobs said it was because of their salary. […]

Panasonic System Networks Company of America announced the debut of a new dealer program for the point-of-sale (POS) and drive-thru product sales channels. Developed in response to the growing success of Panasonic POS and drive-thru product solutions, the three-tiered program will provide the sales channel with marketing resources, technical support, and enhanced service to help […]

Taking part in an innovative beverage experience just got easier for Coca-Cola Freestyle fans thanks to a new mobile app that allows guests to find the nearest Coca-Cola Freestyle dispenser and interact with more than 100 Coca-Cola brands. PUSH! + Play is available free in the iTunes App Store for anyone looking to experience the […]

Noodles & Company, a Colorado‐based fast-casual restaurant concept serving noodles, soups, salads, and sandwiches from around the world, announced it will implement PeopleMatter HIRE in its 212 company-owned restaurants to help find, hire, and onboard exceptional employees. Noodles will deploy PeopleMatter’s talent management system to automate its talent acquisition process with HIRE’s online application form, […]

U.S. Foodservice, one of America’s leading foodservice distributors, purchased Midway Produce Inc., a prominent Indianapolis-based produce distributor serving restaurants, health care facilities, schools, and other business and industry customers throughout central Indiana. The acquisition will complement the U.S. Foodservice-Indianapolis division’s broad selection of fresh produce and enable more frequent deliveries to customers requiring specialty produce […]

Hobart, a foodservice equipment company, launched its new dishwasher system that does just that at today’s opening of the 2011 NAFEM Show in Orlando, Florida. The CLeR system, which promises to save operators about $11,000 per year, is already receiving “very favorable feedback from customers,” says Allen Hasken, who was showcasing the warewasher machine on […]

In efforts to help its members effectively recruit, retain, and manage employees, the National Restaurant Association announced a strategic partnership with leading talent management solution provider PeopleMatter to bring innovative human resources solutions to its member restaurants. Association members will gain access to PeopleMatter’s suite of SaaS-based (Software-as-a-Service), automated HR technology tools that will help […]

First impressions matter. During an online seminar on cleanliness, Procter & Gamble Professional reported that more than six in 10 quick-serve diners say if a restaurant is clean, they will dine there more often. In the presentation, T.J. Schier, president of Smart Restaurant Group, a Which Wich authorized franchisee, says the cleanliness of a restaurants […]

Qdoba Mexican Grill has had a loyalty program available for customers for several years now, but the company announced that it is rolling out an enhanced version of the program to give customers more flexibility with the points they earn. Qdoba Rewards creates a bank system that customers can access online and interact with whenever […]

In an effort to help its members and the restaurant industry better understand the complex elements of purchasing or leasing a point of sale (POS) system, the National Restaurant Association announced the release of new tools and solutions for understanding the essentials of acquiring such systems. With the release of its “8 Essential Elements of […]

NEC Display Solutions of America, a provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, received 2010 DIGI Awards for excellence in digital signage at Pei Wei Restaurants and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the company announced. NEC and Pei Wei were recognized in the “Retail Roll-out, National” category, while NEC and Raleigh-Durham won for “Best Digital Signage […]

Several product recalls rocked the foodservice industry last year, throwing food safety to the top of both consumers’ and operators’ minds. The recent passage of the FDA Modernization Act, which gives more power to the FDA in recalling foods, further reminded the industry that food safety compliance is a priority for any foodservice retailer. One […]

Olga’s Kitchen, a Troy, Michigan–based concept, is setting up the groundwork to expand into new markets. This approach is centered on updated menus, modern stores away from big malls, and offering WiFi as a modern amenity. But its WiFi goes beyond just having a wireless signal; Olga’s WiFi builds a deeper connection with its guests. […]