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After successfully opening a second location in Kernersville, NC, and planning for a third one, the fast-casual gourmet slider brand has started franchising and plans to grow strategically in the Southeast region. Digital Engagement – Loyaltyprograms, mobile ordering, and delivery integrations keep customers engaged and coming back.
Restaurants must now navigate a razor-thin margin between maintaining customer loyalty and managing escalating costs. At the same time, U.S. chain sales grew just 3.1 percent in 2024 — falling short of the 4.1 percent menu-price inflation rate. Regionally, differences arose.
Photo: Shutterstock Made-to-order food, value offerings, loyaltyprograms. Increasingly, however, they are becoming the hallmarks of convenience-store foodservice programs. By Heather Lalley on Jun. 17, 2025 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Convenience-store pizza edged out chain pizza in a survey of consumer taste preferences.
Consider a large Mexican fast-casual chain that implemented a tuition coverage program for employees pursuing degrees in fields like agriculture, culinary arts, and hospitality. Similarly, a prominent fried chicken QSR recognized the limitations of its existing scholarship program, which primarily benefited traditional students.
Traditional pizza chains have long competed on price, because consumers generally have little brand loyalty. It could have been worse: Fast-casual pizza chain sales declined 5%. deals this week as fast-food pizza chains work to reverse stubbornly weak sales. The deals intensify a tradition of value marketing in the pizza business.
We were entering the saturated fast-casual burger space and knew we needed to make an impact. Further, growth can dilute company culture, so strong leadership and employee engagement are both crucial. Offer loyaltyprograms, early access to new menu items, or members-only experiences to make regulars feel valued.
The BBQ Brisket Whopper is the first item to launch from Burger King’s new “Whopper by You” platform—a program that invites guests to help shape the burger giant’s menu. By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 09, 2025 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn The BBQ Brisket Whopper is available in regular and Whopper Jr. sizes starting Tuesday.
In this edition of MRM Research Roundup, we feature pizza predictions, Valentine's Day menu trends and lots about loyalty. Consumers Love Loyal Eighty-five percent of consumers are joining loyaltyprograms, and restaurant merchants know they need to capitalize. According to the 21st Annual U.S.
He reportedly pled guilty to a charge of simple battery and was ordered to undergo substance abuse testing, complete a violence program and pay fines. News independents chefs Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts.
The Ellises also won three other awards including the Top Quarters for Kids fundraiser, Clean Juice’s charitable program helping underprivileged children get access and education about organic eating. IHOP® unveiled the latest plans to launch a pilot of its new fast-casual concept, flip’d by IHOP (flip’d).
This program, piloted last year, is designed to help KFC team members build short-term savings and create lasting savings behaviors. “This program is a way to empower and equip restaurant employees with tools and resources to help them succeed and achieve their goals. To be able to offer these types of resources means a lot.
The fast-casual brand continues to grow amid the pandemic and is on track to open more than 30 restaurants this year. Together, they are launching the Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership program, an innovative personal development training initiative that equips potential business owners to operate high-performing businesses.
In order to compete, restaurant brands need to be equipped with the leadership and capabilities necessary to adapt to the latest tech trends. In the short term, it’s QSR that will experience labor improvement, then fast-casual. Restaurants will become increasingly casual. Reduce theft. Improve employee performance.
Through this program, Dunkin’ franchisees have the opportunity to offer their restaurant employees an affordable, flexible and supportive pathway to an associate or bachelor’s degree from SNHU. Taffer’s Tavern has its eyes set on bringing its bar fare andbeverage program to D.C. ” Showing Support.
Kiosks Are Coming for Fast Casual Here’s a stat that might surprise you: 62% of brands are using or rolling out kiosks in 2025. While QSRs lead at 80%, fast casual is catching up quickly. The takeaway: “Kiosks are coming to fast casual. But success requires smart kitchen design and careful attention to guest flow.
The majority of fast-casual and fine dining operators are meeting this challenge head-on by adding new offerings monthly,* driving increased competition with bar-and-grill operators. These include marketing, website development, appointment scheduling, digital loyalty, review management, and both retail and restaurant POS solutions.
As a way to provide a fast-track to joining the Fazoli’s Family, the brand’s latest conversion program offers new and current franchisees a Zero Franchisee Fee, Zero Royalty Fee in year one. We are offering a groundbreaking conversion opportunity with our new Fazoli’s 2020 Franchise Incentive Program.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is ranked #12 on Fast Casual’s Movers and Shakers 2021 list. Ike’s locations have industry-leading average unit volumes, which have only gotten stronger since the company overhauled its marketing technology stack, including an upgraded loyaltyprogram, a new website and easier online ordering.
In addition, On The Border will launch a new Rewards program and an app that allows guests to track points for every visit. Despite the lagging global pandemic, the organic fast-casual brand is surging forward with record-breaking sales, franchise development growth, and new guest acquisition and satisfaction.
The organization’s registered dietitians, nurses and medical doctors deliver lunch-and-learns and employee wellness programs in hospitals to provide the education on the evidence behind plant-based nutrition. Copper Branchofficially launched its new Cauliflower Crust Flatbread program. Health Care Without Harm.
Speak to what sets you apart from the pack, what food you'll serve, the service style (fast-food, fast casual, fine dining, etc.) Here are examples of each: Strengths : Combined 30+ years of restaurant experience from the leadership team. US Chamber: 64 Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business.
She has also held leadership roles at Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, PepsiCo, and Frito-Lay. ” Mailender added, “On behalf of the entire Checkers & Rally’s family, I would like to thank Rick Silva for his partnership and many years of leadership. “I’m passionate about helping companies grow.
This means shorter wait times, fewer mistakes, and a more enjoyable dining experience, all of which increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. For example, when hiring a sous chef, describe the cooking skills, leadership experience, and knowledge of kitchen operations that are essential for the role.
dine out more often to fulfill basic needs and gravitate toward drive-thru and take-away options associated with QSR and fast casual. and Asia, frequent users tend to be more pleasure-seeking and favor options such as meal kits as well as delivery and take-away from casual dining restaurants.” In the U.K.
Since its inception in mid-March, more than 500 restaurants around the world have joined the program and are reporting sales ranging from several thousand dollars to up to $60,000. "The program is inventive and very attractive to our guests."
The best performing segments during November were those whose sales are the most negatively affected by Thanksgiving: fast casual, upscale casual and casual dining. Expect for casual dining, upscale casual and fine dining to have abysmal sales and traffic growth numbers. First, at 2.1 percent of market share.
An inaugural loyaltyprogram (September). “Salata is on an upward trajectory to become “the” premiere national fast-casual salad restaurant,” said Wheeler. Program, which has impacted more than 65 million students in 35 years. Local Subway® Day Program Celebrates Nearly a Decade.
HOP® Restaurants announced plans to launch Flip’d by IHOP™, a new fast-casual concept in the U.S., We are grateful for his leadership as we brought these businesses together to create a global champion in the restaurant and hospitality software industry.” The entire decision can be found here. ” Caption.
Qus 6th Annual State of Digital Report is here, and its packed with insights that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of fast casual and quick serve restaurants (QSRs). After first-party ordering, QSRs prioritize drive-thru and third-party ordering, while Fast Casuals focus on catering and on-premises ordering expansion.
Loyalty is a huge factor now as guests desire rewards and perks for sticking with a favorite small business, and repeat customers are keeping many restaurants going. Whether it’s speeding up order times, improving inventory management, or boosting loyaltyprograms, every tool should serve a purpose.
Will your restaurant be fast casual or sit down? Team and Management: Introduce your team, and share a brief bio about each member of your leadership team. Customer Database & LoyaltyProgram: Explain how you plan to re-engage customers once they visit your pizzeria. Will you offer delivery or only take out?
Deepening Guest Connections Together Qu is excited to announce our newest certified integration partner, Thanx , a leading guest engagement platform for differentiated, on-brand loyalty focused on access, exclusivity, and personalization. The future of restaurant loyalty revolves around harnessing and unlocking data. to fruition.
Deepening Guest Connections Together Qu is excited to announce our newest certified integration partner, Thanx , a leading guest engagement platform for differentiated, on-brand loyalty focused on access, exclusivity, and personalization. The future of restaurant loyalty revolves around harnessing and unlocking data. to fruition.
The Fast Casual Nation podcast offers exclusive interviews with experts ranging from top chefs and brand makers to executives and restaurateurs who work in one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry. Thanks to implementing a dynamic digital marketing plan in recent years, MOD Pizza was well-positioned for COVID-19.
Step into the future of Fast Casual and Quick Service Restaurants, where bland (dare we say “legacy”) loyaltyprograms are quickly being left behind. A new era of loyalty is emerging and it’s called Loyalty 3.0. So, what happens after they “sign up” for your brand’s loyaltyprogram?
That’s why we’re excited to share that Qu dramatically accelerated our certified integration partner program last year, adding 24 new integrators to our ecosystem. But what does this really mean for you as a quick service or fast casual chain? That’s twice the pace of certifications compared to the previous year!
Implementing more nimble, digital-forward technology is no longer “nice to have” for quick serve and fast-casual restaurants. Crawford mused on the imbalance between leadership and store operators. In the traditional balance of power, leadership has all the decision-making power but none of the information.
We’ve reimagined our drive-thru model, introduced new kitchen technology to improve throughput, and strengthened our loyaltyprogram to keep customers engaged. Very little brand loyalty or company allegiance existed; it was without a doubt a sellers market and whoever could pay the most per hour was winning. more an hour.
“While this 2020 required us to pivot, we’ve been able to stay focused on maintaining our position as the fastest growing fast casual brand,” said Swenson, who joined Dave’s Hot Chicken at the tail-end of 2019. 2021 will be big for us as we branch out of California and make our entrance into the Midwest and East Coast.”
In today’s competitive market of fast casual chicken concepts, our brand has continued to differentiate itself with our made-from-scratch food and our hospitable atmosphere that guests are excited to return to,” said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. " Jack in the Box Relaunches Franchise Program. & Canada.
SOBEWFF® also provides our students, many of whom come from low-income families, financial relief and motivation toward a timely graduation through its scholarship program. “I want to show people that hibachi and ramen can be just as thoughtful and delicious in a casual setting,” said Liang. in Plano, Texas.
” Bloom’s most recent acquisition of SuperFi continues to fulfill its leadership strategy of conquering the WiFi marketing space by creating exceptional digital relationships between physical locations and their customers. PPP Forgiveness Links and EZ App. “And ezCater’s Relish service is a great way to do that.”
The US Foods Ghost Kitchen program also recently expanded its concept offerings from six to 12. Seven i fast casual restaurants will begin offering Tractor Beverage Company's Certified Organic, Non-GMO and All-Natural beverages. Step Up to The Table. Tractor Adds Pouring Partners.
Under Barb’s leadership, TSFR’s Del Taco restaurants consistently broke system wide sales records and TSFR was named franchisee of the year two years in a row. The James Beard Foundation’s programs exist to serve and bolster people at different points in their careers. The Awards are one of these programs.”
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