Vegetables are expected to take on a starring role for a change.

Gas prices continue to slide from the late summer peak.

"Chipotle"-like pizza concept leveraging both a quality product and speed of service.

Fast casuals should do what they do best to conquer the dessert market — customize.

Other popular pizza stories focused on marketing, controversy and culinary trends.

Cause marketing is also a major focus for brand differentiation, as customers seek out establishments that help the community.

Former master franchisee of Auntie Anne's Pretzels writes about the obstacles he faced that "will make anyone in business laugh, cringe and think twice about doing business in Asia …

Franchisees cite uncertainty of tax policies, cost of implementing new health care rules and rising cost of energy as major concerns for the coming year.

Expect mobile and human resources technology to grow significantly.

The results of this year's list show that franchising is on the upswing after several tough years.

Wheat prices drop more than 20 cents in a week.

Digital technologies will be a major focus in the New Year.

Commodities, rebranding efforts and social media initiatives are also big non-food stories from this year.

Cheese prices continue to fall.

Chicken pizza toppings have increased 26 percent in the past three years.

The new restaurant introduces a new design that will serve as the prototype for future Loop locations.

The average cost of a data breach for non-PCI compliance is $80,000.

The top trends of 2012 will carry into the new year.

Shares drop 10 percent after the company updates its Q4 and 2013 growth.

Every frustration that you eliminate from your restaurant's website removes a barrier that stops a visitor from becoming your customer.