Restaurant operators report positive sales for 8th consecutive month

February 29, 2012

The outlook for the restaurant industry is positive for the coming months, as the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) remained…

Restaurant beer sales rise nearly 10 percent in 2011

February 29, 2012

The Beer Institute released new data showing that the value of beer sales in restaurants rose more than 9 percent in 2011, totaling about $23.6 billion in…

Live from New York

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

The International Restaurant and Foodservice Show, set for the first weekend in March, will include a new Healthy Solutions Pavilion this year.

2012 Top 10 food trends include "heirloom foods"

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Look for more restaurant concepts to embrace Neapolitan pizza, burgers topped with an egg, and Nordic cuisine.

How the pizza segment can embrace children's nutrition

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Healthier kids' meals was listed as a top 2012 trend by numerous experts.

Commentary: Pinterest offers restaurants another way to communicate with customers

Editor's note: This post was originally published on SmartBlog on Restaurants. For more foodservice news, sign up for Restaurant SmartBrief.

Report: Pizza segment focuses on value for growth

February 15, 2012

By focusing on value pricing, pizza restaurants have continued to perform well, despite unpredictable economic conditions.

When is food service NOT a restaurant?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

If you own a place that sells prepared food for people to eat, you're in the restaurant business, right? Not necessarily.

Russo's New York Pizzeria adds gluten-free grocery line

February 14, 2012

Texas-based Russo's New York Pizzeria and Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen recently added gluten-free options to their menus. The brands' chef and founder…

Restaurants adapt to 'new normal' with efficiency, innovation

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Mergers and acquisitions market won't be as active in 2012.

Report: Soups and salads appearing more on menus

February 13, 2012

Away-from-home soup and salad purchases are on the rise, as consumers seek light, healthy and affordable fare, according to new research from Technomic.

Survey: Domino's creates the most 'customer delight'

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Data also measured customer loyalty in QSR, casual dining categories.

Five ways to improve customer experience

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Corporate trainer outlines how great service can make up for mediocre food.

Report: Hispanic population growth influencing eating trends

February 7, 2012

The U.S. Census indicates that the Hispanic population is expected to grow 34 percent from 2010 to 2020. Foodservice market research company NPD Group has…

Tips on how to use Facebook as a business promotion tool

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Owner of ice cream shop discusses how to boost rankings and customer interaction.

Get 'in' on the biggest trend In foodservice

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Healthy, affordable dining — for kids.

Pizza Hut gains value perception with $10 Any deal

February 2, 2012

Pizza Hut gained the most in value perception during the month of January, typically a slow sales month in the QSR segment, according to consumer research firm…

Pizza Patron planning three new Hispanic campaigns

February 2, 2012

Five years after igniting controversy with the launch of its Pizza por Pesos promotion, Pizza Patron announced that it is planning three new campaigns for 201…

NRA: Food costs become restaurant operators' top concern

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The association's 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast predicts record sales of $632 billion, a 3.5 percent bump from 2011.

The top 10 (unmentioned) food industry trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Adventure in food and flavor is back, comfort food is out.