Operations
Beating back wage hikes and 4 other head-spinning moments
The industry showed it's not afraid to stand up to its adversaries on important government issues, and will likely be emboldened going forward by help in the rumble from an unlikely source. It also was fearless in exploiting the opportunities afforded by the P.F. Chang's Olympics. Or something like that.
Marketing
Customers leak details on Dunkin' Donuts’ new snack program
Word spread on social media about a small test of items intended as afternoon add-ons.
Recruiting and hiring may not have been priorities last year, but if predictions for a sustained economic recovery bear fruit, the collective “help wanted” sign could go up again this year. In fact, smart companies never stop hiring and even during the downturn have been strategically working to improve their odds of luring the best candidates from a labor market that, at least for now, more resembles an ocean than a pool.
While consumers continue to hold their wallets tight when it comes to eating out, the popularity of snacking is holding steady. Snack sales have dipped only 1 percent this year, compared to losses of 5 percent and 3 percent in supper and lunch, respectively, according to data from Port Washington, New York-based market research firm NPD.