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customer service

Consumer Trends

Consumers rank chains’ feel-good attributes

In addition to measuring chains’ operational attributes, Technomic also rated their connection to consumers through a series of questions designed to gauge loyalty and perception of a brand.

Consumer Trends

America's favorite chains

Here, based on exclusive data from Chicago research firm Technomic, is our second annual ranking of the restaurant chains that have solved the puzzle, the ones consumers say are their favorites and why.

What a difference a year makes

By Kelly Killian on Jan. 12, 2015

The issue you hold in your hands marks the one-year anniversary of the new Restaurant Business.

Consumer Trends

Award winning chains 2015

By Sara Rush Wirth on Jan. 05, 2015

Technomic has announced the winners of its 2015 Chain Restaurant Consumers’ Choice Awards, which are based on consumer assessments delivered through the research and consulting firm’s ongoing Consumer Brand Metrics study.

Consumer Trends

Consumers' top chains by menu segment

Jan. 05, 2015

Chains that landed a top spot consistently deliver on all aspects of the dining experience—from providing a welcoming environment to offering time-saving takeout.

Consumer Trends

5 consumer trends for 2015

By Kelly Killian on Dec. 08, 2014

Editor Kelly Killian shares her predictions on what restaurateurs can expect from customers next year.

Frictionless service for millennials at S&M

By Sara Rush Wirth on Nov. 18, 2014

It’s got a provocative name, a provocative menu and yet it’s the service style that’s catching some attention at the new S&M Sausage and Meat.

Inside Saltine

By Sara Rush Wirth on Oct. 14, 2014

Converting a 1920s schoolhouse in Jackson, Miss., that’s on the historic registry into a restaurant was no easy feat for designer and co-owner Rachel Horn Houston, especially on a “really tight” budget.

Inside Pizza Vinoteca

By Sara Rush Wirth on Sep. 16, 2014

Ari Malcolm set out to modernize the traditional pizza joint. Here, “guests control their own experience [through tech],” he says.

Technology

Shifting server roles

By Sara Rush Wirth on Sep. 12, 2014

From apps to tabletop tablets to self-ordering kiosks, the switch to consumer-facing technology is putting more tasks—and power—in the hands of the consumer.