management

Get in the game

Aug. 20, 2014

Now that every other venue offers big screen TVs and half-price beers, it’s crucial to start building a loyal customer base early through strategic promotions. And there’s still time to snag sports fans, as football fever really heats up with preseason August games.

Managing email

By Amanda Baltazar on Sep. 16, 2014

Staying on top of chronically overflowing inboxes isn't easy. We asked several restaurateurs how they keep from feeling overwhelmed by emails from customers, coworkers and suppliers; here are their tips.

Local McDonald’s magnate: ‘Dreams are good, but business plans are better’

Sep. 23, 2014

A 10-store operator shares what he’s learned from his 46 years with the brand.

How much longer does McDonald's CEO have?

Oct. 06, 2014

Activist investors have been successful in recent years at forcing restaurant companies to change directions. With McDonald’s mired in a slump, some are speculating that it may be the next target of investor interference.

Best and worst places to open a restaurant: Tourism still reigns in 2014

By Kristen Miles, Hannah Nilles and John Torres on Oct. 13, 2014

As the 2014 Restaurant Growth Index shows, consumers continue to loosen their purse strings and indulge in restaurant dining while on vacation.

3 things chains can learn from independents

By Peter Romeo on Oct. 14, 2014

The operators of independent restaurants enjoy a latitude and authority their counterparts on the chain side couldn’t imagine exercising. But maybe they should.

Marketing

Get to Know: Allison Hills

By Kelly Killian on Oct. 16, 2014

On the day it unveiled its new tuition-reimbursement plan for employees, Starbucks was met with a crush of interest from the media and corporate America pushing to know more about CEO Howard Schultz’s latest HR ploy.

McDonald’s vows to right sales with flatter management, more localization

Oct. 21, 2014

A new domestic plan will be quickly implemented under incoming USA president Mike Andres, the corporation said.

Wendy’s to restructure, invest more in tech and expansion

Nov. 06, 2014

The burger giant expects to save $30 million in G&A expenses.

Leadership

The synergist: Steve DeSutter

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 10, 2014

Franchisees are known to worry when their franchisor has multiple and potentially competitive brands in its fold. How do they know the secrets and strengths of their chain won’t be shared with a sister operation, undercutting the distinction of where they’ve plunked considerable money?

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