operations

Darden's plan for a rosier Olive Garden

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 23, 2014

A revival of the Italian chain is critical to the company’s turnaround. Here are the highlights of the strategy, unveiled to investors last week as they digested some bad financial news.

Patent trolls are lurking to gobble up your green

By Kelly Killian on Jun. 25, 2014

An official-looking letter arrives in the mail claiming that some innocuous product or service you use in your restaurant is covered by a patent, and you’re infringing on it.

Dunkin' Brands names Jeff Miller as executive chef and vice president of product innovation

Jun. 25, 2014

Chef Jeff Miller has spent 11 years at Dunkin’ Brands, working under Frankenthaler, the first of what proved to be a parade of fine-dining chefs to enter chain R&D kitchens. Miller will now oversee a 22-person culinary team at the franchisor.

The week’s 5 head-spinning moments: Shifting service edition

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 27, 2014

Years from now, the industry may look back at this moment as the point where restaurant service shifted to science fiction.

How do QSRs stack up in the foodservice battle?

By Sara Rush Wirth on Jun. 27, 2014

FARE 2014 shed light on an issue in the foodservice industry: All channels are upping their game to win the battle for share of stomach. See how quick-service restaurants stack up against other grab-and-go segments in the eye of the consumer.

Financing

How to be profitable in tough neighborhoods

By Kelly Killian on Jun. 27, 2014

Employee development and community involvement are key to success in the inner city, operators say. Hear more best practices from the panelists at the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance Operators' Conference this week.

Technology

Great moments in pizza ordering

By Sara Rush Wirth on Jul. 01, 2014

Here’s a look at how operators have revolutionized the way we order pizza over the years.

Who is the first barista accepted to ASU through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan?

Jul. 07, 2014

The announcement of college opportunities for employees quickly turned controversial when news reports revealed that Starbucks may not actually pay for baristas’ classes at ASU. Here’s how Starbucks is positioning the new program, straight from its website.

A toolbox for boosting traffic? Really?

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 08, 2014

A survey of recent promotions finds the restaurant business lapsing into its discounting habit again, despite indications that consumers want something other than a deal.

Former Burger King Pres. to lead Umami Burger Group growth

Jul. 08, 2014

The restaurant group that operates Umami Burger and 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria has named Paul Clayton, former president of Burger King and CEO of Jamba Juice, to head the company as it plans expansion into Chicago, Las Vegas and beyond.

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