Survey: Half of diners rely on friends, family — not Instagram — for recommendations

Only 7% of U.S. consumers have ordered a menu item because they saw an influencer share it on social media, according to a SevenRooms report.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 11, 2018

Papa John's debuts 'crusto-currency' reward program

The embattled pizza chain riffs on the crytocurrency craze with its improved Papa Rewards program.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 11, 2018

Burger King's app hit 1M downloads after trolling McDonald's

The "Whopper Detour" geolocation stunt propelled the app to the top of the App Store this week.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2018

CBD sports water on sale at two Denver chains

In what is likely a first for the restaurant industry, Illegal Burger and El Senor Sol will carry CBD-infused sports water EVERx in Denver. 

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 7, 2018

From free cheesecake to dollar drinks, casual dining shifts focus to millennials

The Cheesecake Factory gave away 40,000 free slices of cheesecake through DoorDash Wednesday, but it remains to be seen if the promotion will drive growth for the casual chain. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 6, 2018

Burger King trolls McDonald's with geolocation stunt

Customers near a McDonald's location can order a Burger King Whopper for a penny by downloading the revamped app.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 5, 2018

New executive hires prime Potbelly for a turnaround

Retail veteran and new CFO Thomas Fitzgerald and other key leaders could provide a boost for the company after it has struggled since its 2013 IPO.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 4, 2018

McDonald's honors 'hamburger menu' creator with Reddit takeover

Reddit users can unlock discounts through the burger chain's app or chat with Norm Cox during an "Ask Me Anything" session today.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 3, 2018

Auntie Anne's hits the pavement with food trucks

The pretzel chain has built a fleet of two dozen trucks since 2013 and even more street-side carts and standalone shops in a quest to find customers where they are.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 28, 2018

Abuelo's CMO dishes on social influencers and scooping up the growing Gen Z market

The Tex-Mex chain's Renae Scott discusses influencer marketing's challenges and opportunities and what success looks like to the company.

By Jacqueline Renfrow • Nov. 28, 2018

Hardee's urges Tinder users to 'swipe right' for chicken tender offer

As the chain sets a marketing path separate from sibling brand Carl's Jr., it is also leaning on celebrities in new ads focused on the quality of its food.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 27, 2018

Relive the year's 6 biggest brand fails — they carry important lessons for marketers

From Cambridge Analytica to Papa John's founder fallout, corporate missteps captured public attention and heaps of criticism in a year when the lines between brand and politics continued to blur.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 26, 2018

Taco Bell (sort of) resurrects London's Big Ben with distinctive, branded chime

The famous tower has been under construction and silent for more than a year, giving the marketer an opportunity to promote four new locations in the city. 

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 21, 2018

Chili's taps into online pop-up trend with limited Cyber Monday merch

The brand's team of designers shared sneak peeks of the gear on social media, including a T-shirt inspired by a popular episode of "The Office."

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 21, 2018

Cafe cooking with cannabis oil to open in UK next month

The Canna Kitchen will serve seasonal vegetarian dishes topped or laced with the non-psychoactive compounds found in the marijuana plant.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 20, 2018

Papa Murphy's bakes 'thumb-stopping' cues into 100 pieces of social creative

The "Bake It Up a Notch" campaign racked up 1.2 million organic impressions and surpassed benchmarks on Twitter by 29 times.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 20, 2018

Burger King hijacks Black Friday ads to give away free Whoppers

The fast-food chain debuted Whopper-Shopper.com, a site featuring banner ads from other brands and rewards shoppers who click on the ads and make purchases.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 16, 2018

KFC steps into streetwear with collection from famed Japanese designer Nigo

Gear for the "fashionable, finger lickin' hypebeasts of the world" will be available at a New York pop-up on Nov. 16.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 15, 2018

Will selling hot sauce online broaden Dos Toros' reach?

The New York City-based chain will sell the products on its website as competition with rivals Del Taco, Moe's and Chipotle intensifies. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 12, 2018

Moe's invests in store remodels, street-style menu items

After years of steady growth, the chain is turning to its Southwestern roots for menu inspiration and a more sophisticated in-store experience.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 12, 2018

How restaurant CMOs are adapting to emerging tech, media channels

To stay competitive in an age of hyper-convenience, savvy customers and social media dominance, these executives marry marketing with IT.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 12, 2018

Party mas: Taco Bell is taking event reservations

Following success at its Las Vegas Cantina the chain is testing party reservations for $25 — complete with taco-themed decorations.     

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 9, 2018

Papa John's 'Voices' campaign helps shift brand perception

Following efforts to use storytelling to put a more relatable face on the company, consumer sentiment moved from negative to neutral or positive.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 8, 2018

Carl's Jr. catches 'Famous Stars' for multichannel influencer campaign

The fast food brand is teaming up with Australian comedian and Instagram star Celeste Barber on the new "Famous Stars, Eating Famous Stars" spots.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 5, 2018

El Pollo Loco's rebrand will focus on Hispanic consumers, delivery

The California-based Mexican quick-service chain wants to build on a new logo and store design, focusing on its made-in-house ingredients and family dinners.   

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 5, 2018