Chain Leader Blogs
What Is it About Burgers? (Part I)
The buzz on burgers seems to be at a fever pitch these days. After splitting a perfect burger with a friend at Bandera a couple of weeks ago, followed by a Happy Hour visit for Fleming’s cheeseburger, I was talking with an industry menu maven who noted that, right now, the “downscaling of fine dining” is a perfect opportunity for struggling upscale players to provide value by ... More
About this blog
The founder and principal of Brandscapes LLC, Karen Brennan helps restaurateurs and entrepreneurs figure out their toughest brand challenges. Here, she shares insights on marketing and branding, trends and other industry topics.
Ready for Super Sunday
The Super Bowl is Sunday! Which is, of course, the best commercial-watching day of the year. It’s nice that they let the football players on between them, to give some of us a chance for a bathroom or snack break. Here’s what I’m looking forward to seeing and will report back on next week: Jack in the Box is rolling out new sandwiches on artisan bread, and announcing it on Sun ... More
About this blog
Television commercials have long been a way for restaurant chains to build their brands, promote specials and introduce new products. On the Spot looks at the latest commercials, classics and other restaurant chain videos. Join the conversation.
Fast Food: Mr. Kumpir Makes Its Debut
With all due respect, the words “Canada” and “trendiness” don’t often appear in the same sentence. Yet last week the widely read Globe and Mail surmised that trendiness, in fact, accounted for the recent influx of fast-food joints into Vancouver. “Our trendsetting nature partly explains why Fatburger, Beard Papa’s, Starbucks brea ... More
About this blog
David Farkas has worked for Chain Leader as a senior editor since 1998. With Dave's Dispatch he provides not only plump bits of industry gossip, but news and analysis found nowhere else.
To Norman Brinker
I hope that you will indulge me this one last blog to honor the greatest restaurateur and human that I have ever known. Dear Norman, The world got a little darker this morning when I heard that you had passed away today. Like so many other events that change our world, I will always remember where I was standing and what I was doing when I got the call about you. I never got the chance to ... More
About this blog
Lane Cardwell talks about trends, new restaurant concepts and evolutions of existing chain restaurants.
