Chain Leader Blogs
Influence Peddling: A Disclosure
In the fourth quarter of 2009, McDonald’s Corp. and Starbucks Corp. spent nearly the same amounts on lobbying members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, $200,000 and $190,000, respectively, according to documents filed with the Office of the Clerk. I’m not sure what those amounts accomplished for either chain (there’s no requirement to disclose that) but t ... 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.
Offensive Lines
I don’t know what to make of the new Hapa Sushi commercials. In them, a trio of Japanese sushi chefs at a “typical” sushi restaurant insult customers (ditch-woman, captain of the ugly team) in Japanese while nodding and smiling as if they are saying “have a nice day.” The tagline: “If we insult you, it will be in English.” My gut reaction: Yikes. Ha ... 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.
Useful Immediacy
I just read an article about Twitter that used the phrase “useful immediacy.” (Ironically, a new microwave–the granddaddy of useful immediacy–is being installed in my kitchen as I type.) Everything around us, from microwaves up through Twitter, is training consumers to expect useful immediacy. What a powerful phrase, and what a great insight into what consumers demand t ... 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.
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.
