Articles, news and resources for chain restaurant executives involved with marketing, brand strategy and advertising.
Storyboard: A Roll Model for O'Charley's By Margaret Littman, Contributing Editor, 5/1/2008
O'Charley's has built its latest branding campaign around its signature rolls to energize both employees and customers about the brand. The marketing efforts include humorous TV commercials and a dedicated Web site. More
T.G.I. Friday's Restaurants Make 'Right Portion, Right Price' Permanent Part of Menu (Press Release) 05/05/2008
T.G.I. Friday's restaurants, which shocked the restaurant industry over a year ago by introducing smaller portions at lower prices, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its wildly successful "Right Portion, Right Price" menu by announcing the selection of entrees will become a permanent part of the company's menu at its 600+ US restaurants.
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How to Grow to 100 Units: Recession Survival Kit By Maya Norris, Managing Editor - 05/01/2008
Whether you call it a recession or merely an economic slowdown, the operating environment has taken its toll on restaurant chains. Chain Leader spoke to some operators about growing in the midst of an economic downturn, including areas they are cutting back in and what they are still investing in.
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Consumer Pulse: Paying Through the Pain By Mary Boltz Chapman, Editor-in-Chief - 05/01/2008
Sure tightwads spend less money. The question is why, and what to do with that knowledge. A recent academic article examines how the pain of paying drives them to spend conservatively, even more than they would ideally like to.
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New Product Pipeline: Seasons Eatings By Monica Rogers, Contributing Editor - 05/01/2008
Houlihan's limited-time offers feature seasonal ingredients and show off its epicurean side. The seasonal LTOs have boosted the casual-dining chain’s food and wine sales and check averages.
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Liquid Measure: P.F. Chang's Beverage Menu Gets Oriented By Monica Rogers, Contributing Editor - 05/01/2008
In June P.F. Chang's China Bistro will roll out its updated beverage program of classic cocktails with an Asian spin, user-friendly wine menus, expanded non-alcoholic specialty drinks and ramped-up training.
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Innovation Puts Chains Ahead of the Curve By Lisa Bertagnoli, Contributing Editor - 05/01/2008
Whether they're new menu items, service enhancements or online offerings, all innovations serve the same purpose: to bond customers closer to the brand. Chain Leader has found several chain-restaurant innovations that let customers have a say in how they’re marketed to, what they buy and how they experience a brand.
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VIP Radio: A New Direction for Pomodoro By Maya Norris, Managing Editor - 05/01/2008
Since Pasta Pomodoro opened in 1994, the Italian chain has grown steadily to 43 restaurants. The company has halted expansion to refresh the brand, now called Pomodoro. Founder Adriano Paganini spoke to Chain Leader about the changes.
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With college tuition costs rising at most public and private universities across the country, more and more students are relying on ...
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The Next Big Thing Lane Cardwell, Partner, The Chain Gang May 9, 2008 Bread on the Waters
"How can a nation be great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?" said Julia Ch... More
Dave's Dispatch David Farkas, Senior Editor, Chain Leader May 5, 2008 Those pesky franchisees
The Cleveland Cavaliers whomped the Washington Wizards on Friday for the privilege of... More
The Next Big Thing Lane Cardwell, Partner, The Chain Gang May 2, 2008 Dining for Dollars
I love this industry, and my role in it. Basically, I go out to eat for a living. For... More
The Next Big Thing Lane Cardwell, Partner, The Chain Gang April 22, 2008 Giving Them the Finger
Chicken finger. And they are really good ones. Raising Cane's is all about One Love; ... More
Fresh-Brewed News: Current articles from national media outlets on coffee topics. Consumption Trends: 37% of adults aged 18 to 24 drink coffee, up from 31% the prior year.
Pick a Pairing: Many coffee aficionados are curious to learn how their favorite blends match up with food. Restaurants have the opportunity to teach them.
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Fresh-Brewed News: Current articles from national media outlets on coffee topics.
Full Coverage: Coffee Trends
