Reporter's Notebook

Outback Debuted LTO Steak Flights Via Google Hangout. Why?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:50:00 +0000

When Outback launched its limited-time offer steak flights and cake pops in May, they did so through a burgeoning social-media channel: Google Hangout.

The 22-minute hangout featured Outback marketers and chefs chatting with “real life” customers who asked questions about the new menu items. It was 22 minutes dedicated to talking about all things Outback—especially the new menu items and how cravable they were.

Reporter's Notebook

In-store hydroponics: an idea that seems to be growing

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:33:00 +0000

In-house hydroponic greens is an idea that's growing.

Reporter's Notebook

Wrangling over ramen

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:44:00 +0000

Former culinary director sues Chipotle over potential ramen concept. If not Chipotle, who will become the first to create a fast-casual ramen chain?

Reporter's Notebook

Urban Foraging and Oysters: Lessons from the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:05:00 +0000

There's a whole lot more to Southern cooking than fried chicken.

Reporter's Notebook

A Newbie's Take on the NRA Show

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:48:00 +0000

The restaurant industry is fascinating and complex. Just walking through the NRA show floor proves it.

Reporter's Notebook

Blazing a trail with Breadcrumb?

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:02:00 +0000

Groupon pitches Breadcrumb POS app for tablets as ordering and payment solution of the future. Will chain restaurants go along?

Reporter's Notebook

Green Burrito introduces San Diego Burrito

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:25:00 +0000

San Diego trend of burritos stuffed with French fries hits Carl's Jr./Green Burrito co-branded locations

Reporter's Notebook

The strongest Yard

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:50:00 +0000

Speaking at the Robert W. Baird Growth Stock Conference, Darden chief Clarence Otis touts Yard House's long-term potential for driving Specialty Restaurant Group

Reporter's Notebook

Finding answers for mobile search

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:10:00 +0000

New studies from SinglePlatform and Google show restaurants are some of the most-searched businesses on smart-phone browsers and apps, clarifying opportunities and table stakes for mobile marketing

Reporter's Notebook

Pizza Hut, Xbox partner for game-based order app

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:04:00 +0000

Couch potatoes could rejoice this week when Pizza Hut announced a new partnership with Microsoft for an ordering app that lets game players order any menu item directly from the Xbox 360.

Reporter's Notebook

Targeting Consumers With Mobile Apps

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:56:00 +0000

Smart restaurants are using mobile apps to target their consumers on the go.

Reporter's Notebook

Tough-luck clucks in China

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:06:00 +0000

Like market leader KFC, McDonald's first-quarter same-store sales slipped in China, but its non-chicken offerings could spell relief faster for the Golden Arches

Reporter's Notebook

Ex-CEO of Applebee's signs on to fast-casual Pie Five

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:16:00 +0000

Dave Goebel, former CEO and president of Applebee's, signs on to develop fast-casual Pie Fine in Kansas City area

Reporter's Notebook

Oh no-no they didn't!

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:55:00 +0000

Domino's Pizza may be the first restaurant to take a swing at real-time social-media marketing with the DomiNoNo pan pizza giveaway

Reporter's Notebook

Domino's dishes out a spoiler

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:51:00 +0000

Little Caesars introduced Deep! Deep! Dish Pizza with signature convenience and value, but Domino's might have already won the quality message with its "We're taking it slow" commercial

Reporter's Notebook