social media

FTC sets new rules for curbing bogus online guest reviews

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 15, 2024

The regulations bar restaurants and other businesses from paying for positive evaluations, posting their own ghost-written reviews or enticing favorable coverage from influencers with the promise of freebies.

Food

Chili's reveals its new secret menu item

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 02, 2024

A viral TikTok sensation, Nashville Hot Mozz, gets an extra kick of heat and lands on the menu at Chili’s Grill & Bar.

Operations

Report: Chipotle's recent traffic burst is expected to shrink any perceived portion-size problems

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 22, 2024

Remember the TikTokers like Keith Lee who ranted about not getting enough chicken in their bowls and burritos? It doesn't appear to have impacted traffic, according to new Placer.ai data.

Food

Viral food trends are increasingly landing on restaurant menus, Yelp data reveals

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 05, 2024

The 2024 State of the Industry Report also shows growth in dessert concepts and popups. And croissants continue to morph.

Marketing

For fast-casual chains, TikTok creates both love and headaches

By Lisa Jennings on May 30, 2024

The social media platform demonstrated its power in more ways than one this week, giving unexpected publicity to Cava's "love button" while putting Chipotle on the defensive.

Premium

Marketing

The Keith Lee Effect extends way beyond one TikTok restaurant critic

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 13, 2024

Once the domain of newspapers and magazines, restaurant criticism has spread to social media, where both reviewers and reviewees have the potential to become viral superstars.

Food

5 TikTok trends poised to pop in restaurants

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 07, 2024

Chefs admit they often look to TikTok for inspiration, and a number of viral ideas have already shown up on their menus. Others may be coming through the pipeline.

Consumer Trends