A recent recurring question from fast casual consumers is “What is the source of restaurant foods?  Where does it come from?”  In the 3^rd part of Fransmart's series on diets, we look at how the term "made from scratch" is finding its way to the fast casual mainstream, and making more of a difference to today's typically informed customers.

A recent trend among the fast casual industry is the incorporation of exotic flavors, adhering to the changing tastes of many consumers.  These ethnic flavors range from classic favorites like Chinese and Mexican, to relatively newer variations like Indian.

During a time when consumers are looking for pizza’s “Next Hot Deal”, and chains such as Pizza Hut and Papa John’s are setting impossible price standards in the pizza industry (Large 3-topping pizza for $10??), many retailers are cutting costs anywhere they can to compete on price point.  However, Squisito® NY Pizza and Pasta takes a different approach to compete against the big chains – premiumization and quality (what a novel idea!)  By using Grande Cheese as their cheese supplier, they are offering the best quality product available, but at a reasonable price point.

By Mark Treptow: I recently read something that resonated with me and reminded me of exactly what it takes to build an emerging fast casual concept into a national brand. I’d like to share 3 quick points highlighting how some fast casual brands separate from the masses and position for greatness, attracting motivated and successful franchise partners along the way.

Fransmart is traveling to the Middle East, February 6th-15th - scheduling meetings now for Kuwait, Dubai - UAE, and Bahrain. Learn more, or schedule a meeting. Some of our strongest performing restaurants are in the Middle East - a booming market for US brands!

The Restaurant Franchise Industry continues to drive job creation in United States, and Elevation Burger franchisee Daniel Magnus creates new hope for job seekers.

Fransmart has been waiting for Google to take the full leap into social media by launching Google Plus Pages for Business, and ... (drum roll)... the time has arrived for restaurant franchises! In September, we recommended that restaurant franchise marketers dip their toes into the Google Plus waters by signing up for a personal account. Now is the time to lock in your restaurant franchise business page. While still an unproven platform, the features offered on Google Plus could provide groundbreaking new opportunities for restaurant franchises to engage with consumers.

By Mark Treptow

Sì, 是, Oui, да, Ja, نعم, ναί, Yes! Is what international fast casual food franchise developers are saying to Fransmart’s brands.

We were sorry (but not totally surprised) to hear that Soul Daddy, the healthy soul-food brainchild of America's Next Great Restaurant contestant Jamawn Woods, has closed two of its three locations after just one month of operation.