Pizza Hut has launched PizzaHutFranchise.com, a new Web site that showcases franchising opportunities nationwide and makes it easier for potential franchisees to join the Pizza Hut team. “We’re excited to offer people a way to really understand, step by step, what it means to become part of the Pizza Hut franchise system,” said Jim Avery,…
Tornados Flavor Challenge Hits Facebook
Social networking is an increasingly popular way to get customers enthusiastic for your product. Ruiz Foods’ Tornados announced its Facebook-based promotion “Flavor Challenge 2.0” this month, in which the brand’s 130,000 plus fans can submit flavor ideas in eight different categories. The top flavor in each category wins a year’s supply of Tornados and a…
BlackBerry Adds Rutter’s Coupon App
Rutter’s Farm Stores has introduced a free app for BlackBerry smart phones, complementing the Rutter’s iPhone app introduced last year. Both apps are available as free downloads from www.rutters.com. The iPhone app also is available from the Apple App Store; and the BlackBerry app will be available from BlackBerry App World within a couple of…
NACStech In Full Swing
Voting begins today, Thursday, for the most exciting technology found at NACStech by attendees. Retailers at the show need to download the NACStech mobile app in order to vote. Results will be announced at Friday’s Expo Trends 2010 workshop. NACStech, held May 5-7, officially kicked off yesterday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in…
iPhone App Locates Pilot Travel Centers
Professional drivers and motorists can now locate the nearest Pilot Travel Center anywhere in North America with a new free iPhone application introduced this month. “We appreciate the fact that many loyal Pilot customers only look for Pilot Travel Centers when they are on the road, and this online tool makes it very easy to…
Sweetening Candy Sales
Americans’ love affair with chocolate will never end. That said, sales of non-chocolate candy and gum are rising steadily, fueled by the economy and the search for innovative, flavorful new products. “Yes, people are right in calling this a strong category,” said Bill Singer, a principal in Singer’s Chevron Inc. in Walla Walla, Wash. “When…
Cody The Dog’s Gas Station Shuts Down
A chocolate Labrador named Cody, owned by BP c-store owner Karim Mansour, became well-known by fans across the country in recent months, even gaining his own Web site and facebook page. The pooch who was often seen wearing a BP shirt and name tag and popping up behind the drive through window, had been an…
The Simple Secret of Free Publicity
Whether you operate a large or small chain, there are deals to be made that can attract a lot of positive attention to your company. I know some of you don’t place much of a value on publicity, but when was the last time you priced the cost of a retail ad in the local…
Empowering Foodservice Customers
The latest technologies being used to manage c-store foodservice programs—from touchscreens and POS ordering terminals to digital signage—are allowing marketers to enhance communications and streamline operations. Touchscreens communicate the menu in a very efficient way. This is especially important as chains look to build incremental sales and make more subtle changes like expanding the number…