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<br /> Macaroni Grill's fast-casual lunch pg. 38 · Wing popularity soars pg. 52 · Opportunity at lunchtime pg. 62<br /> WWW.NRN.COM<br /> DECEMBER 8, 2014<br /> A look back at the restaurant industry's<br /> highlights, pitfalls and pivotal moments<br /> DARREN McCOLLESTER/GETTY IMAGES<br /> BRYAN THOMAS/GETTY IMAGES<br /> KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/GETTY IMAGES<br /> A LOOK INSIDE:<br /> McDonald's custom burger test<br /> The brand aims to offer a fast-casual-caliber<br /> experience with its Build Your Burger platform<br /> Join Us<br /> THE<br /> FASTEST GROWING<br /> PIZZA COMPANY<br /> 109 New Stores in 2013, 200 New Stores in 2014<br /> M A R C O S F R A N C H I S I N G . C O M ©2014 Marco's Franchising, LLC 9837-114<br /> <br /> EDITOR'S LETTER<br /> The road to recovery<br /> L<br /> et's talk 2015. Yes, 2015.<br /> While November and December are im<a title="December 8, 2014 page 1" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=1"> Macaroni Grill's fast-casual lunch pg. 38 · Wing </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 2" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=2"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 3" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=3"> EDITOR'S LETTER The road to recovery L </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 4" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=4"> Forefront What's trending Operators are end</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 5" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=5"> THE FASTEST, BEST OPERATORS IN THE BUSINESS LIMIT</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 6" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=6"> Forefront By the numbers 53percent of Millenni</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 7" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=7"> Feeding the growth of leading restaurant companie</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 8" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=8"> Visit NRN.com The No. 1 online source for foodser</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 9" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=9"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 10" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=10"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 11" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=11"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 12" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=12"> BUSINESS INTEL AlookinsideMcDonald'scustomburger</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 13" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=13"> From ribs to ham, bacon to chops, the pork on Am</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 14" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=14"> A look inside McDonald's custom burger test C</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 15" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=15"> Your Menu Re</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 16" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=16"> 2015 trends: Tech, tickets, tipping and more A r</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 17" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=17"> Without a Keurig® brewer behind the counter, you </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 18" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=18"> 2015 restaurant trends CRISTINA ARIAS/COVER/GETT</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 19" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=19"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 20" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=20"> OPINION EEOC: A sledgehammer in search of a nai</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 21" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=21"> great taste runs in the family ® </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 22" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=22"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 23" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=23"> The risk in ditching discounts Brands may aliena</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 24" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=24"> `Back in the conversation' at 50 Arby's builds b</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 25" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=25"> Let your health plan go to the birds. Do you see </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 26" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=26"> `Back in the conversation' at 50 disgusting o</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 27" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=27"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 28" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=28"> Congratulations Arby's MeatCrafters: </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 29" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=29"> WIN McNAMEE/STAFF/GETTY IMAGES JOE RAEDLE/STAFF/G</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 30" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=30"> NEWSWORTHY NUGGETS The Polar vort</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 31" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=31"> A National Labor Burger King Worldwide Inc. anno</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 32" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=32"> DAVID RYDER/GETTY IMAGES NEWSWORTHY NUGGETS AVE</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 33" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=33"> A National Labor Relations Board ruling declared </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 34" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=34"> FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS Innovative flavors and cra</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 35" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=35"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 36" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=36"> MARKETING FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS CONTINUED FROM</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 37" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=37"> USES LESS WATER THAN YOUR MORNING COFFEE When it</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 38" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=38"> FINANCE The strategic buyer makes a comeback Aft</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 39" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=39"> SANDWICH BREADS... GRILLED, TOASTED, LOVED</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 40" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=40"> OPERATIONS Macaroni Grill debuts fast-casual lun</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 41" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=41"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 42" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=42"> The human element Study: Many consumers prefer t</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 43" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=43"> 2        Lease For As Low </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 44" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=44"> Howcasualdiningcanimprovesales Consulting firm: F</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 45" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=45"> THE ULTIMATE FLAVOR ENHANCER With seven bold flav</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 46" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=46"> FOOD&BEVERAGE Building sandwich sales Most sandw</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 47" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=47"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 48" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=48"> FOOD&BEVERAGE TRENDING TABLES Serious food, cas</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 49" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=49"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 50" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=50"> TRENDING TABLES BOSTON Giulia Minimal Italian si</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 51" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=51"> Because your customers deserve a cup th</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 52" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=52"> What's next for menus San Francisco-based consul</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 53" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=53"> natural REFRIGERANTS why hydrocarbon </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 54" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=54"> Chicken wing popularity soars Flavor options bro</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 55" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=55"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 56" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=56"> KRUSE/THORN Gen X: A missed opportunity? Two f</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 57" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=57"> FREE OFFER FOR NEW FOODSERVICE CUSTOMERS! SPL</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 58" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=58"> FINANCE Optimistic outlook Lower gas and commodi</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 59" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=59"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 60" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=60"> Menu innovations that drive consumers to yo</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 61" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=61"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 62" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=62"> SAME-STORE SALES Quick Service PERIOD, </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 63" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=63"> With available tax credits, now you can offer qua</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 64" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=64"> MARKETING CONSUMER TRENDS Lunch a growth opport</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 65" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=65"> Everyone knows us for tortillas, but that's only </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 66" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=66"> MARKETING CMO PERSPECTIVES Sandwich revival Sc</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 67" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=67"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 68" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=68"> Sandwich revival CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64 You </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 69" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=69"> Thank You for Your Continued Support Providence</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 70" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=70"> People on the move Darden Restaurants </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 71" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=71"> Just because it's on a tray, doesn't mean it's no</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 72" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=72"> 4 Sponsors! orm to s of all sizes sp </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 73" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=73"> SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PRODUCT SHOWCASE </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 74" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=74"> From all of us at the Penton Restaurant </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 75" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=75"> &KLFDJR $WODQWD 1DWLRQDO+HDGTXDUWHUV&KLF</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 76" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=76"> End Quotes HAVING WORDS WITH Michael Abt Chief</a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 77" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=77"> </a> <a title="December 8, 2014 page 78" href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/22e8b36d?page=78"> Intoxicating. </a>