NRA Show Blog

Twitter's Mobile Ads Begin to Click

Majority of Revenue on Social Network Comes from Phones; One Advertiser Calls Results Staggering

Image originally posted at wsj.com (click to enlarge)

Shared by Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Twitter Inc. is showing early signs of success selling advertising on mobile devices, an area that is bedeviling Internet companies including Facebook Inc. and Google Inc. 

On most days, Twitter is now generating the majority of its revenue from ads shown to its users on mobile gadgets, rather than from ads on Twitter.com, company executives said. One key reason: People who see a Twitter ad on their phones are more likely to click or interact with it in some way, which is how Twitter gets paid for advertisements.

The San Francisco company has only been offering mobile ads in earnest since April, and some companies buying Twitter ads said they haven't kept tabs on the effectiveness of their campaigns on mobile devices.

But P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. is among the advertisers that say they were surprised at how many people are clicking on Twitter mobile ads.

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What the Supreme Court health care law ruling means for you

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The Supreme Court upheld President Obama's health care law today, ruling that the government may impose tax penalties on those who do not have health insurance. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. was the swing vote in a 5-4 decision.

Employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees must offer "affordable" health insurance of minimum value to full-time employees and their dependents or pay penalties. The cost of such coverage or the penalties could threaten the slim profit margin on which most restaurants operate.

"Today's ruling by the Supreme Court is troubling for restaurant operators and business owners across the country," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "We encourage Congress to continue efforts to repeal the law, since the Court's decision leaves the employer requirements in place, provisions which impact restaurant operators' ability to grow and create jobs."

Upcoming "The Supreme Court's Decision on Health Care Law Webinar": The National Restaurant Association will hold a member-exclusive webinar June 29, 10 a.m. EDT, to summarize and explain the high court's key findings upholding most provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In addition, the NRA's labor and workforce division will host a second webinar to discuss the ruling's practical implications and what means for restaurateurs nationwide. 

Why fast casual works

Posted by Derrek J. Hull

As fast casual restaurants continue to outperform other industry segments in sales and unit growth, the National Restaurant Association's Fast Casual Industry Council explored the segment's secrets to success. 

In a standing-room only education session at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in May, Darren Tristano of Technomic pointed out that the segment has been less affected by the recession. That's because it attracts higher-income customers, as well as younger consumers, he said. It ranks highly with customers on food quality and cravability, as well as atmosphere. And it has a "health halo" around it, he said.

He said he expected the segment to grow and put pressure on other segments to improve in those areas and "drive more customers to go out to eat."

Several fast casual operators offered specific reasons their brands have been successful:

Hottest restaurant industry trends reigned supreme on NRA Show exhibit floor

"The Stick" by 'Top Chef' Texas: Season 9 contestants Chris Jones and Richie Farina at World Culinary Showcase, NRA Show 2012

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

From never-before-seen flavor combinations to globally sourced ingredients to food trucks and more, the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event showcased the hottest trends driving the restaurant and foodservice industry. This year’s Show – which attracted 1,900 exhibitors and more than 61,000 registrants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries – offered a sneak peek into the industry’s future.

According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast, nine out of 10 restaurant operators said their customers are more knowledgeable and sophisticated about food and beverages than ever before. This year’s NRA Show was proof positive that the industry has responded to this evolution, as products and services catering to those hungry for the latest trends were prevalent throughout the show floor.

Exhibitors really brought their ‘A game’ this year, and attendees were buzzing about the non-stop action – from the Robofusion ice cream robot at the Stoelting booth, to the world’s largest potato, courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission. There was undoubtedly something new to do, see and eat at every turn,” said James Balda, chief marketing and communications officer for the National Restaurant Association.

Top trends from the exhibit floor at NRA Show 2012 – held at Chicago’s McCormick Place May 5-8 – included:

NRA Show 2012 education session downloads available now

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Missed a National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show or International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) education session while you were making connections on the exhibit floor — or attending another session at this year's show? Discover invaluable insight from more than 70 education sessions at the NRA Show or IWSB.

Order CD or MP3 downloads on a range of topics to boost your business. Stay tuned to learn more education sessions planned for NRA Show 2013.

For news and updates year-round, join the NRA Show and (IWSB) on Twitter @NRAShow, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube.  

Aspen Food & Wine Classic offers insight to restaurateurs

By National Restaurant Association staff

Chefs, restaurant operators and hospitality industry professionals gathered last week in Aspen, Colo., for the 23rd annual American Express Restaurant Trade Program. The program, part of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, featured networking opportunities and education sessions.

"For over two decades, American Express has supported and strengthened the restaurant industry year round through initiatives like the Restaurant Trade Program," said Curtis Wilson, vice president and general manager, Restaurant and Lodging Industries, American Express. “As an ongoing advocate and business partner to the restaurant industry, the trade program is an extension of the value American Express brings to this sector. We are proud to present this unique experience and celebrate the individuals who shape the world of hospitality.”  

Missed the program? See video of these education sessions:

• Tech Talk: Marketing to Today's Diner. José Andres, Rick Bayless, Bernardo Hernandez and Danny Meyer discuss how they harness emerging technology to communicate their brand and core values. 

'Taste of America' food face-off heats up

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Diners are speaking up about their favorite regional specialties as voting continues in the CQ Roll Call Taste of America competition.

"Last year, this contest proved to be a fun and friendly competition," said Peter Anthony, Senior Vice President and Publisher of CQ Roll Call. "This year, we’re bringing the contest to Nationals Ballpark, where the final reception will involve eight states. The content is open to anyone, so vote early and vote often."
 
Sixteen foods remain in eight brackets, including a smackdown between the Philly cheesesteak and the spicy sausage of the Nation's Capital: the DC half smoke (pictured above). Other face-offs include: Louisiana jambalaya vs. Texas chili and Arizona chimichangas vs. Alaska King Crab cakes.

The National Restaurant Association is a sponsor of the contest, which is styled after the NCAA basketball tournament.

Restaurant Reset: Small Changes, Big Payoff with Grant Achatz, John T. Bettin, Tom Colicchio, Anita Lo

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Grant Achatz, John T. Bettin, Tom Colicchio and Anita Lo explore ways chefs and operators can increase sales and drive traffic within their current space or with minimal adjustments.

For news and updates year-round, join the NRA Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) on Twitter @NRAShow, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube.  

VIDEO: John Besh, Sean Brock, Niki Leondakis, Michel Nischan discuss sowing seeds for the future

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

John Besh, Sean Brock, Niki Leondakis and Michel Nischan examine new trends in the farm-to-table movement. They discuss chefs and operators who grow produce, raise livestock and more — for the benefit of the restaurant and the community. 

Follow me: Catch my live updates from the F&W Classic here on the blog and on our social pages: Facebook and Twitter @NRAShow. You can also follow the F&W Classic and American Express Restaurant Trade Program on Twitter with hashtags #fwclassic and #amextrade.  

Celebrity chef watch: What shall I ask the culinary masters while I'm in Aspen? Comment here.  

VIDEO: Jacques Pépin, Ming Tsai, Tim Love, Spike Mendelsohn talk fame game

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Chefs Tim Love, Spike Mendelsohn, Jacques Pepin, and Ming Tsai share perspectives on how television appearances influence chef and restaurant brands, from cooking segments on local news programs to Emmy-winning broadcast shows.

Follow me: Catch my live updates from the F&W Classic here on the blog and on our social pages: Facebook and Twitter @NRAShow. You can also follow the F&W Classic and American Express Restaurant Trade Program on Twitter with hashtags #fwclassic and #amextrade.  

Celebrity chef watch: What shall I ask the culinary masters while I'm in Aspen? Comment here.