 In This Issue
September 2009 |
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| Magazine Sections |
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| Cover Story: |
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| The Franchise Factor |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Author: Abigail A. Lorden, Editor-in-Chief |
| Since its founding in 1953, Sonic, America's Drive-In has believed in the franchisee system, with a motto that "owners make better operators." Now, more than 50 years later Sonic is in the midst of a re-franchising initiative, partnering with its franchise base to foster innovation and expansion in a tough economic climate. HT talks to Sonic's VP of brand technology Brad Sheriff and franchisee Angela Owen about the communication strategies, technology solutions and partnership best practices that are creating opportunities for the entire Sonic community.
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| Platforms: |
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| Retailers Give Back |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Author: Abigail A. Lorden, Editor-in-Chief |
| One group of individuals from across the retail technology industry is embodying the spirit of lessons learned from the fallout of the global economy, to rally around a singular cause of providing opportunities and resources for the 143 million vulnerable and orphaned children across the world. |
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| Front Burner: |
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| 'Going Green' Still a Top Issue for Hotels & Guests, But Not Without Challenges |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Despite the upfront costs associated with going green, the lodging industry shows no signs of turning its back on its commitment to sustainability. Hotels set their sights on the solutions that offer the most cost- and resource-saving benefits.
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| On Property: |
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| In-Room Innovations |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Author: Christina Volpe, Associate Editor |
| Hoteliers from across the market, ranging from economy to luxury brands, discuss the in-room innovations that are creating truly 'smart' guestrooms: IP-based guestroom controls, next-gen media solutions, bandwidth-building devices, and more. |
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| Speeding up the Drive-Thru |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Author: Christina Volpe, Associate Editor |
| The drive-thru is truly at the heart of quick service restaurant sales and the need for speed and accuracy is first and foremost. Operators discuss how the latest timers, digital signage tools and more are speeding up their drive-thru operations.
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| Point of Service: |
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| POS Peer Review 2009 |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Author: Lisa Terry, Contributing Editor |
| Hospitality Technology speaks to a cross-section of restaurant operators for an informal review of the next-gen POS solutions that are impacting their business. Franchisees from Dairy Queen, Wendy's and more chime in. |
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| Killer Apps: |
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| Noodles & Company Receives POS Support from Above |
| 09/08/2009 |
| In support of its overall business strategy to leverage hosted applications, Noodles & Company, operator of more than 210 corporate and franchise locations, taps above store POS reporting to boost security and streamline operations.
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| Last Words: |
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| Getting Smart about Tech Investments |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Author: Cihan Cobanoglu |
| Managers in the hospitality industry need to follow several key steps when buying a new system, especially in these difficult economic times. Avoid a buying blunder with these top purchasing steps. |
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| Vantage Point: |
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| The Price Positioning Trap |
| 09/08/2009 |
| Author: Glenn Withiam, Director of Publications, Cornell Center for Hospitality |
| Undercutting room rates might bring guest bookings today, but at what cost? A Cornell University study affirms the importance of smart price positioning. |
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| Sponsored Research: |
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| 2009 POS Hardware Showcase |
| 09/09/2009 |
| The 2009 POS Hardware Showcase compiles the features and functions of leading point of service terminals and peripherals to help operators select the POS product that's best suited for their individual needs. Use this fast and easy reference when making your next POS hardware purchasing decision. |
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