Big Data: All aboard the data train!

The fast casual space is one that continuously evolves to meet consumer demands. From restaurant design to ordering methods and digital advancements both in-store and online, brands are continually undergoing changes to keep their dynamic guest base happy... and full.

We all get the calls: "What's the best franchise these days?" How do you answer that? Usually, the answer is a muddled, meandering set of comments.

Nader Masadeh didn't like what he saw at one of his franchise locations when we was featured on CBS television's "Undercover Boss" a few months ago. So the Buffalo Wings & Rings president and CEO promptly stepped out of his disguise to handle the problem.

When Tropical Smoothie Cafe pondered an ingredient upgrade to a popular smoothie, the brand turned to data for direction.

In researching the use of big data in franchising outside the U.S., we asked two leading franchise development executives abroad to tell us how this it being used where they are.

One thing was clear at this year's Franchise Consumer Marketing Conference (FCMC): times have changed and will continue to change for franchise brand marketers--more rapidly than ever before.