Former longtime McDonald’s executive Erik Hess assumed the role of brand president of Moe's Southwest Grill, a fast-casual Mexican-themed restaurant chain.

A Smashburger executive compares fast casual and fast-food operators. U.S. restaurant count declined last year. A dozen chains reveal expansion plans. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Overall, the global foodservice market showed a slight improvement during the fourth quarter of 2014.

Chick-fil-A is the best-rated quick-service restaurant chain out of of 148 ranked in Sandelman & Assoc.’s Quick-Track 2014 annual study Awards of Excellence.

Convenience and the availability of interesting foods help drive food truck usage.