Operators face challenges in 2012
Franchise operators must be able to adapt to remain competitive in a challenging business environment where consumer confidence has yet to fully rebound to levels seen before the economy fell into...
View ArticleLEV Restaurant Group debuts Daily Kitchen & Wellness Bar
The LEV Restaurant Group is adding to its portfolio with the opening of Daily Kitchen & Wellness Bar in Las Vegas, a fast-casual, health-focused concept the company plans to grow. Daily Kitchen,...
View ArticleRestaurants debut fish dishes for Lent
With Lent starting next Wednesday, a number of restaurant chains are introducing limited-time offers for customers avoiding meat during the 40-day period leading up to Easter. Panda Express has rolled...
View ArticleDenny's aims to add new units, continue momentum
Denny’s Corp. will build on the momentum of its repositioning efforts by opening more units and continuing to use a modified “barbell” strategy based on value-priced items and premium LTOs, executives...
View ArticleBars, restaurants pour Asian-style cocktails in pitchers
The made-for-you craft cocktail is the face of modern mixology. But there seems to be a growing role for libations that promise a more communal experience. Batch-mixed cocktails served in pitchers are...
View ArticleCheckers CEO appears on ‘Undercover Boss’
Rick Silva, chief executive of Checkers Drive-in Restaurants Inc., appears Feb. 17 on the CBS reality television program “Undercover Boss.” While the show features Silva working in restaurants in...
View ArticleKona Grill COO Larry Ryback leaves for P.F. Chang's
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. said Friday that Larry Ryback will become chief operating officer of its casual-dining P.F. Chang’s division in March. Ryback is resigning as chief operating officer at...
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2012 Silver Plate Awards winners announced
The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association named Friday the 2012 winners of the Silver Plate Awards, which recognizes excellence in the nine segments of the foodservice industry. The...
View ArticleBJ's plans growth outside West
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. will begin testing television advertising and will roll out a new loyalty program in the second quarter, the company said Thursday. After reporting a 42-percent increase in net...
View ArticleTaco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos to debut nationwide
Taco Bell will debut its long-awaited Doritos Locos Tacos nationwide on March 8, the company said Thursday. Developed in partnership with Frito-Lay, the new taco will feature a shell made with...
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Restaurant sales trends strong in January
The restaurant industry’s strong monthly same-store sales in December carried into January driven by favorable weather and solid traffic trends, according to the latest NRN-MillerPulse survey. January...
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More hiring challenges in 2012
The People Report Workforce Index, which measures market pressures on restaurant employment, rose in the first quarter of 2012, an indication that operators will continue to face challenges regarding...
View ArticleApplebee's rolls out new Weight Watchers dishes
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar has extended its eight-year agreement with Weight Watchers International Inc., adding three items to its diet-plan-endorsed menu. The casual-dining chain has...
View ArticleJack in the Box: Brand reimaging efforts driving sales
Despite commodity pressures and reduced first-quarter revenue and profit from refranchising efforts, Jack in the Box said Thursday a “holistic” approach to its brand efforts is driving sales...
View ArticleCracker Barrel alert to gas prices, plugs value
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. said this week that rising gasoline prices may challenge its recent successful traffic-building efforts in the months ahead. “We think that given our...
View ArticleTaco Bell to debut ‘Live Más’ ad campaign
Taco Bell will debut a new marketing campaign this weekend centered on a new “Live Más” tagline. The Yum! Brands Inc. quick-service chain will introduce the campaign’s first commercial Saturday night...
View ArticleCibus Holding LLC takes Spicy Pickle private
Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. has been acquired by Cibus Holding LLC, a Denver-based company representing lenders that called in loans totaling $4.75 million after the now 22-unit sandwich chain...
View ArticleDarden predicts strong 3Q, Olive Garden rebound
Darden Restaurants Inc. said Thursday that very mild winter weather and an earlier start to the Lenten season, when many consumers turn to seafood or vegetarian options, helped drive positive...
View ArticleCool Plates: Potato skins
Cool Plates features dishes from across the country to help inspire chefs' creativity. Chef Craig Strong combines classic French techniques with modern ones for this popular amuse-bouche. He starts by...
View ArticleDel Taco realigns management team
The Del Taco quick-service chain this week said it is realigning its management team as part of a larger effort to redefine its brand experience. David Pear, formerly of Domino’s Pizza and Yum! Brands,...
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