India may top China as hottest restaurant growth market
Move over, China? India may be ready to supplant China as the top growth market for Western quick-service brands, according to a new research note from Sara Senatore, securities analyst for Bernstein...
View ArticleSpecialty Restaurants eyes return to growth
Multi-concept operator Specialty Restaurants Corp. said it has shifted into growth mode with plans for new restaurants as well as extensions into event and contract foodservices, following a $9 million...
View ArticleBoloco: Is this growth concept Chipotle 2.0?
Boloco, an 18-unit fast-casual burrito chain based in Boston, has drawn comparisons to Chipotle, but chief financial officer and chief operating officer Patrick Renna says the concept has some distinct...
View ArticlePiccadilly Restaurants names Thomas J. Sandeman chief executive
Piccadilly Restaurants LLC has promoted Thomas J. Sandeman to chief executive, the company said Monday. Sandeman has served as chief financial officer of Baton Rouge, La.-based Piccadilly since 2005....
View ArticleRestaurant chains refocus on beverages
Several restaurant chains have recently reworked their beverage programs in an attempt to renew customer interest in their drinks. These high-margin thirst-quenchers can help boost check averages and...
View ArticleIHOP to give away pancakes for charity
IHOP on Tuesday caps off a month of fundraising for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with its annual offer of free pancakes. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, IHOP restaurants within the...
View ArticleDomino’s names Kevin Vasconi EVP, chief information officer
Domino’s Pizza Inc. has named Kevin Vasconi executive vice president and chief information officer, the company said Monday. Vasconi, who assumes the position effective March 19, succeeds Christopher...
View ArticleSonic debuts sweet potato tots, popcorn chicken
Sonic Corp. is adding sweet potato tots and popcorn chicken for a limited time at its drive-in restaurants nationwide, the company said Monday. Oklahoma City, Okla.-based Sonic, which has long offered...
View ArticleYum: 'No plans to open KFC restaurants in Iran'
Yum! Brands Inc. denied reports Monday that its KFC brand authorized a new restaurant in Iran late last week. Several news websites, citing Iranian media outlets, reported that a KFC outlet opened...
View ArticleHow restaurants can succeed with Pinterest
In the fast-changing social-media world, new platform darlings appear at a regular clip. The latest, Pinterest.com, seems to be pinning competitive hopes to the wall and drawing interest from...
View ArticleDifferentiation is key to restaurant success
Thoughtful differentiation as both a defensive and offensive strategy was a common subject heard by foodservice professionals attending the 2012 Chain Operators Exchange, or COEX, on Monday. Presented...
View ArticleElevation Burger adds toppings, plots expansion
Elevation Burger, the fast-casual concept that specializes in organic, free-range burgers, is expanding its topping menu as it accelerates growth in the United States and overseas. While founder and...
View ArticleRestaurant chains add adventurous menu items
As signs of improvement in the U.S. economy emerge, chain restaurants are stepping out of their comfort zones to offer items that are a bit riskier than burgers and pizza. EARLIER: • Restaurants report...
View ArticleFront Burner to take The Melting Pot to Saudi Arabia
Multi-concept operator and franchisor Front Burner Brands said Tuesday it has struck a franchise agreement to bring The Melting Pot brand to Saudi Arabia. The Tampa, Fla.-based restaurant management...
View ArticleDomino’s: U.S. unit growth starts with better unit margins
Officials for Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Domino’s Pizza Inc. said they were pleased with the company’s global performance in 2011, but chief executive Patrick Doyle said the brand has not achieved the...
View ArticleDomino's 4Q net up 28% on unit growth, sales increase
Domino’s Pizza Inc. reported Tuesday increased fourth-quarter and full-year profit on growth in its commissary business, more than 400 international openings, and global same-store sales increases. For...
View ArticleNRA: Performance Index down, operators still optimistic
Despite a slight decline in the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index for January, operators remained upbeat about sales growth and the improving economy. The RPI, a monthly...
View ArticleZoës Kitchen adds three new VP positions
Zoës Kitchen has made three additions to its executive leadership team, the company said. Zoës named Archie Andrews vice president of design and construction; Allyn Taylor to the post of vice president...
View ArticleMonthly menu check: QSRs focus on ‘baskets’ in February
Quick-service restaurants continued to promote discounts on “baskets” rather than more traditional sandwich-side-drink combos or specific items in February, according to a Monthly Menu Check report...
View ArticleSzechuan peppercorns gain traction
Americans might not be drawn immediately to something that makes their mouth go numb, but Szechuan peppercorns, an Asian spice that does just that, is gaining popularity among some chefs. Szechuan...
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