Jamba Juice expands fresh juice line
Jamba Juice is expanding its freshly squeezed juice line, and plans to debut later this year a new-concept store that will tap into growing consumer demand for fresh juice. Jamba Inc. chief executive...
View ArticleDeborah Dowdell, president of New Jersey Restaurant Association, dies at 46
Deborah Dowdell, the president of the New Jersey Restaurant Association, died March 2 at the age of 46. The 22-year association executive had been battling cancer. A tireless supporter of New Jersey’s...
View ArticleThe latest chefs on the move
Jason Lawless, who most recently was the executive chef at Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vt., has moved to New York as the new chef at Tocqueville. There he is preparing lavender-skewered...
View ArticleAndy's rebrands as Highway 55
Kenny Moore, founder and president of Andy’s Burgers Shakes & Fries, admitted it was “a little crazy” to rename his 21-year-old brand Highway 55 just as the 100-unit chain embarks on an aggressive...
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Meet the 2012 MenuMasters award winners
From the classic ballpark hot dog to an exotic Vietnamese sandwich, Nation’s Restaurant News will honor innovative menu offerings during its 15th annual MenuMasters Awards Celebration at the Drake...
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New products, value drive successful restaurant ads
Restaurant chain commercials touting new products and value, particularly those for Pizza Hut’s $10 Dinner Box, proved influential in February, Ace Metrix research found. The advertising research firm...
View ArticleJamba Inc. reports $9.8M 4Q net loss
Jamba Inc., the parent of the Jamba Juice smoothie chain, narrowed its losses in the fourth quarter, finishing more than a year of positive same-store sales, the company said Wednesday. With Jamba’s...
View ArticleAFC Enterprises reports profits of $5.7M in 4Q
AFC Enterprises Inc., the parent of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, said Wednesday new menu items and efficient marketing helped to drive growth in the fourth quarter and throughout fiscal 2011. The...
View ArticleWines that balance pizza's flavors
Each month members of the Court of Master Sommeliers, an international association of wine experts, suggest pairings for popular menu items. Here they offer us both premium and bargain suggestions to...
View ArticleOutback Steakhouse parent files papers for potential IPO
The parent company of the Outback Steakhouse casual-dining chain may go public again, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this week. Kangaroo Holdings Inc., parent...
View ArticleBurger King projects comp growth in 2012
Burger King expects North American same-store sales to turn positive in the first quarter of 2012, as it gains momentum after “a year marked by change and meaningful improvements,” company officials...
View ArticleSamoa cupcake
Hugo Reyes, corporate pastry chef for BR Guest Hospitality, which owns both of the restaurants where this cupcake is served, pays homage to a Girl Scout cookie by preparing it in cupcake form. He makes...
View ArticleConsumer knowledge key to success
Chain restaurant operators must understand consumer motivation for dining out, rather than observing what customers like to order, to continue post-recession sales momentum, a Technomic presentation...
View ArticlePanera names Ron Shaich and Bill Moreton co-CEOs
Ron Schaich, founder and executive chairman of Panera Bread Co., will become co-chief executive of the company with Bill Moreton, current president and CEO, the company said Thursday. Shaich will...
View ArticleSizzler franchisee discusses chain’s growth
Sizzler is the latest restaurant brand in multi-concept franchisee Tony Lutfi’s portfolio, which already includes four other chains. Lutfi, chief executive and president of Marlu Investment Group in...
View ArticleThe games people play: How restaurants use online gaming
A number of restaurant chains are using various web-based games or contests to lure in and keep customers. A few, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s and Wendy’s, have teamed with existing online gaming...
View ArticleGiordano's plots growth outside Illinois base
Yorgo Koutsogiorgas wasted no time getting to work since being named chief executive of Chicago-based Giordano’s on March 5, and with good reason. His plate is full, with plans to grow the chain known...
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Restaurant comps strong in February, operator confidence wanes
Restaurant industry same-store sales remained strong in February, particularly in the quick-service segment, but operators are divided on whether positive sales trends are sustainable in the long-term,...
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Bartenders, restaurateurs dish on the popular Bloody Mary cocktail
Bloody Mary, a combination of tomato-based juice with vodka, can sound like a simple enough combination. But the brunch staple can take on different incarnations based on locality and guest...
View ArticleBaskin-Robbins signs franchise deal for Mexico units
Ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins said Thursday it has signed a master licensing deal with BRICE that is expected to pump up the number of chain outlets in Mexico. Baskin-Robbins, a division of Canton,...
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