Umami Burger to launch U-Mini to-go concept
The Umami Burger chain is planning to debut another variant of the concept in Los Angeles this summer. Parent company Los Angeles-based Umami Restaurant Group said Thursday it is planning to open a...
View ArticleSonic 2Q profit falls, sales rise
Sonic Corp.’s second-quarter profit declined compared with the same period last year due to special gains on debt in 2011, but same-store sales at the company’s 3,550 drive-ins increased, the company...
View ArticleWendy's, Smashburger debut new sandwiches
Wendy’s and Smashburger are rolling out new bold-flavored sandwiches as limited-time only promotions Wendy’s new Spicy Guacamole Chicken Club sandwich features the chain’s original Spicy Chicken filet...
View ArticlePear salad with purple mustard, radishes and sorghum
Cool Plates features dishes from across the country to help inspire chefs' creativity. Executive chef Joseph Lenn demonstrates that sorghum grains pop like popcorn with this dish. He pops them in...
View ArticleWarm weather helps lift sales for restaurants’ cool treats
Frozen-treat chains are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather that has occurred around the country the past four months, seeking not only to make hay while the sun is shining, but also to...
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Yoshinoya to launch fast-casual Asiana Grill Yoshinoya
The Japanese quick-service chain Yoshinoya is moving into the fast-casual Asian category with a new concept scheduled to launch in May. Asiana Grill Yoshinoya departs from the primary chain’s...
View ArticleWendy’s COO Steve Farrar to retire
The Wendy’s Co. said Friday that chief operating officer Steve Farrar will retire, effective April 20. The company does not plan to replace him, but John Peters, the company’s senior vice president of...
View ArticleThe restaurant customers of tomorrow
Three areas of the population — those older than 55, kids under 11 and Hispanics — offer extensive opportunities for sales growth in restaurants, an expert told attendees at the Research Chefs...
View ArticlePerkins & Marie Callender’s names Jeffrey Warne CEO
Perkins & Marie Callender’s LLC has named former O’Charley’s Inc. CEO Jeffrey Warne chief executive, effective April 9. Warne, who also will join Perkins & Marie Callender’s board of directors,...
View ArticleRestaurant industry looks for change in health care law
As the Supreme Court moves into its third day of hearings on the constitutionality of the landmark health care law, many in the restaurant industry are nursing hopes that the 2-year-old law either will...
View ArticleCultural differences, flavors key to attracting Hispanic consumers
Tapping into the Hispanic market, which is forecast to continue growing share in foodservice, requires thoughtful consideration of cultural and taste differences, experts said during a panel at last...
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Jon Huntsman to be keynote speaker at MUFSO 2012
Jon M. Huntsman Jr. will kick off this year’s Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference with a keynote speech addressing some of today’s most pressing economic and political topics. An ambassador to...
View ArticleApplebee's, IHOP executives step down
DineEquity Inc., parent of the IHOP and Applebee’s chains, has confirmed the departure of several top executives in recent weeks. Shannon Johnson, the former vice president of culinary and menu...
View ArticleWendy's names Craig S. Bahner CMO
The Wendy’s Co. has appointed Craig S. Bahner as its next chief marketing officer, effective April 2, the company said Wednesday. Bahner has spent the past 20 years as an executive with retail...
View ArticleLYFE Kitchen tests branded grocery items
Six months after the first LYFE Kitchen opened in Palo Alto, Calif., the company has big growth plans — not only for more restaurants, but also a potential line of branded grocery products. LYFE...
View ArticleHiring improves for summer job market
Managers looking to hire hourly workers are seeing continued improvement in the summer job market, especially for teens seeking work, according to a survey by consultancy Snagajob. Richmond, Va.-based...
View ArticleMonthly menu check: Casual-dining restaurants cut back on value promos in March
After increasing emphasis on value promotions for the last several months, casual-dining restaurants in March have either maintained or cut back on promoting lower-priced menu items, according to the...
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A look at the latest spring flavors
’Tis the season for fava beans, micro greens, fiddlehead ferns and rhubarb, and this spring many chefs say they plan to let the produce speak for itself. Simplicity will be key in the coming months....
View ArticleBojangles' rolls out new ad campaign
Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ’n Biscuits has debuted an advertising campaign starring new “Chicken Cops” characters who aim to “protect what’s served.” The campaign includes TV and radio commercials,...
View ArticleCelebrity-owned bakeries expand in Texas
Hollywood celebrities seem to have a thing for opening bakeries in Texas. Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock opened her popular Bess Bistro on Pecan in Austin, then expanded in 2010 to add Walton’s...
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