California Pizza Kitchen plans new prototype, brand renewal
California Pizza Kitchen is planning to build a new prototype this year that will represent the brand’s renewal efforts as it attempts to reclaim its position as “the California pizza authority,” chief...
View ArticleRestaurateurs celebrate NRA Faces of Diversity award winners
The National Restaurant Association recognized three restaurateurs — who each overcame significant odds to become successful entrepreneurs — with the 2012 Faces of Diversity American Dream awards...
View ArticleSalmonella outbreak associated with frozen ‘scraped’ yellowfin tuna mounts
Restaurateurs who use frozen raw “scraped” yellowfin tuna for sushi or other products should check with their suppliers to make sure they are not using a brand under recall for links to a 20-state...
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Report: Restaurant sales and traffic drop in March
Continued concern over high gas prices contributed to a disappointing March for restaurants as both same-store sales and guest traffic were negative, according to the most recent Restaurant Industry...
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Brooklyn Wok Shop's take on takeout
Brooklyn Wok Shop opened two and a half months ago in the notoriously hip and culinarily erudite neighborhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, N.Y. The restaurant’s most popular dish is General Tso’s...
View ArticleStarbucks to phase out cochineal extract
Bowing to customer pressure, Starbucks Corp. on Thursday announced it will transition away from using cochineal extract, a colorant made from the crushed bodies of dried bugs, in several beverages and...
View ArticleRestaurant industry lobbying efforts focus on tax reform, debit fees, labor
Restaurant operators and executives from across the country rallied Wednesday in Washington, D.C., to advocate for industry-friendly legislation and regulations surrounding tax reform, labor relations,...
View ArticleChipotle: Focus on ingredients boosted 1Q sales
Chipotle Mexican Grill reported a 35-percent increase in profit and double-digit same-store sales for the first quarter, noting that its focus on ingredients “raised with respect for animals, the...
View ArticleBiglari calls for removal of Cracker Barrel board members
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. lead investor Sardar Biglari Thursday continued his campaign to alter management of the family-restaurant company by sending a letter urging fellow shareholders to...
View ArticlePink Champagne cupcakes
This top-selling cupcake starts with a white cake base, with no vanilla added. Then fresh strawberry preserves and Champagne extract are mixed in. “We were using real Champagne at first, but it wasn’t...
View ArticleChipotle improves throughput to pre-recession peak levels
Chipotle Mexican Grill moved customers through its service line faster and more efficiently than ever before during the first quarter, indicating that company efforts to improve throughput are working,...
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Richard Sandoval brings Kokoriko to the U.S.
Multi-concept chef and operator Richard Sandoval is bringing the Colombia-based fast-casual Kokoriko rotisserie chicken concept to the U.S. With his first unit scheduled to open April 25 in Miami,...
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MenuMasters 2012: José Garces
A call to José Garces March 5 found the 39-year-old chef-restaurateur surprisingly relaxed. Three days after opening the first of three new Atlantic City, N.J., restaurants in as many weeks, Garces is...
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MenuMasters 2012: Buffalo Wild Wings
The wing is king at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, but the 2012 MenuMasters Awards recipient in the Menu Revamp category is broadening its appeal with plenty of other flavor sensations, as well....
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MenuMasters 2012: Mama Fu's Asian House
Chinese, Japanese and Thai food have appeared on many a fast-casual restaurant menu for some time. The latest menu addition from Mama Fu’s Asian House, however, just might put another Eastern cuisine...
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MenuMasters 2012: The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory name has long been synonymous with decadent, indulgent menu items, but the Calabasas Hills, Calif.-based chain last August introduced a menu designed to promote the lighter side...
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MenuMasters 2012: Quaker Steak & Lube
Quaker Steak & Lube is best known for its chicken wings and beer, which account for 50 percent of food sales and 75 percent of beverage sales. But with plans to double its 47 units over the next...
View ArticleMenuMasters 2012: Wendy's
The debut of the “W” cheeseburger stands out at a time of transitions and milestones for Wendy’s. It is a sign that the Dublin, Ohio-based quick-service chain, now charting a course as a single-brand...
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MenuMasters 2012: Stan Frankenthaler
Some of the most important ingredients that make up a successful corporate research and development leader are copious amounts of creativity and serious pragmatism — two things Dunkin’ Brands’ Stan...
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MenuMasters 2012: Sonic, America's Drive-In
When the research and development team at Sonic, America’s Drive-In set out to create the chain’s next signature dish, they didn’t have to look far for inspiration. The foundation for the chain’s...
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