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WFF conference aims to build future leaders
More than 2,000 foodservice professionals met in Dallas this week to attend the Women’s Foodservice Forum Annual Leadership Development conference, which celebrates trailblazing efforts in gender...
View ArticleJamba splits with Nestlé, targets consumer products
Jamba Juice is splitting with Nestlé USA to take control of a line of branded energy drinks in a move that marks the next phase in the smoothie chain’s plan to become a global billion-dollar consumer...
View ArticleThe Cheesecake Factory explores overseas growth
More global growth may be in The Cheesecake Factory Inc.’s future, but the company is waiting to see how its first international franchise locations perform after opening in the Middle East later this...
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What's hot on food truck menus
Customizable carry-and-go foods are the items appearing most on food truck menus in 2011, as are high-end condiments or flavorings to dress up basic dishes, according to data compiled by research firm...
View ArticleCarrols Board approves Fiesta spin-off
Burger King franchisee Carrols Restaurant Group Inc. said Wednesday its board of directors had approved the spin-off of Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary comprising the...
View ArticleSteve Heeley to head Earl of Sandwich
Steve Heeley will take the lead as president and chief executive of Earl of Sandwich, the chain’s parent company Planet Hollywood Group of Companies said Thursday. Heeley replaces Seth Makowsky, who is...
View ArticleFamous Dave's: Gas prices contributed to 1Q traffic decline
Officials for Famous Dave’s of America Inc. said the decline in traffic that caused a 32-percent decrease in first-quarter earnings resulted from pressure on consumers from high gas prices,...
View ArticleDunkin' 1Q boosted by new menu items
Product and marketing innovation helped drive Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc.'s strong performance in the first quarter of 2012, according to company officials. Net income for the company jumped to $26...
View ArticleStarbucks' 2Q sales lifted by retail presence
Starbucks Corp. is upping the number of new units planned this year and upgraded its earnings outlook after reporting an 18-percent increase in net income for the second quarter on Thursday. For the...
View ArticleBJ's to roll out new menu, guest loyalty program
BJ's Restaurants Inc. posted Thursday a 19.7-percent increase in profit for the first quarter, and executives looked forward to a new menu introduction in May and the debut of a new guest loyalty...
View ArticleRice porridge with confit duck tongue
For this $9 appetizer, chef Benjamin Lambert draws inspiration from the congee, or rice porridge, that he ate when he lived in New York City. He starts with Carolina Gold rice and overcooks it so the...
View ArticleBravo Brio to focus on front of house
Bravo Brio Restaurant Group indicated that it would deploy several initiatives to drive guest counts in its upscale-casual restaurants while continuing to aggressively manage costs following modest...
View ArticleRuby Tuesday names Michael Moore CFO
Ruby Tuesday Inc. has named Michael Moore as its chief financial officer, the company said Thursday. Moore will assume his new role on June 5. He replaces Marguerite Duffy, who said in January that she...
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McAlister's Deli debuts new look
McAlister’s Deli this spring has debuted a new prototype that refreshes the 23-year-old fast-casual concept and emphasizes its signature tea program with a stand-apart Tea Bar. The new look debuted...
View ArticleFazoli’s expands Lemon Ice line
Fazoli’s has added two new flavors to its Lemon Ice beverage lineup, marking another extension to a menu that has been revamped over the course of two years and has driven 20 consecutive months of...
View ArticleStarbucks raises targets for unit openings
Starbucks Corp. is ramping up growth for its coffeehouse locations in the Americas region and China, saying any talk of saturation or the inability to find good real estate should be “taken off the...
View ArticleDomino's sets sights on domestic growth
Domino’s Pizza’s promotional strategy in the first quarter highlighted side items like Parmesan Bread Bites, and while the move did not spur incremental traffic, it did drive gains in the average check...
View ArticleThe latest chefs on the move
John Merlino, Jr. is the new director of culinary development at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, a 64-unit steakhouse chain headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. Most recently working as an...
View ArticleDineEquity: Refranchising, upgrades strategy boosted 1Q results
IHOP and Applebee’s parent DineEquity Inc. on Tuesday reported a 5.5-percent increase in profit for the first quarter, saying revitalization efforts for both brands are on track, but more work needs to...
View ArticleFriendly's names Anthony Lavely EVP, chief marketing officer
Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC has appointed Anthony Lavely as its executive vice president and chief marketing officer, filling the last of the executive positions vacated in February with the departure of...
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