Wendy's returns to Japan with restaurant opening
Wendy’s opened its first joint-venture restaurant in Japan on Monday, in the Omotesando area of Tokyo. Wendy’s Japan LLC, the joint venture formed between The Wendy’s Co. and master franchisee Higa...
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Restaurants plan for commodity inflation, menu price increases
Many in the restaurant industry will look back on 2011 as a year of recovery that was hindered by skyrocketing commodity costs and caution about raising menu prices — a move many feared would scare off...
View ArticleKrispy Kreme, Chili's offer mobile apps
Several restaurant chains are offering new smartphone apps to get users into their stores. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is putting its “Hot Now” sign, which illuminates in the windows of stores when fresh...
View ArticleRichard Blais talks new hot dog restaurant
Richard Blais made a name for himself as a chef at popular high-end restaurants in Atlanta. Then, he became a celebrity as a contestant on the fourth season of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef.” Since then, he has...
View ArticleCar dealerships become non-traditional restaurant sites
While not yet a driving force in non-traditional restaurant sites, auto dealership showrooms are starting to add enhanced dining options. At Frank Kent Motor Co. in Fort Worth, Texas, a Honda...
View ArticleSubmarina CEO talks turnaround, growth
After acquiring assets of the Submarina sandwich chain in 2009 through the Kerensa Investment Fund 1 LLC, investment banker Bruce Rosenthal said he was forced to make some changes. The all-franchised...
View ArticleFazoli’s new prototype helps drive sales
Fazoli’s rebuilding project of the past several years has come to fruition, and the brand expects to end the year with its 18th consecutive month of positive same-store sales growth, chief executive...
View ArticleRegional hot dogs hit it big with national Smashburger
Smashburger, a better burger concept with 143 restaurants in 25 states, might be a national chain, but its management still strives for local appeal everywhere it opens. So before entering any market,...
View ArticleNew menu deals focus on feasting, value
At a time when restaurant chains tend to appeal to diners who want to eat lighter in the new year, Jack in the Box and Togo’s Sandwiches are launching limited-time offers that take the opposite...
View ArticleRestaurants tout holiday hangover cures
With New Year’s Day falling on a Sunday—already a popular brunch day—a number of restaurants across the nation are offering special “Hangover Cure” brunch menus and drinks. The specials range from a...
View ArticleSteak ‘n Shake freezes prices in 2012
Steak ’n Shake has decided to freeze its menu prices in 2012, using a significantly different tactic from many of the industry’s biggest players who are testing or implementing menu price increases to...
View ArticleCaptain D’s focuses on branding in 2012
When Jonathan Muhtar joined Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen as its new chief marketing officer in late November, he began reformulating the brand’s marketing plans in the wake of two big events: the...
View ArticleFour top trends for QSR in 2012
The restaurant industry has entered another year filled with both opportunities and challenges, from a growing consumer demand for dining out to increased commodity costs threatening bottom lines. The...
View ArticleDunkin' plans for growth with purchasing coop agreement
Dunkin’ Brands Inc. has signed a long-term agreement with National DCP, a franchisee-owned purchasing cooperative, making it the exclusive supply chain provider for all Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the...
View ArticleTaco John's operator workshops aim to lower costs
Aspiring to cut store-level food and labor costs by an aggregate 100 basis points, or 1 percent, executives of the Taco John’s quick-service chain knew that operator pull would benefit the initiative...
View ArticleMcCormick & Schmick's units closed after Landry's completes tender offer
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from Landry's. Landry’s Inc. closed at least a half dozen McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants Tuesday after completing its tender offer for...
View ArticleNPD: Restaurant traffic levels mixed across the globe
International restaurant traffic was mixed during the third quarter of 2011 as low consumer confidence and global economic troubles kept guest counts weak or negative everywhere but China, according to...
View ArticleReal Mex set for Ch. 11 auction
Real Mex Restaurants, parent of the El Torito, Acapulco and Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant chains, is scheduled to go up for auction later this month as part of an ongoing Chapter 11 reorganization....
View ArticleCalifornia food truck recovers after theft
Food trucks may be seen as a road to riches for foodservice entrepreneurs, but the owners of the No Tomatoes truck in Los Angeles learned over the holidays that plans can be curbed quickly by theft....
View ArticleSonic Corp. profit dips in 3Q
Sonic Corp. on Wednesday reported profit and revenue were down in the third quarter while same-store sales inched up slightly. The Oklahoma City, Okla.-based drive-in operator said profit fell to $5.5...
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