I knew I'd come across Dr. Romera before...
The New York Times’ new restaurant critic, Pete Wells, tears Romera New York a new one in his review of the restaurant that, by most accounts that I’ve read, is way too pretentious and self-important...
View ArticleMonthly menu check: Analyst breaks down QSR trends
Quick-service restaurants focused on value-driven price points and more healthful menu items in January, according to a Monthly Menu Check report from Brad Ludington, an analyst from KeyBanc Capital...
View ArticleChurch's Chicken outlines executive changes
Church’s Chicken has named Edward Williams vice president of company operations, one of several personnel changes made by the quick-service chain’s new chief executive Jim Hyatt. In the newly created...
View ArticleSonic names four new VPs to leadership team
Sonic Corp. has named four new vice presidents to its corporate leadership team. The Oklahoma City, Okla.-based drive-in operator named Clas Petersson vice president of product and packaging, Bob...
View ArticleRestaurants offer Chinese New Year specials
These days many diners are attracted to food with a story. The Asian Lunar New Year — a holiday that anticipates the coming spring and is celebrated in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam —is loaded with...
View ArticleAnalyst: McD franchisees concerned over chain's pricing plans
A new survey of McDonald’s franchisees shows same-store sales expectations for December and January remain strong, but concern over unit-level profitability is becoming apparent under the franchisor’s...
View ArticleBuffets Inc. files for Ch. 11 bankruptcy
Buffets Inc. said Wednesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, closed 81 restaurants and will recapitalize in an agreement with lenders that will convert debt into a controlling equity...
View ArticleTaco Bell’s ‘First Meal’ set to debut
Taco Bell is scheduled to begin rolling out its long-awaited breakfast platform — or “First Meal” — next week in about 750 locations in 10 states, the first wave of what the chain promises will be a...
View ArticleIs 2012 the year of the restaurant?
At last week’s ICR XChange, the largest restaurant and retail investment conference, both restaurant chain executives and securities analysts were bullish on the year ahead — so much so that Nicole...
View ArticleBéarnaise ice cream sandwiches
Cool Plates features dishes from across the country to help inspire chefs' creativity. Chef-owner Scott Anderson recreates the flavors of a classic French Béarnaise sauce — egg yolk with a reduction of...
View ArticleCapt. D’s same-store sales turn positive
Captain D’s said this week that improvement initiatives helped the counter-service seafood chain realize positive systemwide same-store sales growth in 2011, the first time since 2003. “To be...
View ArticleKFC cuts corporate workforce
KFC Corp. has laid off an undisclosed number of corporate support staff for the chain of more than 5,000 Kentucky Fried Chicken units in the United States. KFC “made the difficult but necessary...
View ArticleMooyah Burgers & Fries updates look
Mooyah Burgers & Fries has unveiled a new design at a restaurant that opened on Jan. 16 in Tyler, Texas. The 25-unit fast-casual burger concept, which added nine units last year, offers more...
View ArticleRomacorp names Robert M. Sinnott CFO
Romacorp Inc., parent of the Tony Roma’s chain, has named Robert M. Sinnott to the new post of chief financial officer. Sinnott most recently was chief financial officer for Dallas-based Silverleaf...
View ArticleJuice It Up! retrofits units with raw juice bars
The Juice It Up! smoothie chain is retrofitting existing units to beef up freshly squeezed juice options with an expanded line of healthful beverages. The move is a response to growing demand for...
View ArticleRestaurants roll out bold flavors
This year will be a “year of flavor and delight,” according to frozen yogurt chain TCBY. Many other restaurant chains agree, as they introduce boldly flavored items with influences from across the...
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Restaurant comps set records in December
The restaurant industry's monthly same-store sales growth rate rose at an all-time-high in December, fueled by sharp gains in guest traffic and cooperative weather, according to the latest...
View ArticleA better year ahead?
Just a few days into the new year, I’m hopeful that it’s going to be a good one. Why? Because of the lobsters. Now, my indicator is not in the least scientific, nor is my outlook necessarily widely...
View ArticleRestaurant keeps artisanal liqueur tradition alive
Southern Italy has a tradition of liquori digestivi, alcohol infusions of the celebrated citrus fruits, nuts, herbs and spices of the region, typically sipped after meals. Offering visitors little...
View ArticleIHOP rolls out '7 for $7 Menu'
IHOP is targeting value-conscious diners with a new limited-time offer that launched on Monday. The “7 for $7 Menu” allows customers to choose from seven meal options for $7, every day of the week. The...
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