Latest News
Smashburger Announced Its Plans To Expand Into The Middle East And Canada
12/1/2011
Smashburger, is pleased to announce that it has been ranked No. 1 on Forbes first annual America's Most Promising Companies list. The Forbes' list of America's Most Promising Companies features 100 privately held up-and-comers with compelling business models, strong management teams, notable customers, strategic partners and precious investment capital.
20 Hard Truths Customers Don't Often Tell You - By Ken Burgin
11/23/2011
Guests have plenty to share, if you take time to listen. And if you don't, they may go online and share it there! How many of these 'secrets' ring true for you?
30 Million Americans Expected to Make Restaurants Part of Their Thanksgiving Meals
11/16/2011
The National Restaurant Association estimates that 14 million Americans will visit a restaurant for a Thanksgiving meal this year, and an additional 16 million will use restaurant takeout to supplement a meal at their own or someone else's home. In addition, 32 million Americans are expected to dine out while shopping on Black Friday, according to new research by the Association. The new research also shows that convenience is the primary reason for making restaurants part of Thanksgiving celebrations.
Applebee's Places National U.S. Creative Advertising Account in Review
11/8/2011
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar® (NYSE: DIN), the world's largest casual dining chain, announced today it intends to place its national U.S. creative advertising account in review.
Cracker Barrel Urges Shareholders to Reject Biglari Nomination to Board of Directors
11/8/2011
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. began mailing its proxy statement for the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 20, 2011. In addition, Chairman Michael Woodhouse sent a letter to the Company's shareholders urging them to elect the Company's nominees to the Board of Directors, and to vote against the election of Sardar Biglari.
Founder of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Sells 40 Locations to Affiliate of IHOP's Largest Franchisee; Will Serve As CEO of Acquiring Organization
10/17/2011
DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced that existing Applebee's franchisee, Neighborhood Restaurant Partners, LLC, an affiliate of IHOP's largest franchisee, has purchased the assets of Apple Restaurants, Inc. including 40 Applebee's franchise-operated restaurants located in Atlanta and surrounding areas.
Food & Beverage: 6 Essentials for a Modern Staff Manual: What Needs an Update? - By Ken Burgin
10/11/2011
Chances are it's been added to and edited over the years - does it reflect the real world of 2011 and 2012? Handbooks set standards and expectations - they're designed to help staff and protect management. And they're another element of successful recruitment and retention...
Noodles & Company Opens Location In Ames, Iowa
10/4/2011
Noodles & Company is a fast-casual lunch or dinner destination that offers something for everyone from kids to students to adults. The global menu features three cuisines rolled into one: Asian, Mediterranean and American, giving guests the option to try new flavors every day. The dishes range from healthful to indulgent and spicy to comforting. Favorites include the sweet and spicy Japanese Pan Noodles, creamy Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and the fresh and zippy Med Sandwich.
Darden Restaurants Q1 Total Sales Up 7.5%
9/28/2011
First quarter total sales from continuing operations of $1.94 billion were a 7.5% increase from the prior year. The increase reflects (1) combined same-restaurant sales growth of 2.8% for Olive Garden, Red Lobster and LongHorn Steakhouse, exceeding an estimated 1.0% increase for the Knapp-Track™ benchmark of U.S. same-restaurant sales excluding Darden;
Old Chicago Introduces 'Chef's Homemade Creations' Limited-Time-Offer
9/26/2011
Old Chicago – the made-from-scratch American fare and beer authority known for its World Beer Tour ™ and 110 unique, cold beers –– just launched its latest limited time offer: "Chef's Homemade Creations" that feature individual Ultimate Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizzas, Artisan Pizzas, Mini Italian Meatballs and Southern Fried Spicy Pickles. The Chef's Homemade Creations menu is available now through Sunday, Nov. 6.
Kona Grill Closes Underperforming Sugar Land, Texas Location
9/26/2011
Kona Grill, Inc. (NASDAQ: KONA), an American grill and sushi bar, has closed its underperforming restaurant in Sugar Land, Texas.
Yum! Brands Sells Long John Silver's and A&W Restaurants
9/26/2011
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced it has signed definitive agreements to sell Long John Silver's, Inc. and A&W Restaurants, Inc. to two separate buyers led by key franchisee leaders. Both sales are subject to customary closing conditions.
Arizona Restaurant Industry Video
9/22/2011
Shame on Us in Hospitality. We Have Plenty of Jobs, but Everyone Keeps on Leaving - By John Hendrie
9/12/2011
Abraham Maslow had it right with his Hierarchy of Needs. As we build our lives and careers, certain levels of life's needs must be met before we can successfully move to the next step. Simple concept, even when placed as a template upon the National dialogue. Jobs, jobs, jobs make it happen!
Report Finds Much More Love Than Hate for US Fast Food Chains on Social Media
9/8/2011
Social media users posted many more positive opinions than negative about US fast food chains over the last 12 months, with Subway garnering the most praise on social media, according to a new social media analytics report from Amplicate.
