Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from April 2003

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from April 2003

Boston Market, the 650-unit chain owned by McDonald's Corp., will open a test prototype called Boston Market's Rotisserie Grill. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... GOLDEN, Colo. -- BOSTON MARKET, the 650-unit chain owned by MCDONALD'S CORP., will open a test prototype called Boston Market's Rotisserie Grill in early May in Tallahassee, Fla. The restaurant reportedly will feature limited table service,...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is expanding its 275-unit chain's Canadian fleet. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS is expanding its 275-unit chain's Canadian fleet by increasing the territory of KREMEKO INC., which had a 32-unit deal for Ontario, Quebec and four Atlantic provinces. KremeKo has four units open...

A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury ordered McDonald's Corp. to pay $16.5 million to former franchisee Sandra Darling. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... POMONA, Calif. -- A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury ordered MCDONALD'S CORP. to pay $16.5 million to former franchisee SANDRA DARLING, who had charged the company with conspiracy to defraud and wrongly forcing her from the system....

The latest "Big Mac Index" from The Economist magazine concludes that China's yuan is the most undervalued currency based on the average $1.20 price in China for a McDonald's Big Mac. (Just In).
April 30, 2003... BEIJING -- The latest "Big Mac Index" from THE ECONOMIST magazine concludes that China's yuan is the most undervalued currency based on the average $1.20 price in China for a McDonald's Big Mac. In January the index showed Argentina as having...

Ihop Corp., parent of the 1,118-unit International House of Pancakes chain, said systemwide sales for the first quarter ended March 31 rose 13.1 percent to $413.8 million.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., parent of the 1,118-unit International House of Pancakes chain, said systemwide sales for the first quarter ended March 31 rose 13.1 percent to $413.8 million as same-store sales increased 2.2 percent.

Friendly Ice Cream Corp. widened its first-quarter loss to $1.5 million, or 20 cents a share, from a loss of $400,000, or 6 cents a share.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORP. widened its first-quarter loss to $1.5 million, or 20 cents a share, from a loss of $400,000, or 6 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Same-store sales rose 0.3 percent for period ended...

Checkers Drive-in Restaurants Inc. said CEO and president Daniel J. Dorsch resigned to pursue other personal and professional activities. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS INC. said CEO and president DANIEL J. DORSCH resigned to pursue other personal and professional activities. The company, which operates and franchises 398 Checkers and 380 Rally's, said chairman...

AFC Enterprises Inc. said Gerald Wilkins resigned as chief financial officer and as a member of the company's board of directors. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... ATLANTA -- AFC ENTERPRISES INC. said GERALD WILKINS resigned as chief financial officer and as a member of the company's board of directors. The operator and franchisor of Popeyes Chicken, Church's Chicken and Cinnabon said chief executive...

El Pollo Loco broke new TV and radio ads that focus more on food quality than speedy service. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 30, 2003... IRVINE, Calif. -- EL POLLO LOCO broke new TV and radio ads that focus more on food quality than speedy service, a strategic change for the 300-unit chain. The ads are the first for the chain by its new agency, Y&R COS. of Irvine, and...

Stockwatch.(restaurant companies' stock changes)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 30, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Steak n Shake 5.16 $11.20 Ark Restaurant Group 4.78 6.79...

Baskin-Robbins, the 4,700-unit chain of Randolph, Mass.-based Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants, said its franchisees in the Northeast will add 100 new outlets that would be cobranded with sister concept Dunkin' Donuts by summer's end. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... GLENDALE, Calif. -- BASKIN-ROBBINS, the 4,700-unit chain of Randolph, Mass.-based ALLIED DOMECQ QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS, said its franchisees in the Northeast will add 100 new outlets that would be cobranded with sister concept Dunkin'...

David "Dave" Pittman. (Just In).(obituary)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
April 29, 2003... DAVID "DAVE" PITTMAN, a consistently upbeat and affable advertising-sales expert for Nation's Restaurant News and parent company Lebhar-Friedman Inc. over a 36-year-plus career, died Monday at his home here after a brief bout with colon...

Mimi's Cafe, the high-grossing, New Orleans-French-theme casual-dining chain, expanded into its eighth state April 22 with the launch of its 72nd branch, in Albuquerque, N.M. President Russ Bendel said the 6,800-square-foot outlet seats about 200. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... TUSTIN, Calif. -- MIMI'S CAFE, the high-grossing, New Orleans-French-theme casual-dining chain, expanded into its eighth state April 22 with the launch of its 72nd branch, in Albuquerque, N.M. President RUSS BENDEL said the 6,800-square-foot...

The Women's Foodservice Forum named Robin Brooks, chairman and chief executive of Bedford, Va.-based Brooks Food Group, as its 2003 Entrepreneur of the Year. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... CHICAGO -- The WOMEN'S FOODSERVICE FORUM named ROBIN BROOKS, chairman and chief executive of Bedford, Va.-based BROOKS FOOD GROUP, as its 2003 Entrepreneur of the Year. The WFF said Brooks was chosen for "her dedication to advancing her...

Brinker International Inc. (Executive Suite).(hires Jose R. Gomez as director of diversity)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC., parent of Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill and other chains, hired JOSE R. GOMEZ as director of diversity. Gomez was manager of diversity initiatives and corporate affairs for Wal-Mart Stores...

The National Restaurant Association. (Executive Suite).(names Rob Gren vice president of federal relations)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION promoted ROB GREEN to vice president of federal relations and KATHLEEN O'LEARY to vice president of tax policy. Green was director of workforce policy. O'Leary's was director of tax policy....

McDonald's Corp.(saw 1st quarter profits rise 29% )(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP., which posted its first-ever loss in the fourth quarter, reported a 29-percent jump in first-quarter profits to $327.4 million, or 26 cents a share, vs. net income of $253.1 million, or 20 cents a share, in...

Denny's restaurants launched a "Taste Victory" sweepstakes Monday, a tie-in with Fox Cable Networks that will award three trips to NASCAR races. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S restaurants launched a "Taste Victory" sweepstakes Monday, a tie-in with FOX CABLE NETWORKS that will award three trips to NASCAR races. Customers who are 21 or older can receive a "Denny's Pit Password,"...

Wienerschnitzel broke a new TV spot featuring an ad character named the Delicious One as the chain continues to promote its proprietary chili. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 29, 2003... NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- WIENERSCHNITZEL broke a new TV spot featuring an ad character named the Delicious One as the chain continues to promote its proprietary chili. The 30-second spot promotes a 99-cent chili-dog special for May. DGWB...

Stockwatch.(restaurant stock changes)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 29, 2003... STOCKWATCH (share over $3) Pct. Man. Top Gainers change close McDonald's 7.08 $16.93 Checkers Drive-In Rest. 5.85 6.35 Jack in the...

Restaurant and hotel operators here expressed some optimism that tourist traffic might pick up after the World Health Organization said it was reconsidering its warning that travelers should avoid Toronto because of the risk of SARS contagion. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... TORONTO -- Restaurant and hotel operators here expressed some optimism that tourist traffic might pick up after the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION said it was reconsidering its warning that travelers should avoid Toronto because of the risk of...

Restaurant Developers Corp., parent company of Mr. Hero Restaurants and Arabica Coffeehouse Systems, said new franchises signed area development agreements for the Atlanta, Delaware and Newark, N.J., markets. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- RESTAURANT DEVELOPERS CORP., parent company of Mr. Hero Restaurants and Arabica Coffeehouse Systems, said new franchises signed area development agreements for the Atlanta, Delaware and Newark, N.J., markets. The...

The Tack Room, Arizona's first nationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, will close May 18 after 38 years in business for a conversion to a "comfort Italian" format and a planned October reopening under a new name. (Just In).(Tucson restaurant)(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... TUCSON, Ariz. -- THE TACK ROOM, Arizona's first nationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, will close May 18 after 38 years in business for a conversion to a "comfort Italian" format and a planned October reopening under a new name. Owner...

McDonald's Corp. named Tim Fenton president of the chain's U.S. East division. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. named TIM FENTON president of the chain's U.S. East division, which has about 5,000 restaurants. He replaces HENRY GONZALEZ, who stepped down earlier this month after 30 years with the company, but was...

No. 2 coffeehouse chain operator Diedrich Coffee Inc., while reporting a wider third-quarter loss Friday, said Roger "Rocky" M. Laverty was named chief executive. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... IRVINE, Calif. -- No. 2 coffeehouse chain operator DIEDRICH COFFEE INC., while reporting a wider third-quarter loss Friday, said ROGER "ROCKY" M. LAVERTY was named chief executive, a post that had been vacant since the January resignation of...

Donatos Pizzeria, the 180-unit chain owned by McDonald's Corp., said chief executive Bill Rose retired. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- DONATOS PIZZERIA, the 180-unit chain owned by MCDONALD'S CORP., said chief executive BILL ROSE retired. A 30-year McDonald's veteran, Rose had served as Donatos' chief executive since Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's...

CKE Restaurants said executive vice president and chief financial officer Dennis J. Lacey will leave the company May 2 to relocate to Denver for personal reasons. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS said executive vice president and chief financial officer DENNIS J. LACEY will leave the company May 2 to relocate to Denver for personal reasons. THEODORE ABAJIAN, executive VP and chief...

Stockwatch.(top gaining and losing restaurant stock prices)(Brief Article)
April 28, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Checkers Drive-In Rest. 7.14 $6.00 Ryan's Family Steak Hse. 6.61 12.26 Elmer's...

Aladdin Gaming LLC has agreed to sell the 2,567-room Aladdin Resort & Casino and its 7,000-seat performance theater in a deal valued at about $635 million to Planet Hollywood CEO Robert Earl, Starwood Hotels And Resorts Worldwide and Bayharbour Management LC. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 25, 2003... LAS VEGAS -- ALADDIN GAMING LLC has agreed to sell the 2,567-room Aladdin Resort & Casino and its 7,000-seat performance theater in a deal valued at about $635 million to Planet Hollywood CEO ROBERT EARL, STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS WORLDWIDE...

HMSHost Corp., whose sales for 2002 grew 9.7 percent to $1.68 billion, its Italian owner reported Thursday, said it won a 10-year extension of its licensing agreement with STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. that would be worth more than $4.4 billion in revenue. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 25, 2003... BETHESDA, Md. -- HMSHOST CORP., whose sales for 2002 grew 9.7 percent to $1.68 billion, its Italian owner reported Thursday, said it won a 10-year extension of its licensing agreement with STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. that would be worth more than...

Wendy's International said the lethal respiratory ailment SARS has not had a "material" effect on sales at its Canadian-based Tim Hortons doughnut-specialty chain. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 25, 2003... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL said the lethal respiratory ailment SARS has not had a "material" effect on sales at its Canadian-based Tim Hortons doughnut-specialty chain. Among its 2,213 outlets in Canada, Hortons has 37 in Greater...

Johnson & Wales University has offered Shoshana Johnson, a cook in the U.S. Army and a former prisoner of war in Iraq, a full scholarship to study culinary arts for up to four years at any of the university's five campuses. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 25, 2003... PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY has offered SHOSHANAJOHNSON, a cook in the U.S. Army and a former prisoner of war in Iraq, a full scholarship to study culinary arts for up to four years at any of the university's five campuses....

Starbucks Corp.(Rise in second quarter net income)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2003... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. posted a 64-percent rise in net income to $52.1 million, or 13 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter ended March 30, vs. $31.7 million, or 8 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 22 percent to $954.2...

Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants.(Had 14% rise in operating profits to $39.9 million for six months ended Feb. 28)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2003... RANDOLPH, Mass. -- ALLIED DOMECQ QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS, franchisor of the Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's brands, posted a 14-percent rise in operating profits to $39.9 million for the six months ended Feb. 28. Revenue, driven...

Stockwatch.(Restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 25, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) PCt. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Yum! Brands 6.41 $24.90 Back Yard Burgers 5.82 5.27 Total Entertainment ...

In a bid to reduce illnesses and deaths from the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, California has banned the sale of raw oysters harvested along the Gulf Coast from April through October. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In a bid to reduce illnesses and deaths from the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, California has banned the sale of raw oysters harvested along the Gulf Coast from April through October. Oysters treated with a scientifically...

Piccadilly Cafeterias Inc. intends to close 17 of its nearly 196 outlets by July 1 after what it said was progress in landlord negotiations. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... BATON ROUGE, La. -- PICCADILLY CAFETERIAS INC. intends to close 17 of its nearly 196 outlets by July 1 after what it said was progress in landlord negotiations. The 17 cafeterias generated net losses of $2.9 million, including $600,000 in...

Yum! Brands Inc. reported a 6-percent decline in first-quarter earnings Wednesday as the parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell cited a 2-percent dip in domestic same-store sales for the period that offset sharply rising international sales.(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC. reported a 6-percent decline in first-quarter earnings Wednesday as the parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell cited a 2-percent dip in domestic same-store sales for the period that offset sharply rising...

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. reported a 33-percent jump in net income for the first quarter on a 35-percent leap in revenues.(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO INC. reported a 33-percent jump in net income for the first quarter on a 35-percent leap in revenues. The chain earned $6.8 million, or 26 cents a share, vs. $5.1 million, or 20 cents a share, a...

Brinker International Inc. reported a 35-percent increase in earnings to $46.2 million, or 47 cents per fully diluted share, for the third quarter ended March 26.(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC. reported a 35-percent increase in earnings to $46.2 million, or 47 cents per fully diluted share, for the third quarter ended March 26. Brinker earned $34.2 million, or 34 cents a share, in the year-ago...

Wendy's International Inc. said net income for the first quarter ended March 30 rose 1 percent to $43.9 million.(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. said net income for the first quarter ended March 30 rose 1 percent to $43.9 million, while diluted earnings per share fell a penny to 38 cents, compared with a year ago. Total revenues rose 13.3...

Ryan's Family Steak Houses Inc. said net income fell 9.9 percent to $12.1 million for the first quarter ended April 2, on sales of $193.2 million, off 0.2 percent from a year ago.(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... GREER, S.C. -- RYAN'S FAMILY STEAK HOUSES INC. said net income fell 9.9 percent to $12.1 million for the first quarter ended April 2, on sales of $193.2 million, off 0.2 percent from a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were flat at 28...

Blimpie Subs & Salads added a Grilled Subs line at its nearly 1,700 franchised outlets. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... ATLANTA -- BLIMPIE SUBS &SALADS added a Grilled Subs line at its nearly 1,700 franchised outlets. Included are the Ultimate Club; Beef, Turkey &Cheddar;and a grilled Buffalo Chicken Melt, $4.29 to $4.79. Regional grilled items will include a...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
April 24, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Red Robin Gour. Burgers 3.76 $15.17 Peet's Coffee & Tea 3.02 16.04...

United Airlines this week is testing a pay-for-meals service on seven daily flights between Denver and Seattle, according to Bill Dove, United's director of worldwide catering. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... DENVER -- UNITED AIRLINES this week is testing a pay-for-meals service on seven daily flights between Denver and Seattle, according to BILL DOVE, United's director of worldwide catering. The meals will include signature items from Eli's...

Saladworks, a 35-unit fast-casual salad chain, signed two franchise deals to open its first locations in Florida. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- SALADWORKS, a 35-unit fast-casual salad chain, signed two franchise deals to open its first locations in Florida. The chain currently has restaurants mostly in the mid-Atlantic region. New franchisee SERGIO FREYER agreed...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(first quarter net income)(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. reported a 22-percent rise in net income for the first quarter to $45.1 million, or 58 cents per fully diluted share, from $37 million, or 46 cents per share, in the year-ago period, when the company...

California Pizza Kitchen Inc.(first quarter profits)(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN INC. posted a 6.9-percent increase in profits for the first quarter ended March 30, to $4 million, or 21 cents per fully diluted share, up from $3.7 million, or 20 cents per share, in the year-ago...

AFC Enterprises.(to restate financials going back to 2000)(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... ATLANTA -- AFC ENTERPRISES, parent of Popeyes Chicken, Church's Chicken and Cinnabon, on Tuesday said it would restate financial results for 2000 in addition to its pending restatements for 2001 and three quarters of 2002. AFC announced plans...

Back Yard Burgers Inc.(first quarter net income)(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- BACK YARD BURGERS INC. reported a 10-percent rise in net income to $250,000, or 5 cents a share, for the first quarter ended March 29. Revenue grew 4.8 percent to $8.6 million. Same-store sales fell 6 percent at...

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill broke a TV campaign starring the character "Rafael" to promote the 144-unit fast-casual chain's Fajita Fiesta. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- RUBIO'S FRESH MEXICAN GRILL broke a TV campaign starring the character "Rafael" to promote the 144-unit fast-casual chain's Fajita Fiesta. The spot, showing him running the kitchen, aims to portray Rubio's as a "distinct...

Chevys Inc. (Marketing Matters).(testing brunch menu)(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... EMERYVILLE, Calif. -- CHEVYS INC. launched a brunch menu test at eight restaurants in California on April 12. The seven outlets in Sacramento and one in Emeryville are gauging a potential weekend brunch rollout in other markets of the...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
April 23, 2003... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Buca 4.74 $6.41 Darden Restaurants 2.89 19.95 Rubio's Restaurants...

Kuwaiti franchisees of Pizza Hut and Burger King have opened the first American fast-food outlets in war-ravaged Iraq, operating from large trailers at a British military base in Basra. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... BASRA, Iraq -- Kuwaiti franchisees of PIZZA HUT and BURGER KING have opened the first American fast-food outlets in war-ravaged Iraq, operating from large trailers at a British military base in Basra. Media reports quoted ATEF BASSENT, a...

About half of this city's 10,000 restaurants could close as citizens remain at home to avoid contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome. (Just In).(Hong Kong)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... HONG KONG -- About half of this city's 10,000 restaurants could close as citizens remain at home to avoid contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, a local restaurant association head told the Reuters news service. Fear of SARS...

Bahama Breeze, the 32-unit, tropics-theme chain that was launched by Darden Restaurants as a dinner only concept, has begun testing lunch service at three branches in Arizona. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... PHOENIX -- BAHAMA BREEZE, the 32-unit, tropics-theme chain that was launched by DARDEN RESTAURANTS as a dinner only concept, has begun testing lunch service at three branches in Arizona, according to a local media report quoting executive...

Crescent City Beignets. (Just In).(to open in Kansas City, Missouri)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... HOUSTON -- CRESCENT CITY BEIGNETS, parent of an 11-unit namesake chain, said it signed a three-unit area development agreement with JOHN DORITY, who is slated to open the first branch of the New Orleans-theme fast-casual concept in the Kansas...

Legislation that would require restaurant chains of 10 or more units to provide consumers in California with a written nutritional analysis of all menu items upon request has been amended to cover full-service as well as quick-service establishments. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Legislation that would require restaurant chains of 10 or more units to provide consumers in California with a written nutritional analysis of all menu items upon request has been amended to cover full-service as well as...

Noted Irish chef Conrad Gallagher, who runs a Manhattan pub called Traffic, was arrested here on an Irish warrant accusing him of stealing three paintings from the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... NEW YORK -- Noted Irish chef CONRAD GALLAGHER, who runs a Manhattan pub called Traffic, was arrested here on an Irish warrant accusing him of stealing three paintings from the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, which was the location of his...

Cheesecake Factory Inc.(first quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC. reported a 20-percent year-to-year increase in first-quarter earnings after the stock markets closed Monday. Blaming sporadic closures from harsh winter weather, company officials in a...

Church's Chicken. (Marketing Matters).(promotion with JC Penney photo studio)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... ATLANTA -- CHURCH'S CHICKEN said branches of the AFC ENTERPRISES-owned chain of about 1,500 units will offer a certificate worth $22.98 for a free sitting and an 8-inch-by-10-inch portrait at any JC Penny photo studio from April 28 to May 25.

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
April 22, 2003... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Garden Fresh Restaurant 5.34 $11.05 Dave & Buster's 2.48 9.10 California Pizza...

Following a month-long ban ordered by the city's fire department on the use of candles in restaurants here, a compromise has been hammered out between the city and members of the foodservice industry. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... BALTIMORE -- Following a month-long ban ordered by the city's fire department on the use of candles in restaurants here, a compromise has been hammered out between the city and members of the foodservice industry. Under the terms of the...

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe is gearing up to launch a new prototype store on May 1. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... TULSA, Oka. -- CAMILLE'S SIDEWALK CAFE is gearing up to launch a new prototype store on May 1. Some features of the new design include softer seating, high-speed Internet access and a new color scheme. As part of the store changes, the...

HMSHOST opened a new Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... PHOENIX -- HMSHOST opened a new Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill at PHOENIX SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The 7,200-square-foot restaurant is located in the main lobby of Terminal 3. The Phoenix location is the fourth, and largest,...

The Anti-Defamation League will honor Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants' chairman and chief executive, Thomas Latour, and Niki Leondakis, the company's executive vice president, as two of this year's winners of the league's Wine and Food Industry Achievement Award. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- The ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE will honor Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants' chairman and chief executive, THOMAS LATOUR, and NIKI LEONDAKIS, the company's executive vice president, as two of this year's winners of the league's Wine...

Comac Food Group Inc., the Canadian master franchisor of Domino's Pizza, appointed Mark W. Waldron as president and chief executive, replacing John G. Beauparlant, who resigned the position in March to "pursue other interests". (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... CALGARY -- COMAC FOOD GROUP INC., the Canadian master franchisor of Domino's Pizza, appointed MARK W. WALDRON as president and chief executive, replacing JOHN G. BEAUPARLANT, who resigned the position in March to "pursue other interests."...

The National Restaurant Association promoted Sean Bresett to vice president of political affairs and Jill Mitchell to vice president of state relations and grassroots. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION promoted SEAN BRESETT to vice president of political affairs and JILL MITCHELL to vice president of state relations and grassroots. Before joining the NRA, Bresett worked at the National...

McDonald's Corp. will target women when it breaks a national TV campaign today for its new main-course salads. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. will target women when it breaks a national TV campaign today for its new main-course salads. Each of the chain's agencies has produced spots for the campaign. DDB CHICAGO created two 30-second spots, "PTA...

Burger King Corp. is bringing back its Sourdough Bacon Cheeseburger from April 21 to May 25. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. is bringing back its Sourdough Bacon Cheeseburger from April 21 to May 25. The burger, $2.59, which is being promoted through in-restaurant merchandising and TV ads that began Sunday, is topped with bacon and melted...

Austin Grill, in a move to highlight its 15th anniversary, will showcase a variety of meal and drink specials from May 1 to May 5. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 21, 2003... WASHINGTON -- AUSTIN GRILL, in a move to highlight its 15th anniversary, will showcase a variety of meal and drink specials from May 1 to May 5. The six-unit chain will offer a Prickly Pear Cactus Juice Margarita, $12, in a 16-ounce souvenir...

A morbidly obese man who sued Mcdonald's Corp., claiming the fast-food chain refused to hire him because of his weight, will have his day in court. (Just In).(Joseph Connor, 420 pounds)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A morbidly obese man who sued MCDONALD'S CORP., claiming the fast-food chain refused to hire him because of his weight, will have his day in court. A U.S. District Court judge here has denied a motion by McDonald's to...

A five-unit Dunkin' Donuts operator, who pleaded guilty last September to federal tax evasion in connection with his acceptance of more than $284,000 in a kickback scheme involving other franchisees. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... BOSTON -- A five--unit DUNKIN 'DONUTS operator, who pleaded guilty last September to federal tax evasion in connection with his acceptance of more than $284,000 in a kickback scheme involving other franchisees, was sentenced Tuesday to eight...

Fresh Choice Inc.(first quarter)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... MORGAN HILL, Calif. -- FRESH CHOICE INC. reported a first-quarter net loss of $541,000, or 9 cents per diluted share, compared with a loss of $113,000, or 2 cents a share in the year-earlier first quarter. The operator of 52 Fresh Choice and...

CBRL Group Inc.(third and fourth quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC., parent of the 472-unit Cracker Barrel Old Country Store chain, raised its earnings guidance for the third and fourth quarters, even though same-store sales have been off about 2.5 percent for its Cracker...

McDonald's Corp. (Executive Suite).(Henry Gonzalez, division president, exploring options)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. on Thursday said it was seeking to replace 30-year chain veteran HENRY GONZALEZ, who resigned as division president overseeing some 5,000 restaurants in the eastern United States. Gonzalez "is exploring...

Acapulco/El Torito Restaurants. (Executive Suite).(Ira James resigned)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... LONG BEACH, Calif. -- ACAPULCO/EL TORITO RESTAURANTS said 10-year veteran IRA JAMES resigned as senior vice president of marketing. A spokeswoman said James, a PepsiCo veteran, was "taking some time off and considering some options" but that...

Fuddruckers. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... AUSTIN, Texas -- FUDDRUCKERS on Thursday rolled out The Fuddito, a burger topped with corn chips, cheddar cheese and chili, at prices ranging from $5.59 to $6.19, depending on the market. Participating units are offering the sandwich in sizes...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
April 18, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close CBRL Group 5.32 $30.87 Garden Fresh Rest. 4.80 10.49...

Starbucks Corp. agreed to buy the Seattle's Best Coffee and Torrefazione Italia Coffee brands from Atlanta-based AFC Enterprises Inc. for $72 million in cash. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 17, 2003... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. agreed to buy the SEATTLE'S BEST COFFEE and TORREFAZIONE ITALIA COFFEE brands from Atlanta-based AFC ENTERPRISES INC. for $72 million in cash. The chains' U.S. and Canadian operations comprise 129 Seattle 's Best...

Sonic Corp., prior to the Feb. 28 end of its second quarter, garnered deals to acquire 51 existing Sonic units from franchisees for $34 million. (Just In).(Brief Article)
April 17, 2003... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP., prior to the Feb. 28 end of its second quarter, garnered deals to acquire 51 existing Sonic units from franchisees for $34 million, providing a "lower-risk means to deploy excess cash flow," the company said. The...

CEC Entertainment Inc. reported a 2.3-percent rise in net income for the first quarter on a 6.6 percent increase in total revenue.(Brief Article)
April 17, 2003... IRVING, Texas -- CEC ENTERTAINMENT INC. reported a 2.3-percent rise in net income for the first quarter on a 6.6 percent increase in total revenue. CEC, operator of the 438-unit Chuck E. Cheese's chain, said net income was $27.4 million, or...

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it raised the ratings for the corporate credit and senior unsecured debt of Yum! Brands Inc. to "BB+" from "BB".(Brief Article)
April 17, 2003... NEW YORK -- STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES said it raised the ratings for the corporate credit and senior unsecured debt of YUM! BRANDS INC. to "BB+" from "BB " because of significant improvement in the company 's operating performance...

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc. (Executive Suite).(Timothy Pulido)(Brief Article)
April 17, 2003... DALLAS -- CARLSON RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE INC. hired TIMOTHY PULIDO as president and chief operating officer of the 84-unit Pick Up Stix restaurant brand, replacing Charles Zhang, who announced his retirement last month. Most recently Pulido...