Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from April 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from April 2005

Seattle--Tully's Coffee Corp., operator or licensor of more than 350 coffeehouses, reached a tentative agreement to pay $1.45 million in cash, stock and legal fees to settle an unpaid-overtime lawsuit against the company by two former managers on behalf of themselves and past and current managers of the chain's California outlets.(JUST IN)
April 29, 2005... SEATTLE -- TULLY'S COFFEE CORP., operator or licensor of more than 350 coffeehouses, reached a tentative agreement to pay $1.45 million in cash, stock and legal fees to settle an unpaid-overtime lawsuit against the company by two former...

Syracuse, NY--A federal judge ruled in favor of Carrols Corp., a Burger King franchisee here, in its defense against a claim that it maintained a "pattern or practice" of sexual harassment in its restaurants.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2005... SYRACUSE, NY -- A federal judge ruled in favor of CARROLS CORP., a BURGER KING franchisee here, in its defense against a claim that it maintained a "pattern or practice" of sexual harassment in its restaurants. U.S. District Court Judge...

Miami--Seven Egyptian-Americans who allegedly were humiliated and refused service at a franchised Florida City, Fla., Denny's unit in January 2004 sued the operator, Restaurant Collection Inc., and its manager in Miami Dade County Circuit Court here April 22.(Brief Article)
April 29, 2005... MIAMI -- Seven Egyptian-Americans who allegedly were humiliated and refused service at a franchised Florida City, Fla., DENNY'S unit in January 2004 sued the operator, RESTAURANT COLLECTION INC., and its manager in Miami Dade County Circuit...

Melville, N.Y.--Privately held Sbarro Inc., operator or franchisor of more than 900 quick-service Italian restaurants, plans to expand with a joint-venture partner a casual-dining concept called Carmela's of Brooklyn that was launched earlier this year in Orlando, Fla.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2005... MELVILLE, N.Y. -- Privately held SBARRO INC., operator or franchisor of more than 900 quick-service Italian restaurants, plans to expand with a joint-venture partner a casual-dining concept called CARMELA'S OF BROOKLYN that was launched...

Wendy's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC., whose already sagging sales at its 6,699-unit namesake hamburger chain were bruised further by a customer's alleged finding of a human finger in her chili, posted lower first-quarter earnings and...

Starbucks Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2005... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP.'s second-quarter profits jumped 27 percent on continued restaurant expansion and strong sales, the company said. For the three months ended April 3, the Seattle-based operator or franchisor of 9,261 coffeehouses...

Stockwatch.(top restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 29, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Starbucks 4.63 $48.56 Wendy's International 3.46 42.70 Max & Erma's ...

Washington--Sodexho Inc. agreed to pay $80 million to settle a 4-year-old racial-discrimination lawsuit filed on behalf of current and former black managers.(JUST IN)
April 28, 2005... WASHINGTON -- SODEXHO INC. agreed to pay $80 million to settle a 4-year-old racial-discrimination lawsuit filed on behalf of current and former black managers. Gaithersburg, Md.-based Sodexho did not admit any liability in the settlement,...

Phoenix--Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have allowed patrons to carry loaded guns into bars, nightclubs and restaurants as long as they didn't drink alcohol.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 28, 2005... PHOENIX -- Arizona Gov. JANET NAPOLITANO Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have allowed patrons to carry loaded guns into bars, nightclubs and restaurants as long as they didn't drink alcohol. Siding with state law enforcement...

Phoenix--Wingstop Restaurants Inc., a 400-unit chain based here, plans to launch 14 restaurants in the Phoenix market.(JUST IN)
April 28, 2005... PHOENIX -- WINGSTOP RESTAURANTS INC., a 400-unit chain based here, plans to launch 14 restaurants in the Phoenix market. The first of three company-operated units is set to debut in June. JACQUI BREWER and TRACY HENRY, owners of JT R...

Los Angeles--The Coffee Bean & Tea leaf signed an area development agreement with The Sullivan Family of Cos. to bring the Southern California-based specialty coffee chain's stores to Hawaii for the first time, with plans to open at least 15 units over the next five years.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 28, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- THE COFFEE BEAN & TEALEAF signed an area development agreement with THE SULLIVAN FAMILY OF COS. to bring the Southern California-based specialty coffee chain's stores to Hawaii for the first time, with plans to open at least 15...

Winston-Salem, N.C.--Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. told regulators earlier this week that the company had extended the deadline for negotiating a "success fee" with turnaround firm Kroll Zolfo Cooper LLC, which Krispy Kreme hired in January to help the ailing 400-unit doughnut store operator and franchisor.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 28, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. told regulators earlier this week that the company had extended the deadline for negotiating a "success fee" with turnaround firm KROLL ZOLFO COOPER LLC, which Krispy Kreme hired in January...

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
April 28, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC., operator or franchisor of 318 restaurants, reported a 6.5-percent increase in profits on a 26.4-percent surge in total revenues for its first quarter ended March 27. Net income totaled $2.5 million, up...

CKE Restaurants.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Amir Sidiqi appointed )(Brief Article)
April 28, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS, based here, named AMIR SIDDIQI chief operating officer of its 101-unit LA SALSA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL brand, replacing 19-year company veteran MICHAEL LIBY. Effective in March, Liby was named executive...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 28, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Smith & Wollensky 5.49 $5.38 Host America 3.76 4.42 Dave & Buster's ...

Dublin, Ohio--Amid speculation about a recent surge in the trading and price of Wendy's International shares, several Wall Street analysts downplayed rumors that the No. 3 burger chain, based here, is looking to acquire the Dunkin' Donuts chain to merge it with Wendy's Tim Hortons brand.(JUST IN)
April 27, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- Amid speculation about a recent surge in the trading and price of WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL shares, several Wall Street analysts downplayed rumors that the No. 3 burger chain, based here, is looking to acquire the DUNKIN' DONUTS...

Atlanta--AFC Enterprises Inc., operator and franchisor of the 1,823-unit Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits chain, settled three class-action lawsuits filed against it as a result of its announcement in 2003 that it would restate financial results for 2000, 2001 and 2002.(JUST IN)
April 27, 2005... ATLANTA -- AFC ENTERPRISES INC., operator and franchisor of the 1,823-unit POPEYES CHICKEN & BISCUITS chain, settled three class-action lawsuits filed against it as a result of its announcement in 2003 that it would restate financial results...

Los Angeles--California Pizza Kitchen Inc., the 176-unit chain based here, agreed to acquire the remaining 75 percent of La Food Show Inc., a one-unit upscale restaurant in Manhattan Beach, Calif., for $6 million.(JUST IN)
April 27, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN INC., the 176-unit chain based here, agreed to acquire the remaining 75 percent of LAFOOD SHOW INC., a one-unit upscale restaurant in Manhattan Beach, Calif., for $6 million. In 2003 CPK paid $2 million...

Dallas--Brinker International Inc., operator or franchisor of 1,557 restaurants, posted sharply higher third-quarter earnings on an 8.3-percent revenue gain.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 27, 2005... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC., operator or franchisor of 1,557 restaurants, posted sharply higher third-quarter earnings on an 8.3-percent revenue gain. Brinker's net income was $55.1 million, or 60 cents per diluted share, for the 13...

Spartanburg, S.C.--Centerplate Inc.'s chairman and chief executive, Lawrence E. Honig, resigned April 22 at the request of its board of directors.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
April 27, 2005... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- CENTERPLATE INC.'s chairman and chief executive, LAWRENCE E. HONIG, resigned April 22 at the request of its board of directors. GAELDOAR, spokeswoman for the catering and facilities management services concessionaire,...

Toronto--Mcdonald's Restaurants of Canada Ltd., which owns or franchises 1,375 burger units, named Louie Mele president and managing director, succeeding Bill Johnson, former president and chief executive, who retired.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
April 27, 2005... TORONTO -- MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTS OF CANADA LTD., which owns or franchises 1,375 burger units, named LOUIE MELE president and managing director, succeeding BILL JOHNSON, former president and chief executive, who retired. Most recently, Mele...

Glendale, Calif.--IHOP Corp. debuted a line of upscale grilled sandwiches on sourdough cheese bread featuring high-end cheeses.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
April 27, 2005... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP. debuted a line of upscale grilled sandwiches on sourdough cheese bread featuring high-end cheeses. Dubbed Sourdough Cheese Grillers and starting at $6.99, the line includes roast beef and mushrooms with melted...

Stockwatch (shares over $3).(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 27, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Good Times Restaurants 9.72 $3.95 Diedrich Coffee 3.31 5.00 Host America ...

Dayton, Ohio.--Arby's franchisee GZK Inc. here was sued in Montgomery County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court April 1 by a man who claimed to have found a piece of human skin on the chicken sandwich he was eating at a Tipp City, Ohio, Arby's last June.(Brief Article)
April 26, 2005... DAYTON, Ohio. -- ARBY'S franchisee GZK INC. here was sued in Montgomery County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court April 1 by a man who claimed to have found a piece of human skin on the chicken sandwich he was eating at a Tipp City, Ohio, Arby's last...

San Jose, Calif.--Wendy's International Inc. is continuing to offer a $100,000 award for information about a human finger purportedly found in chili sold at a franchised restaurant here, even though Las Vegas police on Friday arrested Anna Ayala, who made the claim March 22.(Brief Article)
April 26, 2005... SAN JOSE, Calif. -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. is continuing to offer a $100,000 award for information about a human finger purportedly found in chili sold at a franchised restaurant here, even though Las Vegas police on Friday arrested ANNA...

Wendy's.(Wendy's International Inc., prices)(Brief Article)
April 26, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S is "exploring ways to evolve" its Super Value Menu by adding several new offerings priced above the traditional 99-cent price point, a spokesman said. Wendy's is testing in undisclosed markets a $1.39 Smoky Cheddar...

Houston--Landry's Restaurants Inc. here announced plans to debut a new concept, a 10,000-square-foot restaurant and entertainment venue, in the Edwards Grand Palace Stadium 24 Cinemas in southwest Houston.(Brief Article)
April 26, 2005... HOUSTON -- LANDRY'S RESTAURANTS INC. here announced plans to debut a new concept, a 10,000-square-foot restaurant and entertainment venue, in the Edwards Grand Palace Stadium 24 Cinemas in southwest Houston. The project, to be called HARLOW'S...

San Diego--Jack in the Box Inc. reportedly closed the company's two JBX Grill test locations here for conversion back to its flagship brand, and said officials of the company have learned what they needed from those locations.(Brief Article)
April 26, 2005... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC. reportedly closed the company's two JBX GRILL test locations here for conversion back to its flagship brand, and said officials of the company have learned what they needed from those locations. Lessons will...

Metairie, La.--Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc., operator of 86 restaurants, filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of common stock.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
April 26, 2005... METAIRIE, La. -- RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC., operator of 86 restaurants, filed a registration statement with the U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION for a proposed initial public offering of common stock. The filing did not specify the...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
April 26, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 2,034 Hardee's and 1,014 Carl's Jr. restaurants, posted its first profitable fourth quarter and fiscal year since 1999, on revenues that rose 11 percent for the quarter...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 26, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Back Yard Burgers 6.89 $6.05 Ark Restaurants 6.71 30.65 Host America ...

Seattle--a federal grand jury indicted six Californians for purported bank fraud, including a former Starbucks Corp. human-resources employee who allegedly stole coworkers' personal information that was used to cash $1.5 million in fraudulent checks.(JUST IN)
April 25, 2005... SEATTLE -- A federal grand jury indicted six Californians for purported bank fraud, including a former STARBUCKS CORP. human-resources employee who allegedly stole coworkers' personal information that was used to cash $1.5 million in...

Gresham, Ore.--Shari's Management Corp., operator of 97 Shari's restaurants, is considering appealing a federal jury ruling that awarded $122,225 to a gay former employee who claimed he was harassed on the job.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2005... GRESHAM, Ore. -- SHARI'S MANAGEMENT CORP., operator of 97 Shari's restaurants, is considering appealing a federal jury ruling that awarded $122,225 to a gay former employee who claimed he was harassed on the job. The jury found that KEVIN...

Salem, Ore.--State Senate Bill 861, proposing to ban the manufacture and sale of foie gras produced by force-feeding ducks, geese or other fowl, was passed April 18 by an Oregon Senate committee here on a 3-1 tally to await a vote on the floor.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2005... SALEM, Ore. -- State Senate Bill 861, proposing to ban the manufacture and sale of foie gras produced by force-feeding ducks, geese or other fowl, was passed April 18 by an Oregon Senate committee here on a 3-1 tally to await a vote on the...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(re-evaluating the growth)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 1,206 casual-dining restaurants, said it is re-evaluating the growth potential of some of its smaller brands and planning to focus on improving sales at its flagship chain. In...

Portland, Ore.--Eri Acquisition Corp., led by Bruce N. Davis, chairman and president of Elmer's Restaurants Inc., completed its bid to take Elmer's private.(JUST IN)
April 25, 2005... PORTLAND, Ore. -- ERI ACQUISITION CORP., led by BRUCE N. DAVIS, chairman and president of ELMER'S RESTAURANTS INC., completed its bid to take Elmer's private. ERI said it had purchased all outstanding common stock for $7.50 a share. Elmer's...

Minneapolis--Buca Inc., operator of 96 Buca di Beppo and 11 Vinny T's of Boston dinnerhouses, said Joseph Kohaut, senior vice president of operations for Vinny T's, resigned to pursue other interests, effective April 30.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUCA INC., operator of 96 Buca di Beppo and 11 Vinny T's of Boston dinnerhouses, said JOSEPH KOHAUT, senior vice president of operations for Vinny T's, resigned to pursue other interests, effective April 30. The company, which...

Newport Beach, Calif.--Ruby's Diner, a 38-unit chain based here, hired Randall Lopez vice president of marketing.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2005... NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- RUBY'S DINER, a 38-unit chain based here, hired RANDALL LOPEZ vice president of marketing. A 20-year industry veteran, Lopez has worked in marketing at Del Taco Inc., Buca Inc. and T.G.I. Friday's.

Jack in the Box.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Blueberries 'n' Cream milkshake introduced)(Brief Article)
April 25, 2005... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX, the nearly 2,000-unit fast-food chain based here, this week adds a Blueberries 'n' Cream milkshake to its line of ice-cream shakes. Available in three sizes starting at $1.99, the shake is made with blueberries...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Illustration)
April 25, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Good Times Rests. 8.52 $3.95 Max & Erma's 3.65 14.77 Host...

Clinton, Tenn.--Regional health department officials linked an outbreak of hepatitis A in three eastern Tennessee counties to two restaurants, including a Waffle House here and an unnamed operation in LaFollette, though neither was confirmed as the source.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2005... CLINTON, Tenn. -- Regional health department officials linked an outbreak of hepatitis A in three eastern Tennessee counties to two restaurants, including a WAFFLE HOUSE here and an unnamed operation in LaFollette, though neither was...

Burger King Corp.(testing a premium blend of coffee, dubbed "BK Joe")(Brief Article)
April 22, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. confirmed published reports that the chain is testing a premium blend of coffee, dubbed "BK Joe," but a spokesman declined to provide further details. McDonald's recently began test marketing a "New Premium Roast...

Decatur, Ga.--Huddle House Inc., operator or franchisor of some 400 family restaurants.(Clay Foods Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2005... DECATUR, Ga. -- HUDDLE HOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of some 400 family restaurants, based here, signed a market development deal with Manchester, Ky.-based CLAY FOODS INC., calling for it to open 11 restaurants over the next six years...

Scottsdale, Ariz.--Eatza Pizza Inc., a 26-unit chain, signed parties to development deals for a total of 14 locations in Mississippi, Idaho and Florida over the next five years.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- EATZA PIZZA INC., a 26-unit chain, signed parties to development deals for a total of 14 locations in Mississippi, Idaho and Florida over the next five years. In addition, construction would begin soon on a branch in...

McDonald's Corp.(sales and earnings)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. on Thursday reported a 42-percent leap in first-quarter profits on improved sales in Europe and ongoing upswings at U.S. restaurants. Net income for the March-ended quarter was $727.9 million, or 56 cents a...

CEC Entertainment Inc.(sales and earnings)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2005... IRVING, Texas -- CEC ENTERTAINMENT INC., operator or franchisor of 498 Chuck E. Cheese's outlets, reported a 3.4-percent rise in first-quarter revenues to $214.1 million and a 2.6-percent increase in net profit to $32.3 million for the three...

Tampa, Fla.--Outback Steakhouse Inc. chief financial officer Roberts. Merritt on Thursday said he would retire at the end of next month, citing the "recent lunacy" over companies' lease accounting restatements and the "increasingly negative regulatory environment in which we now operate.".(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
April 22, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. chief financial officer ROBERTS. MERRITT on Thursday said he would retire at the end of next month, citing the "recent lunacy" over companies' lease accounting restatements and the "increasingly negative...

Paris--Pernod Ricard SA, one of the world's largest spirits and wine companies, based here, said it had reached a deal to acquire London-based spirits and fast-food giant Allied Domecq PLC, parent of Randolph, Mass.-based Dunkin' Brands Inc., operator and franchisor of the Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's brands.(SUPPLIER NEWS)
April 22, 2005... PARIS -- PERNOD RICARD SA, one of the world's largest spirits and wine companies, based here, said it had reached a deal to acquire London-based spirits and fast-food giant ALLIED DOMECQ PLC, parent of Randolph, Mass.-based DUNKIN' BRANDS...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 22, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Buffalo Wild Wings 4.69 $36.84 Famous Dave's of Amer. 4.20 13.15 Friendly Ice...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International could be the target of a leveraged buyout, according to two Wall Street analysts.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL could be the target of a leveraged buyout, according to two Wall Street analysts. A spokesman for the nation's 10th-largest foodservice company and parent of the No. 3 burger chain said, "We have a...

Helena, Mont.--Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed into law a bill banning smoking in restaurants and other public buildings here Monday.(public health law)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2005... HELENA, Mont. -- GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER signed into law a bill banning smoking in restaurants and other public buildings here Monday. The bill, which represented a compromise between health groups and the state's tavern industry, gives tavern...

Geneva, Switzerland--Yum! Brands Inc. has "taken a leadership role" with the Food Trade Alliance, or FTA, a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying group comprised of U.S. associations, retailers and restaurants.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2005... GENEVA, Switzerland -- YUM! BRANDS INC. has "taken a leadership role" with the FOOD TRADE ALLIANCE, or FTA, a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying group comprised of U.S. associations, retailers and restaurants that was formed earlier this year to...

Washington--The U.S. Senate by a 94-6 vote Tuesday passed a measure that would expand the number of immigrant workers foodservice and hospitality employers could hire for temporary seasonal positions.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate by a 94-6 vote Tuesday passed a measure that would expand the number of immigrant workers foodservice and hospitality employers could hire for temporary seasonal positions. The amendment, by Sen. BARBARA A....

Louisville, Ky.- KFC Corp. unveiled a new store design here Wednesday as part of an effort to modernize the brand, a division of Yum! Brands Inc.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- KFC CORP. unveiled a new store design here Wednesday as part of an effort to modernize the brand, a division of YUM! BRANDS INC. The chain of more than 11,000 Yum-owned and franchised KFC outlets said it plans to open this...

The Cheesecake Factory Inc.(sales and earnings)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2005... CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC., operator of 92 namesake casual-dining units and five Grand Lux Cafes, reported a 14-percent increase in first-quarter profits on record quarterly revenues of $268.2 million, a 22-percent...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 21, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Back Yard Burgers 1.58 $5.79 Worldwide Rest. Concepts 1.39 5.09 Friendly Ice Cream ...

Washington--the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday unveiled a new dietary-guidance system called MyPyramid that replaces the 13-year-old Food Guide Pyramid and includes advice for restaurant customers.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 20, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE on Tuesday unveiled a new dietary-guidance system called MyPyramid that replaces the 13-year-old Food Guide Pyramid and includes advice for restaurant customers. The USDA's new dining-out...

Bismarck, N.D.--the state House voted 61-32 Monday to approve a smoking ban for most indoor workplaces in North Dakota, including restaurants.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 20, 2005... BISMARCK, N.D. -- The state House voted 61-32 Monday to approve a smoking ban for most indoor workplaces in North Dakota, including restaurants. The bill, which would take effect Aug. 1, would allow smoking in bars, hotel rooms, rented...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.(earnings)(Brief Article)
April 20, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. said it expects to report a loss for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30 on a 16-percent drop in revenue and "substantial" costs surrounding the company's legal and regulatory problems. The...

Buca Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
April 20, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUCA INC., operator of 107 Buca di Beppo and Vinny T's of Boston restaurants, said its lenders had waived the company's defaults under its credit facility, while amending the terms. Buca said it had agreed to a...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 20, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. change close Top Gainers Famous Dave's of Amer. 7.85 $13.47 Host America 5.12 3.90...

Raleigh, N.C.--William Foster Carl, co-founder of the 485-unit Golden Corral, died here Saturday at the age of 63, according to The Associated Press.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
April 19, 2005... RALEIGH, N.C. -- WILLIAM FOSTER CARL, co-founder of the 485-unit GOLDEN CORRAL, died here Saturday at the age of 63, according to The Associated Press. The cause of his death was not released. Carl and JAMES H. MAYNARD opened their first...

Boynton Beach, Fla.--a former employee of the Banana Boat Restaurant & Lounge here who was fired because of drinking problems is suing the restaurant for serving him the day he crashed his car and injured himself and others while driving under the influence, according to the Florida Sun-Sentinel.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- A former employee of the BANANA BOAT RESTAURANT & LOUNGE here who was fired because of drinking problems is suing the restaurant for serving him the day he crashed his car and injured himself and others while driving...

Mumbai, India--Hard Rock International Inc. plans to open its first restaurant in India here in September, according to a published report.(Hard Rock Cafe International Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... MUMBAI, India -- HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL INC. plans to open its first restaurant in India here in September, according to a published report. The new location reportedly will be owned and operated by Indian restaurateurs JAI SINGH and SANJAY...

Wilbraham, Mass.--Friendly's Restaurants Franchise Inc., a subsidiary of the 535-unit Friendly Ice Cream Corp. based here, said Kessler Buffalo LLC had agreed to develop three Friendly's restaurants in the Buffalo, N.Y., area by September 2007.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- FRIENDLY'S RESTAURANTS FRANCHISE INC., a subsidiary of the 535-unit Friendly Ice Cream Corp. based here, said KESSLER BUFFALO LLC had agreed to develop three Friendly's restaurants in the Buffalo, N.Y., area by September...

Atlanta--Kevin Rathbun, chef-partner at Rathbun's, which opened a year ago in Atlanta's Inman Park, expects to launch a 40-seat Mediterranean "small plates" bar called Krog Bar in the same neighborhood in July.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... ATLANTA -- KEVIN RATHBUN, chef-partner at RATHBUN'S, which opened a year ago in Atlanta's Inman Park, expects to launch a 40-seat Mediterranean "small plates" bar called Krog Bar in the same neighborhood in July. The new unit would...

Grill Concepts Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- GRILL CONCEPTS INC., operator of 24 upscale-casual and fine-dining restaurants under the Daily Grill and Grill on the Alley brands, said it had received notice from Nasdaq that its shares are subject to delisting April 25,...

O'Charley's Inc.(Steven J. Hislop appointed)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- O'CHARLEY'S INC., operator or franchisor of 226 namesake restaurants, appointed STEVEN J. HISLOP, president and chief operating officer, to concept president for O'Charley's. The company said it had no immediate plans to...

Noodles & Company.(Steve Cable appointed)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... BOULDER, Colo. -- NOODLES & COMPANY, operator and franchisor of more than 100 fast-casual noodle shops based here, hired STEVE CABLE as vice president of restaurant development, replacing JOHN CRAIG, who left the company to take a position at...

Organic To Go.(Mark Doiron, Tom Rogers appointed)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... SEATTLE -- ORGANIC TO GO hired MARK DOIRON as director of commissary kitchens and TOM ROGERS as sales manager. The appointments come shortly after the organic-meal chain won a U.S. Bankruptcy Court auction to purchase 12 locations from Briazz...

El Pollo Loco.(new menus)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- EL POLLO LOCO debuted $1 Loco Dollar Deals and 25-cent tacos to launch the 25th-anniversary celebration of the 320-plus-unit grilled-chicken chain. The Dollar Deals offer such menu items as Taco al Carbon, cheese quesadilla...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 19, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Checkers Drive-In Rests. 5.72 $12.75 Ryan's Restaurant Group 4.40 12.80 Lone Star...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International Inc. reportedly doubled to $100,000 its reward for information about the so-far-untraceable women's finger purportedly found in a cup of chili at a San Jose, Calif., Wendy's last month, and acknowledged that negative publicity had led to regional sales downturns causing layoffs and reduced hours.(JUST IN)
April 18, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. reportedly doubled to $100,000 its reward for information about the so-far-untraceable women's finger purportedly found in a cup of chili at a San Jose, Calif., Wendy's last month, and acknowledged...

Seattle--Organic To Go, a chain of organic-meal shops, based here, won a U.S. Bankruptcy Court auction to purchase most of the assets of Briazz Inc., a Seattle-based sandwich chain.(JUST IN)
April 18, 2005... SEATTLE -- ORGANIC TO GO, a chain of organic-meal shops, based here, won a U.S. Bankruptcy Court auction to purchase most of the assets of BRIAZZ INC., a Seattle-based sandwich chain. Under the deal, valued at nearly $1.35 million, Organic To...

South Carolina Hospitality Association.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2005... COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina's House and Senate remain in conflict over legislation to ratify the a "free-pour" amendment to the state Constitution that voters passed last November to allow bars and restaurants to serve liquor from large...

Chicago--McDonald's Corp. marked its 50th anniversary Friday with the opening of a new 300-seat flagship restaurant here, replacing the former "Rock 'N' Roll McDonald's.".(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2005... CHICAGO -- MCDONALD'S CORP. marked its 50th anniversary Friday with the opening of a new 300-seat flagship restaurant here, replacing the former "Rock 'N' Roll McDonald's." The two-story restaurant, operated by franchisees MARILYN and RALPH...

Winston-Salem, N.C.--Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. said late Friday its area developer for Central and Eastern Canada, KremeKo Inc., filed for a debtor-in-possession restructuring with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.(JUST IN)
April 18, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. said late Friday its area developer for Central and Eastern Canada, KREMEKO INC., filed for a debtor-in-possession restructuring with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Krispy Kreme,...

Total Entertainment Restaurant Corp.(earnings)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2005... WICHITA, Kan. -- TOTAL ENTERTAINMENT RESTAURANT CORP., operator of 77 casual-dining restaurants under the Fox and Hound and Bailey's brand names, reported a 13-percent increase in its first-quarter profits on revenues that jumped 16 percent,...

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.--Arby's LLC, based here, is debuting today a $4.29 Corned Beef Reuben and $4.29 Roasted Turkey Reuben.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
April 18, 2005... FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- ARBY'S LLC, based here, is debuting today a $4.29 Corned Beef Reuben and $4.29 Roasted Turkey Reuben. The Reubens feature Thousand Island dressing, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and corned beef or turkey on toasted rye...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 18, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers O'Charley's 3.01 $21.89 Total Entertainment 2.71 11.39 Back Yard...

Mishawaka, Ind.--Quality Dining Inc., a franchisee of approximately 120 Burger Kings and 40 Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants, completed its agreement with QDI Merger Corp.(JUST IN)
April 15, 2005... MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- QUALITY DINING INC., a franchisee of approximately 120 Burger Kings and 40 Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants, completed its agreement with QDI MERGER CORP. to take the company private. QDI, led by company chief executive...

New York--Soup Kitchen International Inc., operator of The Original Soup Man restaurant here, signed its first franchise deal with Original SoupMan Canada to open 100 locations throughout Canada over the next seven years.(Brief Article)
April 15, 2005... NEW YORK -- SOUP KITCHEN INTERNATIONAL INC., operator of The Original Soup Man restaurant here, signed its first franchise deal with Original SoupMan Canada to open 100 locations throughout Canada over the next seven years. Original SoupMan...

Heidelberg, Pa.--Wright's Seafood Inn, a landmark restaurant in this Pittsburgh suburb for more than a century, was put up for sale after its owners decided they could not afford to repair the damage to the restaurant caused by flooding from Hurricane Ivan last year.(Brief Article)
April 15, 2005... HEIDELBERG, Pa. -- WRIGHT'S SEAFOOD INN, a landmark restaurant in this Pittsburgh suburb for more than a century, was put up for sale after its owners decided they could not afford to repair the damage to the restaurant caused by flooding...

Bethesda, Md.--HMSHost Europe, the European development arm of foodservice concessionaire HMSHost, formed a joint venture partnership with Steigenberger Gastronomie to provide food and beverage concessions at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany.(JUST IN)
April 15, 2005... BETHESDA, Md. -- HMSHOST EUROPE, the European development arm of foodservice concessionaire HMSHost, formed a joint venture partnership with STEIGENBERGER GASTRONOMIE to provide food and beverage concessions at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt,...