Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from April 2006

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from April 2006

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp. has told franchisees that comparable items from both Burger King and Wendy's are outselling McDonald's new Premium Chicken sandwich, but the segment leader plans to become "best in class in chicken," according to a Dow Jones wire report quoting an internal document it said was distributed to McDonald's operators.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 28, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. has told franchisees that comparable items from both BURGER KING and WENDY'S are outselling McDonald's new Premium Chicken sandwich, but the segment leader plans to become "best in class in chicken,"...

Orlando, Fla.--Burger King Corp. has agreed to pay the rest of the $1.3 million it allegedly owed to the National Franchisee Association of BK operators, according to Joe Anghelone, that group's new chairman.(Brief article)
April 28, 2006... ORLANDO, Fla. -- BURGER KING CORP. has agreed to pay the rest of the $1.3 million it allegedly owed to the NATIONAL FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATION of BK operators, according to JOE ANGHELONE, that group's new chairman. He said the agreement was...

Ann Arbor, Mich.--Domino's Pizza Inc., despite a 3-percent decline in domestic same-store sales for the March 26-ended first quarter, posted a 6-percent increase in net earnings for the period, helped by strong international results, lower cheese prices and reduced general and administrative expenses.(financial briefs)(Brief article)
April 28, 2006... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA INC., despite a 3-percent decline in domestic same-store sales for the March 26-ended first quarter, posted a 6-percent increase in net earnings for the period, helped by strong international results, lower...

Dublin, Ohio--while telling shareholders that Wendy's will seek to halt a sales slump by launching a 99-cent chicken sandwich and a half-pound double hamburger melt, Wendy's International Inc. on Thursday said first-quarter operating income fell 25.6 percent to $66.8 million and net profit was flat at $51.2 million.(financial briefs and appoints Jim Pickett)(Brief article)
April 28, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- While telling shareholders that Wendy's will seek to halt a sales slump by launching a 99-cent chicken sandwich and a half-pound double hamburger melt, WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. on Thursday said first-quarter operating income...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Table)(Brief article)
April 28, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Luby's 3.72 $12.00 Mexican Restaurants 3.23 12.65 Famous...

Washington--The National Restaurant Association said it had "joined the fight" against major credit card companies and affiliated banks that charge restaurants "hidden" interchange fees.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 27, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION said it had "joined the fight" against major credit card companies and affiliated banks that charge restaurants "hidden" interchange fees. The NRA said it had signed on as a plaintiff in a...

London--Whitbread Plc, the British brewing and hospitality company, said Tuesday that it was reviewing its franchise and joint-venture holdings of two U.S.-based restaurant concepts, Pizzahut and T.G.I. Friday's.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 27, 2006... LONDON -- WHITBREAD PLC, the British brewing and hospitality company, said Tuesday that it was reviewing its franchise and joint-venture holdings of two U.S.-based restaurant concepts, PIZZAHUT and T.G.I. FRIDAY'S. Whitbread has already shed...

Oak Brook, Ill.--Mcdonald's Corp. on Wednesday said Peter Beresford, chairman and CEO of McDonald's U.K and division president of McDonald's Northern Europe, will assume a newly created post May 1 in Oak Brook as leader of strategic global brand development.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
April 27, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. on Wednesday said PETER BERESFORD, chairman and CEO of McDonald's U.K and division president of McDonald's Northern Europe, will assume a newly created post May 1 in Oak Brook as leader of strategic global...

Oak Brook, Ill.--Mcdonald's Corp., which had a nearly $50 million first-quarter pretax gain from the January initial public offering of 500-plus-unit Chipotle Mexican Grill, on Wednesday said it will divest its remaining 69-percent stake in the Denver-based chain by year-end to focus on the McDonald's brand.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 27, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP., which had a nearly $50 million first-quarter pretax gain from the January initial public offering of 500-plus-unit CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, on Wednesday said it will divest its remaining 69-percent stake in...

Papa John's International.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 27, 2006... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL posted a 60.6-percent jump in first-quarter earnings to $16 million despite a 2.5-percent dip in revenues, crediting better store margins and a $3.4 million gain from the consolidation of results...

Ihop Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 27, 2006... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP.'s first-quarter earnings per share rose 36 percent on a same-store sales increase of 5.1 percent, a 3-percent reduction in general and administrative expenses and 7.7-percent fewer shares outstanding. The...

Applebee's International.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
April 27, 2006... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL reported a 14.2-percent drop in first-quarter profits on restaurant impairment and closure costs and expenses for stock-based compensation. The casual-dining segment leader earned $27.2 million,...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
April 27, 2006... STOCK WATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Smith & Wollensky 9.01 $5.93 Papa John's...

Las Vegas--Dissident Wendy's operators who recently formed the unsanctioned Old Fashioned Franchise Association over concerns about eroding returns on their investments ended two day of inaugural meetings here Tuesday by claiming to have enrolled 20 percent of the chain's domestic franchisees, representing 870 Wendy's outlets.(JUST IN)
April 26, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- Dissident WENDY'S operators who recently formed the unsanctioned OLD FASHIONED FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION over concerns about eroding returns on their investments ended two day of inaugural meetings here Tuesday by claiming to have...

Houston--Luby's Inc., the 128-unit cafeteria chain, said Tuesday that it had completed the retirement of $124 million in outstanding debt through the closure and sale of units, with six stores yet to be divested.(JUST IN)
April 26, 2006... HOUSTON -- LUBY'S INC., the 128-unit cafeteria chain, said Tuesday that it had completed the retirement of $124 million in outstanding debt through the closure and sale of units, with six stores yet to be divested. The company in April 2003...

New York--The La Mela restaurant here has agreed to pay 88 employees more than $148,000 in back wages to rectify overtime- and minimum-wage violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor said.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 26, 2006... NEW YORK -- The LA MELA restaurant here has agreed to pay 88 employees more than $148,000 in back wages to rectify overtime- and minimum-wage violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR said. The money...

Arby.(MARKETING MATTERS)
April 26, 2006... ATLANTA -- ARBY'S is offering a $2.99 roast beef version of a traditionally lamb-based Greek "gyro" sandwich as part of its Market Fresh line through May 20. The pita-wrapped item contains herbed roast beef, tomatoes, lettuce, sliced red...

Brinker International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 26, 2006... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC. reported a 17.4-percent increase from a year earlier in third-quarter profits and a 12.6-percent jump in corporate revenues to $1.09 billion, which were aided by improved sales at its flagship Chili's...

Calabasas Hills, Calif.--The Cheesecake Factory Inc. on Tuesday said same-store sales for the three months ended April 4 declined 1.6 percent, versus year-earlier results, at the company's 105-unit namesake chain, but rose 3.6 percent for the seven-unit Grand Lux Cafe brand.(financial briefs)(Brief article)
April 26, 2006... CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC. on Tuesday said same-store sales for the three months ended April 4 declined 1.6 percent, versus year-earlier results, at the company's 105-unit namesake chain, but rose 3.6 percent for...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Table)(Brief article)
April 26, 2006... STOCK WATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Buffalo Wild Wings 6.26 $43.30 Yum! Brands...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International Inc.(appointed Dave Near after resignation of John Deane)(Brief article)
April 25, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. has named Texas franchisee DAVE NEAR chief operations officer of its Wendy's brand worldwide. Near, 37, is president of Wendy's Franchise Advisory Council and the son of the late JIM NEAR, who was...

Carlsbad, Calif.--Rubio's Restaurants Inc.(has settled a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of customers )(Brief article)
April 25, 2006... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- RUBIO'S RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 150 Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill fast-casual outlets, has settled a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of customers who said they were confused by advertising for a...

Oak Brook, Ill.--Mcdonald's.(is preparing to launch the Bigger Big Mac sandwiches promotions)(Brief article)
April 25, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S, which has 1,100 branches in the United Kingdom, is preparing to launch the Bigger Big Mac there in a limited-time offer of a version of its signature sandwich that will be 40 percent larger than normal. The...

Louisville, Ky.--Yum! Brand Inc.'s.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 25, 2006... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRAND INC.'s net income for the first quarter ended March 25 rose 11 percent from a year ago to $170 million, or 59 cents per diluted share, as revenues increased 2 percent to $2.09 billion and systemwide sales grew 5...

Heathrow, Fla. -- Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc.(financial briefs)(Brief article)
April 25, 2006... HEATHROW, Fla. -- RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 94 namesake units, said first-quarter net income more than doubled from a year earlier to $5.9 million, or 25 cents a share, on revenues that rose 15.5 percent to...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Table)(Brief article)
April 25, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Diedrich Cofee 3.67 $4.52 Main Street Rest. Group ...

Washington--the U.S. equal employment opportunity commission has released an update manual to help restaurants and other businesses stay compliant with federal law and avoid discriminating against employees because of their race or color.(JUST IN)
April 24, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION has released an update manual to help restaurants and other businesses stay compliant with federal law and avoid discriminating against employees because of their race or color....

Miami--Benihana Inc., the 41-year-old teppanyaki dining pioneer based here, will sell its Sushi Doraku restaurant and brand name to marketing vice president Kevin Aoki, son of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, for $536,000 and the younger executive's resignation from the company.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... MIAMI -- BENIHANAINC., the 41-year-old teppanyaki dining pioneer based here, will sell its SUSHI DORAKU restaurant and brand name to marketing vice president KEVIN AOKI, son of Benihana founder ROCKYAOKI, for $536,000 and the younger...

Nashville, Tenn--Captain D's said Detroit civic and media personalities Paul Hubbard and Wade Briggs have launched a franchise there, Alpha Restaurants LLC, and would open the first of three Captain D's units in that area by midsummer.(JUST IN)
April 24, 2006... Nashville, Tenn -- CAPTAIN D'S said Detroit civic and media personalities PAUL HUBBARD and WADE BRIGGS have launched a franchise there, ALPHA RESTAURANTS LLC, and would open the first of three Captain D's units in that area by midsummer....

Roanoke, Va.--Star Buffet, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based operator of JB'S and six other family-oriented concepts, said it had agreed to become a franchisee of Western Sizzlin, the steak-and-buffet chain based here.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... ROANOKE, Va. -- STAR BUFFET, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based operator of JB'S and six other family-oriented concepts, said it had agreed to become a franchisee of WESTERN SIZZLIN, the steak-and-buffet chain based here. Under the pact, Star Buffet...

Tulsa, Okla.--Camille's Sidewalk Cafe on April 17 opened its 100th unit on Tulsa's historic Cherry Street.(JUST IN)
April 24, 2006... TULSA, Okla. -- CAMILLE'S SIDEWALK CAFE on April 17 opened its 100th unit on Tulsa's historic Cherry Street. The cafe chain was found in 1996 in Tulsa by DAVID and CAMILLE RUTKAUSKAS. The unit is franchised by RICHARD and CAROLWROBBEL.

Dallas--CNN's Anderson Cooper, leadership expert Stephen R. Covey, and Disney hospitality executive Lee Cockerell have signed on to deliver keynote addresses at the 2006 Multi-unit Foodservice Operators Conference, or MUFSO, Oct. 15-18 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel here.(Cable News Network)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... DALLAS -- CNN's ANDERSON COOPER, leadership expert STEPHEN R. COVEY, and Disney hospitality executive LEE COCKERELL have signed on to deliver keynote addresses at the 2006 MULTI-UNIT FOODSERVICE OPERATORS CONFERENCE, or MUFSO, Oct. 15-18 at...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP.'s first-quarter operating income rose 2 percent to $923.8 million, but the company's earnings per share fell 13 percent, as it previously had forecast, as a result of a tax benefit in the year-earlier...

Stockwatch.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(restaurant industry)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
April 24, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 4.95 $8.69 Smith & Wollensky 3.23 5.75 Frisch's...

Atlanta--Herman Cain, former chief executive and chairman of Omaha, Neb.-based Godfather's Pizza and former head of the National Restaurant Association, begins treatment this month for colon cancer.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 21, 2006... ATLANTA -- HERMAN CAIN, former chief executive and chairman of Omaha, Neb.-based Godfather's Pizza and former head of the National Restaurant Association, begins treatment this month for colon cancer. "That's the bad news," said Cain, now an...

Madison, Wis.--Wisconsin Restaurant Association.(JUST IN)
April 21, 2006... MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. JIM DOYLE has signed into law the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, which shields Wisconsin restaurants from liability lawsuits based on plaintiffs' weight gain or obesity-related health conditions. The...

Chicago--Berghoff Cafe.(reopening)(Brief article)
April 21, 2006... CHICAGO -- The 107-year-old Berghoff here, which closed in February, has reopened as a downsized version of the original 600-seat eatery, serving lunch only. The BERGHOFF CAFE features hand-carved sandwiches, salads and other items from the...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
April 21, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL has expanded its Kids' Meal line to include versions featuring deli sandwiches and a yogurt and granola cup. The sandwich choices are roasted turkey breast and cheese, and Black Forest ham and cheese....

Philadelphia--Aramark Corp.(Andrew Kerin appointed)(Brief article)
April 21, 2006... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK CORP. on Thursday said ANDREW KERIN will head all of its U.S.-based food, hospitality and facilities businesses as president, effective immediately. JOE NEUBAUER, Aramark's chairman and CEO, said the appointment "will...

Louisville, Ky.--Papa John's International.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
April 21, 2006... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL's board increased its authorization for share repurchases by $50 million, to $575 million, through Dec. 31. The operator or franchisor of 2,415 pizza outlets has bought back $525 million of its...

Tampa, Fla.--Outback Steakhouse Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 21, 2006... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. recorded a 35.2-percent drop in first-quarter net income on revenues that rose 10.6 percent from a year earlier, but were outpaced by a 15.1-percent jump in operating expenses. For the quarter ended...

Stockwatch.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(restaurant industry)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
April 21, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close CEC Entertainment 4.81 $34.00 Darden Restaurants 4.17 40.73...

Dublin, Ohio--professing to know nothing about the motivations of the new Old Fashioned Franchisee Association, a Wendy's International Inc.(JUST IN)
April 14, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- Professing to know nothing about the motivations of the new OLD FASHIONED FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATION, a WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. spokesman said that three franchisee committees in place since the 1970s continue to represent...

Massachusetts Restaurant Association.(views of Peter Christie on health care reform bill by Mitt Romney)(Brief article)
April 14, 2006... BOSTON -- Leaders of the Democratically controlled Massachusetts Legislature said they expect to override Gov. MITT ROMNEY's line-item veto of provision mandating employer funding for the newly passed state health care reform bill. Romney, a...

Washington--China said it would lift a ban on U.S. beef imports that began in late 2003 over fears of mad cow disease.(JUST IN)
April 14, 2006... WASHINGTON -- China said it would lift a ban on U.S. beef imports that began in late 2003 over fears of mad cow disease, but the resumption is unlikely to cause domestic price increases, U.S. experts indicated. China's decision, subject to...

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 14, 2006... AUSTIN, Texas -- The TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION has suspended its crackdown on public intoxication temporarily in the wake of national media reports about undercover officers arresting or issuing citations to patrons at restaurants...

McDonald's Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
April 14, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- New breakfast items and extended operating hours helped to boost MCDONALD'S CORP.'s domestic comparable-store sales for March by 6.6 percent, the franchisor reported. McDonald's units in Europe reported a 1.6-percent...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
April 14, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close California Pizza Kitchen 10.00 $3.30 Smith & Wollensky 3.80 8.74 Pizza Inn ...

Philadelphia--in what could be a major branding opportunity for Dunkin' Donuts, contract giant Aramark has added 3,000 office coffee service clients by acquiring Dania, Fla.-based Park Avenue Office Services.(JUST IN)
April 13, 2006... PHILADELPHIA -- In what could be a major branding opportunity for DUNKIN' DONUTS, contract giant ARAMARK has added 3,000 office coffee service clients by acquiring Dania, Fla.-based PARK AVENUE OFFICE SERVICES. Terms were not disclosed. The...

Falmouth, Mass.--Charles F. Doe, founder of the 99 Restaurant & Pub casual-dining chain, died here Sunday of cancer.(JUST IN)(Obituary)(Brief article)
April 13, 2006... FALMOUTH, Mass. -- CHARLES F. DOE, founder of the 99 RESTAURANT & PUB casual-dining chain, died here Sunday of cancer. He was 79. Doe, who grew up in a restaurant family, opened the first 99 Restaurant in downtown Boston in 1952. Considered...

Coral Gables, Fla.--Jeffrey Brana, former executive chef at Norman's here, and spouse Anna Elena Brana, former assistant to "Floribbean" cuisine pioneer and chef-operator Norman Van Aken, are negotiating a lease for a fine-dining unit in this expanding market south of Miami.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 13, 2006... CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- JEFFREY BRANA, former executive chef at NORMAN'S here, and spouse ANNA ELENA BRANA, former assistant to "Floribbean" cuisine pioneer and chef-operator NORMAN VAN AKEN, are negotiating a lease for a fine-dining unit in...

BLT Steak.(contracts)(Brief article)
April 13, 2006... WASHINGTON -- New York City chef-restaurateur LAURENT TOURONDEL has signed a lease here to open a restaurant at I and 16th streets, Northwest. The restaurant will be the second unit of BLT STEAK. Tourondel currently operates four restaurants,...

Pizza Inn Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
April 13, 2006... THE COLONY, Texas -- PIZZA INN INC., operator or franchisor of about 378 namesake buffets, delivery locations and express units, reported a 1.1- percent increase in same-store buffet store sales for the third quarter ended March 26. The sales...

Irvine, Calif.--Taco Bell, which has a track record of running offbeat promotions, is offering to name a person "El Presidente" of the chain and pay him or her 1 million pesos--roughly $94,000--as part of a promotion for its Mountain Dew Baja Blast.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
April 13, 2006... IRVINE, Calif. -- TACO BELL, which has a track record of running offbeat promotions, is offering to name a person "El Presidente" of the chain and pay him or her 1 million pesos--roughly $94,000--as part of a promotion for its Mountain Dew...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
April 13, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close California Pizza Kitchen 6.15 $33.83 Smith & Wollensky 5.64 5.62 Pizza Inn ...

Memphis, Tenn.--the parent of the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery chain, based here, disclosed its intended acquisition of the Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery chain, based in Aliso Viejo, Calif.(JUST IN)
April 12, 2006... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The parent of the PERKINS RESTAURANT & BAKERY chain, based here, disclosed its intended acquisition of the MARIE CALLENDER'S RESTAURANT& BAKERY chain, based in Aliso Viejo, Calif. Both chains are controlled by investment...

Washington--Chef-restaurateur Wolfgang Puck plans to open a restaurant called The Source By Wolfgang Puck in the Freedom Forum multiuse complex here.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 12, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Chef-restaurateur WOLFGANG PUCK plans to open a restaurant called THE SOURCE BY WOLFGANG PUCK in the Freedom Forum multiuse complex here. The restaurant, the Los Angeles-based chef's first in the nation's capital, will feature...

Las Vegas--chef-restaurateur Charlie Palmer is opening a condominium-hotel one block west of the Strip here, at Tropicana Avenue and Interstate I-15, a spokeswoman said.(JUST IN)
April 12, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- Chef-restaurateur CHARLIE PALMER is opening a condominium-hotel one block west of the Strip here, at Tropicana Avenue and Interstate I-15, a spokeswoman said. ADAM TIHANY will design the interior of the property, to be called...

The Krystal Co.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
April 12, 2006... CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- THE KRYSTAL CO. here, operator or franchisor of 420 quick-service units in 12 Southeastern states, named JAMES BEAR vice president and chief financial officer.. The former senior VP and CFO at Indianapolis-based Steak n...

Brinker International.(Rebeca Johnson promoted)(Brief article)
April 12, 2006... DALLAS -- Chili's Grill & Bar parent BRINKER INTERNATIONAL Tuesday said it had promoted REBECA JOHNSON to chief marketing and brand officer, a newly created position encompassing Chili's and sister chains Romano's Macaroni Grill, On The...

Orlando, Fla.--Olive Garden, the 575-unit Italian casual-dining brand of Darden Restaurants Inc. here, introduced a new Italian beverage called Limoncello Lemonade, featuring lemon liqueur, vodka and frozen lemonade, according to Terry Stanley, culinary and beverage senior vice president.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
April 12, 2006... ORLANDO, Fla. -- OLIVE GARDEN, the 575-unit Italian casual-dining brand of DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. here, introduced a new Italian beverage called Limoncello Lemonade, featuring lemon liqueur, vodka and frozen lemonade, according to TERRY...

Saladworks.(new salads and soups)(Brief article)
April 12, 2006... CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- SALADWORKS, a chain of some 74 outlets, based here, debuted a seasonal salad and soup for spring that will be available until June. The items are the Fire Roasted Fiesta Salad, featuring lettuce, red peppers, black beans,...

California Pizza Kitchen Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
April 12, 2006... LOS ANGELES--CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN INC. upped its first-quarter earnings-per-share expectations by 1 cent because of better-than-expected same-store sales results and corporate revenues. The company, which operates or franchises 190...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
April 12, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close McCormick & Schmick's 3.15 $23.94 Frisch's Restaurants 2.99 21.00 Chipotle Mexican Grill ...

Columbus, Ohio--Damon International, parent of the 100-unit Damon's Grill casual-dining brand, has promoted chief operating officer Carl Howard to president and chief executive in conjunction with the completion of Alliance Development Group's purchase of the brand.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
April 11, 2006... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- DAMON INTERNATIONAL, parent of the 100-unit Damon's Grill casual-dining brand, has promoted chief operating officer CARL HOWARD to president and chief executive in conjunction with the completion of ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT...

London--Compass Group Plc has agreed to sell its proprietary fast-food brands and U.S.-based airport concessions business as part of $3.2 billion in deals that would fund completion of the contractor's acquisition of Chicago-based Levy Restaurants.(JUST IN)
April 11, 2006... LONDON -- COMPASS GROUP PLC has agreed to sell its proprietary fast-food brands and U.S.-based airport concessions business as part of $3.2 billion in deals that would fund completion of the contractor's acquisition of Chicago-based LEVY...

Canton, Mass.--Dunkin' Donuts took another step Monday to transform itself into something more than a breakfast destination with the launch of a multimillion-dollar ad campaign the chain called "the most significant repositioning effort in the company's 55-year history.".(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
April 11, 2006... CANTON, Mass. -- DUNKIN' DONUTS took another step Monday to transform itself into something more than a breakfast destination with the launch of a multimillion-dollar ad campaign the chain called "the most significant repositioning effort in...

Detroit--Wendy's International Inc. and McDonald's Corp. simultaneously are introducing new breakfast items as quick-service breakfast competition heats up.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
April 11, 2006... DETROIT -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. and MCDONALD'S CORP. simultaneously are introducing new breakfast items as quick-service breakfast competition heats up. Wendy's, after trying and then scrapping breakfast in the mid-1980s, is readying a...

Raleigh, N.C.--Golden Corral, operator or franchisor of 470 grill-buffet restaurants, said systemwide sales for the 12-week first quarter ended March 22 rose 10.2 percent to $346.5 million as same-store sales grew 4.2 percent.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 11, 2006... RALEIGH, N.C. -- GOLDEN CORRAL, operator or franchisor of 470 grill-buffet restaurants, said systemwide sales for the 12-week first quarter ended March 22 rose 10.2 percent to $346.5 million as same-store sales grew 4.2 percent. Separately,...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
April 11, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Host America 12.97 $2.09 Friendly Ice Cream 6.06 8.92 Diedrich...

Miami--in a change that caught franchisees and analysts by surprise, Burger King Corp. on Friday said Greg Brenneman, its chief executive since August 2004, had resigned that post and as chairman, effective immediately.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... MIAMI -- In a change that caught franchisees and analysts by surprise, BURGER KING CORP. on Friday said GREG BRENNEMAN, its chief executive since August 2004, had resigned that post and as chairman, effective immediately. The disclosure, amid...

Minneapolis--Famous Dave's of America Inc., based here, said Backyard BBQ Inc. had agreed to open seven Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que restaurants in Orange County, Calif.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... MINNEAPOLIS -- FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA INC., based here, said BACKYARD BBQ INC. had agreed to open seven Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que restaurants in Orange County, Calif. The agreement gives Backyard BBQ exclusive rights to the...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(same-store sales)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. reported a 1.9-percent dip in systemwide same-store sales by its namesake steakhouse chain for the five weeks ended April 1, which marked the 10th period of negative comparable sales during the past 12...

El Pollo Loco.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 10, 2006... IRVINE, Calif. -- EL POLLO LOCO, operator or franchisor of 340 restaurants, posted a 12.8-percent increase in fourth-quarter revenues to $59.8 million, reflecting same-store sales that advanced 12.1 percent for the three months ended Dec. 28....

Benihana Inc.(same-store sales )(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... MIAMI -- BENIHANA INC., operator of 74 Japanese restaurants, said same-store sales for the 12-week fourth quarter ended March 26 jumped 10.3 percent, versus year-earlier results, as total sales increased 11.7 percent to $60.8 million....

McDonald's.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... TULSA, Okla. -- MCDONALD'S units here have launched a cell phone- and Internet-based promotion called "Mobile Whoa" to showcase the Tulsa market's remodeled restaurants, which have been equipped with plasma-screen TVs and wireless Internet...

Stockwatch (shares over $1).(restaurants)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Buca 17.97 $5.58 Rubio's Restaurants 2.81 ...

National Restaurant Association.(protest by food service workers on immigration law)(Brief article)
April 7, 2006... WASHINGTON -- As congressional leaders wrestled with varying versions of an immigration reform bill Thursday, restaurant operators nationwide were bracing for work walkouts being planned for Monday via websites, Spanish-language radio and...

Gelato di Roma.(plans to open 150 units in Michigan)(Brief article)
April 7, 2006... DEARBORN, Mich. -- GELATO DI ROMA, a 12-unit chain featuring Italian ice cream, pizza, salads and subs, said RHONDA MORIN had agreed to open 150 units in Michigan over the next 10 years as part of an area pact. Morin, who previously...

Baltimore--the City Council here is considering a proposal to prohibit businesses from placing advertising fliers in the doorways of homes, a longstanding practice of restaurants and retailers.(JUST IN)
April 7, 2006... BALTIMORE -- The City Council here is considering a proposal to prohibit businesses from placing advertising fliers in the doorways of homes, a longstanding practice of restaurants and retailers. Any business caught placing fliers on private...

Darden Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
April 7, 2006... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. said same-store sales for the five weeks ended April 2 increased between 13 percent and 14 percent from a year earlier, reflecting guest counts that grew 6 percent to 7 percent and a check average...

Wendy's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
April 7, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. reported lower same-store sales for its Wendy's and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill chains for the first quarter ended April 2. Domestic same-store for Wendy's namesake hamburger chain slid 4.8 percent at...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Table)(Brief article)
April 7, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Grill Concepts 4.29 $3.65 Flanigan's Enterprises 3.44 9.93 Denny's ...

Los Angeles--the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a class-action sex discrimination lawsuit against Pasadena, Calif.-based Lawry's Restaurants Inc. on behalf of male applicants who were rejected for server positions.(JUST IN)
April 6, 2006... LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION has filed a class-action sex discrimination lawsuit against Pasadena, Calif.-based LAWRY'S RESTAURANTS INC. on behalf of male applicants who were rejected for server positions....