Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from August 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from August 2005

New Orleans--as this city's scores of famed restaurants and thousands of homes were flooded Tuesday as levees failed along hurricane-swollen Lake Ponchartrain, state and federal officials were planning a second citywide evacuation of residents.(JUST IN)
August 31, 2005... NEW ORLEANS -- As this city's scores of famed restaurants and thousands of homes were flooded Tuesday as levees failed along hurricane-swollen Lake Ponchartrain, state and federal officials were planning a second citywide evacuation of...

Atlanta--the National Franchisee Association of Burger King operators cancelled a class-action lawsuit it had filed Aug. 18 seeking $500 million in damages from McDonald's Corp. for alleged false advertising of promotional games from 1995 through 2001.(JUST IN)
August 31, 2005... ATLANTA -- The NATIONAL FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATION of BURGER KING operators cancelled a class-action lawsuit it had filed Aug. 18 seeking $500 million in damages from MCDONALD'S CORP. for alleged false advertising of promotional games from 1995...

Los Angeles--Trinity Capital LLC, a financial services firm based here, partnered with Chris Scanlan, former president and chief executive of Kazi Restaurants, to form a new company called Trinity Restaurants LLC, which will also be based in Los Angeles.(JUST IN)
August 31, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- TRINITY CAPITAL LLC, a financial services firm based here, partnered with CHRIS SCANLAN, former president and chief executive of KAZI RESTAURANTS, to form a new company called TRINITY RESTAURANTS LLC, which will also be based...

Pizza Inn Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
August 31, 2005... THE COLONY, Texas -- PIZZA INN INC., operator or franchisor of 405 restaurants, posted a net loss of $112,000 for the fourth quarter ended June 26 on an 11-percent fall in revenues to $13.7 million. Pizza Inn earned $564,000 in the prior...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 31, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Morgan's Foods 10.64 $4.99 Grill Concepts 2.76 3.42 Granite City...

New Orleans--operators from Louisiana to Florida's Panhandle were cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina screamed through the Gulf Coast Aug. 29 with winds of more than 140 mph, torrential rains and flooding.(JUST IN)
August 30, 2005... NEW ORLEANS -- Operators from Louisiana to Florida's Panhandle were cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina screamed through the Gulf Coast Aug. 29 with winds of more than 140 mph, torrential rains and flooding. The category 4 hurricane roared...

Vancouver, Wash.--Papa Murphy's Take 'N Bake, the nation's sixth-largest pizza chain, which specializes in bake-at-home takeout, replaced Pizza Hut as the official pizza supplier of Qwest Field and the Seattle Seahawks pro football team.(JUST IN)
August 30, 2005... VANCOUVER, Wash. -- PAPA MURPHY'S TAKE 'N BAKE, the nation's sixth-largest pizza chain, which specializes in bake-at-home takeout, replaced PIZZA HUT as the official pizza supplier of Qwest Field and the Seattle Seahawks pro football team....

Washington--Sam & Harry's, the high-end steakhouse located here, will open a second outlet in the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, later this summer.(JUST IN)
August 30, 2005... WASHINGTON -- SAM & HARRY'S, the high-end steakhouse located here, will open a second outlet in the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, later this summer. Owner LARRY WORK said he chose to open a second Fort Worth branch...

Milford, Conn.--Subway restaurants launched a regional TV and radio campaign with Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin promoting the chain's limited-time Buffalo Chicken sandwich.(MARKETING MATTERS)
August 30, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY restaurants launched a regional TV and radio campaign with STEVE "THE CROCODILE HUNTER" IRWIN promoting the chain's limited-time Buffalo Chicken sandwich. Irwin, who appears on Discovery Channel's "Animal Planet,"...

Papa John.(MARKETING MATTERS)
August 30, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S, based here, introduced a limited-time Chicken Bacon Ranch pie with a creamy garlic ranch sauce, grilled all-white meat chicken, hickory-smoked bacon, onions, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Alarge pie is priced...

Carlsbad Calif.--Catalina Restaurant Group Inc., parent to the Coco's Bakery Restaurant and Carrows Restaurant chains, named Daniel Barranti, former vice president of operations for Burger King and Denny's franchisee C&L Restaurant Group, vice president of franchise sales and operations.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
August 30, 2005... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- CATALINA RESTAURANT GROUP INC., parent to the Coco's Bakery Restaurant and Carrows Restaurant chains, named DANIEL BARRANTI, former vice president of operations for Burger King and Denny's franchisee C&L Restaurant Group,...

Downers Grove, Ill.--Sara Lee Food & Beverage named Kim Feil senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective Sept. 6.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
August 30, 2005... DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- SARA LEE FOOD & BEVERAGE named KIM FEIL senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective Sept. 6. The company said Feil will "lead all marketing efforts for the company's retail brands in North America."...

Portland, Ore.--McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants Inc. named Tori Harms public relations manager, reporting to Gregg LeBlanc, who is the director of marketing.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
August 30, 2005... PORTLAND, Ore. -- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS INC. named TORI HARMS public relations manager, reporting to GREGG LEBLANC, who is the director of marketing. Harms most recently was the senior account executive for Rockey Hill &...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 30, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Star Buffet 7.08 $8.17 Buffalo Wild Wings 3.19 29.72 McCormick &...

Los Angeles--California Attorney General Bill Lockyer on Friday sued nine makers of French fries and potato chips, including McDonald's Corp., Burger King Corp., KFC Corp. and Wendy's International Inc., seeking a court order to require them to warn consumers that those products contain acrylamide, which the state classifies as a cancer-causing chemical.(JUST IN)
August 29, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- California Attorney General BILL LOCKYER on Friday sued nine makers of French fries and potato chips, including MCDONALD'S CORP., BURGER KING CORP., KFC CORP. and WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC., seeking a court order to require...

Scottsdale, Ariz.--P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., based here, has unveiled plans to launch a new concept called Taneko Japanese Tavern in mid-2006 that would have a higher-end menu than the company's P.F. Chang's or Pei Wei Asian Diner brands, with an average per-person tab of $30.(JUST IN)
August 29, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO INC., based here, has unveiled plans to launch a new concept called TANEKO JAPANESE TAVERN in mid-2006 that would have a higher-end menu than the company's P.F. Chang's or Pei Wei Asian Diner...

Charlotte, N.C.--Citing prohibitive labor costs, Food Lion, which operates more than 1,200 supermarkets, has pulled Boston Market outlets and their hot offerings from the 12 stores here that were testing the experimental format, according to Supermarket News.(JUST IN)
August 29, 2005... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Citing prohibitive labor costs, FOOD LION, which operates more than 1,200 supermarkets, has pulled BOSTON MARKET outlets and their hot offerings from the 12 stores here that were testing the experimental format, according...

Dublin, Ohio--Pershing Square Capital Management, a large investor in Wendy's International, has increased its stake in Wendy's, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.(JUST IN)
August 29, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- PERSHING SQUARE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, a large investor in WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL, has increased its stake in Wendy's, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The New York-based hedge fund now owns more...

Frederick, Md.--Roy Rogers Restaurants, based here, launched an eight-piece fried chicken deal, priced at $7.99, at 23 Roy Rogers units in Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey.(MARKETING MATTERS)
August 29, 2005... FREDERICK, Md. -- ROY ROGERS RESTAURANTS, based here, launched an eight-piece fried chicken deal, priced at $7.99, at 23 Roy Rogers units in Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey. The eight-week offering will be supported by radio ads and...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 29, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Benihana 4.32 $19.32 Good Times Restaurants 3.16 6.20...

San Rafael, Calif.--A Superior Court judge here gave final approval to a Feb. 11 settlement requiring McDonald's Corp. to pay a total of about $10.5 million for failing to give adequate notice that it had delayed a highly publicized plan to reduce trans fat in its foods.(JUST IN)
August 26, 2005... SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- A Superior Court judge here gave final approval to a Feb. 11 settlement requiring MCDONALD'S CORP. to pay a total of about $10.5 million for failing to give adequate notice that it had delayed a highly publicized plan to...

Sonic Corp.(JUST IN)
August 26, 2005... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP., which owns about 600 Sonic drive-ins and franchises some 2,400 to others, Thursday said it had agreed to acquire 15 units from a Tennessee-based franchisee in a deal to close by Sept. 1. Terms were not disclosed....

Seattle--Tully's Coffee Corp., based here, sold its trademarks and intellectual property rights in Japan to licensee FoodX Globe Co. Ltd. to reduce debt and fund expansion elsewhere.(JUST IN)
August 26, 2005... SEATTLE -- TULLY'S COFFEE CORP., based here, sold its trademarks and intellectual property rights in Japan to licensee FOODX GLOBE CO. LTD. to reduce debt and fund expansion elsewhere. Tokyo-based FoodX Globe Co., which operates 270 Tully's...

New York--McDonald's Corp. could announce an initial public stock offering for its Chipotle Mexican Grill fast-casual chain at an analysts meeting next month.(JUST IN)
August 26, 2005... NEW YORK -- MCDONALD'S CORP. could announce an initial public stock offering for its CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL fast-casual chain at an analysts meeting next month, according to a research note by Piper Jaffray analyst PETER OAKES, who met...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
August 26, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 1,250 restaurants, reported a 0.1-percent dip in system-wide same-store sales for its namesake steakhouse chain for the four weeks ended Aug. 20. Sales fell 0.4 percent at...

Carrollton, Texas--T.G.I. Friday's, based here, set Aug. 30 as the launch date for the "Wild and Mild Three Course Menu," offering a choice of six appetizers, 12 entrees and two desserts for $12.99.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2005... CARROLLTON, Texas -- T.G.I. FRIDAY'S, based here, set Aug. 30 as the launch date for the "Wild and Mild Three Course Menu," offering a choice of six appetizers, 12 entrees and two desserts for $12.99. Among the choices are Chipotle Queso Dip...

Damon's Grill.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
August 26, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- DAMON'S GRILL, the 120-unit casual-dining chain based here, promoted WILL LIPHART to the new post of vice president of quality assurance, with responsibility also for food safety. The 16-year Damon's veteran previously was...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 26, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. change close Top Gainers Ruth's Chris Steak House 6.65 $20.53 Grill Concepts 4.37 3.34...

Dallas--Dave & Buster's Inc., blaming its nine recently acquired Jillian's dining and entertainment complexes for depressing yet-to-be-reported second-quarter results, said it plans to convert most Jillian's to the Dave & Buster's concept starting next month and had closed the Jillian's at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn.(JUST IN)
August 25, 2005... DALLAS -- DAVE & BUSTER'S INC., blaming its nine recently acquired JILLIAN'S dining and entertainment complexes for depressing yet-to-be-reported second-quarter results, said it plans to convert most Jillian's to the Dave & Buster's concept...

Chicago--Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises opened its second Magic Pan Crepe Stand, a quick-service concept, which it plans to expand throughout the Chicago market.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 25, 2005... CHICAGO -- LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU ENTERPRISES opened its second MAGIC PAN CREPE STAND, a quick-service concept, which it plans to expand throughout the Chicago market. The location is in the Northbrook Court Mall in a northern suburb and...

Sacramento, Calif.--Restaurants here may be required to post placards whose colors indicate the results of their health inspections, if the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors adopts a proposal by the environmental management department.(JUST IN)
August 25, 2005... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Restaurants here may be required to post placards whose colors indicate the results of their health inspections, if the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors adopts a proposal by the environmental management department....

Washington--Americans rate the restaurant industry as the most highly regarded business sector in the country, according to a poll by The Gallup Organization.(JUST IN)
August 25, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Americans rate the restaurant industry as the most highly regarded business sector in the country, according to a poll by THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION. In telephone interviews this month with 1,001 adults nationwide, Gallup asked...

Nashville, Tenn.--Seafood chain Captain D's, which last month vowed to alter its marketing efforts radically, has launched an agency review.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
August 25, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Seafood chain CAPTAIN D'S, which last month vowed to alter its marketing efforts radically, has launched an agency review. Incumbent SULLIVAN HIGDON & SINK of Kansas City, Mo., will not defend the account, an agency...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
August 25, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 3,165 restaurants, said same-store sales for the four weeks ended Aug. 15 were flat at Carl's Jr. and fell 1 percent at Hardee's compared with year-earlier levels. Still,...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 25, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. change close Top Gainers Smith & Wollensky 10.83 $6.65 Rubio's Restaurants 2.74 9.00...

Thousand Oaks, Calif.--Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, based here, Tuesday opened a new store design in Willow Grove, Pa., featuring an exposition kitchen, softer lighting, warmer colors and state-of-the-art fixtures and equipment.(JUST IN)
August 24, 2005... THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL, based here, Tuesday opened a new store design in Willow Grove, Pa., featuring an exposition kitchen, softer lighting, warmer colors and state-of-the-art fixtures and equipment. The test...

Atlanta--Raving Brands, the locally based parent of eight national, fast-casual brands here, rented approximately 15,000 square feet of space at the new Atlantic Station development in the city's midtown area in a plan to open four of its concepts there in October, a company spokeswoman said.(JUST IN)
August 24, 2005... ATLANTA -- RAVING BRANDS, the locally based parent of eight national, fast-casual brands here, rented approximately 15,000 square feet of space at the new Atlantic Station development in the city's midtown area in a plan to open four of its...

Philadelphia--Aramark, the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, debuted a new customer loyalty program called Jam as the first of its kind for college campuses, according to the company.(JUST IN)
August 24, 2005... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK, the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, debuted a new customer loyalty program called Jam as the first of its kind for college campuses, according to the company. The program allows student to...

Buffalo Wild Wings.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS, based here, is launching Build Your Own Bloody Mary Weekends at its chain's more than 335 restaurants starting Sept. 10. Customers can choose from one of six signature sauces--Mild, Medium, Garlic, Hot Wild...

Diedrich Coffee Inc.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- DIEDRICH COFFEE INC., based here, said its chains' 201 outlets will be the exclusive sellers of Cafe de Minas, a premium Brazilian coffee that won an international "Cup of Excellence" award. The limited-time offer begins...

Washington--Capital Restaurant Concepts named Kevin Callaway to the newly created position of chief operating officer.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2005... WASHINGTON -- CAPITAL RESTAURANT CONCEPTS named KEVIN CALLAWAY to the newly created position of chief operating officer. Most recently he was president and COO of Athens, Ga.-based Ameliorate LLC, where he worked to expand the Johnny Carino's...

Applebee's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2005... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC. said same-store sales increased 1.3 percent for the four weeks ended Aug. 21, including a 2.2-percent gain at franchised restaurants. Same-store sales for the period decreased 1.5 percent...

Panera Bread Co.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO. said systemwide same-store sales increased 8.9 percent for the four weeks ended Aug. 9 at bakery-cafes open at least 18 months. The company's franchised units reported a 9.1-percent gain and corporate units...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 24, 2005... STOCKWTCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. change close Top Gainers Panera Bread 9.00 $57.50 Denny's 7.37 5.83...

Gaithersburg, Md.--Sodexho USA, the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, has formed the first student board of directors to advise its Campus Services division.(JUST IN)
August 23, 2005... GAITHERSBURG, Md. -- SODEXHO USA, the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, has formed the first student board of directors to advise its Campus Services division. The board of 14 college students provides Sodexho with...

Minneapolis--Famous Dave's of America Inc., based here, said franchisee JP'S Bar-B-Que North LLC had agreed to open 10 more Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que units in the Tampa Bay, Fla., area.(JUST IN)
August 23, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA INC., based here, said franchisee JP'S BAR-B-QUE NORTH LLC had agreed to open 10 more Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que units in the Tampa Bay, Fla., area. JP's Bar-B-Que previously purchased the...

Sharon, Pa.--Quaker Steak and Lube, a 14-unit casual-dining concept based here, said franchisee Larry Salone had agreed to open three units in State College, Harrisburg and Allentown, Pa.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 23, 2005... SHARON, Pa. -- QUAKER STEAK AND LUBE, a 14-unit casual-dining concept based here, said franchisee LARRY SALONE had agreed to open three units in State College, Harrisburg and Allentown, Pa. The State College location would open in...

Wilbraham, Mass.--Friendly's, the 525-unit family chain based here, will offer five limited-time chicken entrees starting next Monday.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Friendly's Restaurants Franchise Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 23, 2005... WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- FRIENDLY'S, the 525-unit family chain based here, will offer five limited-time chicken entrees starting next Monday. Among the items available through Oct. 30 will be the Firecracker Chicken Basket, with spicy barbecue...

Atlanta -- AFC Enterprises Inc., franchisor or operator of 1,827 Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits restaurants, reported a sharp improvement in its second-quarter results, compared with year-earlier earnings, on lower operating and shareholder-litigation expenses and a systemwide same-store sales increase of 1.9 percent.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
August 23, 2005... ATLANTA -- AFC ENTERPRISES INC., franchisor or operator of 1,827 POPEYES CHICKEN & BISCUITS restaurants, reported a sharp improvement in its second-quarter results, compared with year-earlier earnings, on lower operating and...

Benihana Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
August 23, 2005... MIAMI -- BENIHANA INC., operator or franchisor of 93 Japanese restaurants, credited strong companywide same-store sales and lower commodity prices for more than doubling first-quarter earnings, compared with year-earlier results, on a...

Las Vegas--the Nevada Restaurant Association, based here, named Paul Hartgen president and chief executive, replacing Sam Mcmullen, who had served as interim president since June 1, when Van Heffner left the association.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
August 23, 2005... LAS VEGAS -- The NEVADA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION, based here, named PAUL HARTGEN president and chief executive, replacing SAM MCMULLEN, who had served as interim president since June 1, when VAN HEFFNER left the association. Most recently,...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 23, 2005... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Red Robin Gour. Burgers 7.18 47.50 McCormick & Schmick's 6.47 18.10 Nathan's Famous ...

Los Angeles--a U.S. District Court judge here is expected to rule today whether to grant class-action status to a lawsuit charging discount-dining promoter and restaurant lender Rewards Network Inc. with usury and unfair business practices.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 22, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- A U.S. District Court judge here is expected to rule today whether to grant class-action status to a lawsuit charging discount-dining promoter and restaurant lender REWARDS NETWORK INC. with usury and unfair business practices....

Lake Forest, Calif.--Deltaco signed two new franchisees to development agreements for Colorado and Washington.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 22, 2005... LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- DELTACO signed two new franchisees to development agreements for Colorado and Washington. One pact, for five units in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colo., areas, is with brothers PHILLIP and JORDAN FISHER and their...

Scottsdale, Ariz.--Creative Eateries Corp., based here, acquired the fast-casual Fit-N-Healthy Market Cafe brand from Franchise Capital Corp., also based here.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 22, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- CREATIVE EATERIES CORP., based here, acquired the fast-casual FIT-N-HEALTHY MARKET CAFE brand from FRANCHISE CAPITAL CORP., also based here. Creative Eateries, which currently owns 80 percent of the casual-dining chain...

Greenwood Village, Colo.--Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. said former chairman, chief executive and president Mike Snyder on Friday had reimbursed the company $1.25 million for expenses covered under a restitution agreement reached the day before.(JUST IN)
August 22, 2005... GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC. said former chairman, chief executive and president MIKE SNYDER on Friday had reimbursed the company $1.25 million for expenses covered under a restitution agreement reached the day...

Eat' N Park Restaurants.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 22, 2005... HOMESTEAD, Pa. -- EAT' N PARK RESTAURANTS on Thursday said its 79-unit chain will replace its cooking oil for French fries, chicken and other fried foods with a trans-fat-free oil "to better meet the needs of today's guests." The company said...

Rosemead, Calif.--Panda Restaurant Group, operator or franchisor of more than 700 Panda Express locations worldwide, named Larry Behm to the newly created position of vice president of operations, support and innovation.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
August 22, 2005... ROSEMEAD, Calif. -- PANDA RESTAURANT GROUP, operator or franchisor of more than 700 Panda Express locations worldwide, named LARRY BEHM to the newly created position of vice president of operations, support and innovation. Behm is expected to...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 22, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Grill Concepts 6.35 $3.85 J. Alexander's 6.33 8.40...

Atlanta--the National Franchisee Association, which claims to represent more than 7,000 U.S. and Canadian Burger King restaurants, is suing McDonald's Corp. of Oak Brook, Ill., seeking more than $500 million in damages for alleged unfair competition from its "Monopoly" game promotions from 1995 through August 2001.(JUST IN)
August 19, 2005... ATLANTA -- The NATIONAL FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATION, which claims to represent more than 7,000 U.S. and Canadian BURGER KING restaurants, is suing MCDONALD'S CORP. of Oak Brook, Ill., seeking more than $500 million in damages for alleged unfair...

Louisville, Ky.--Papa John's International agreed to sell 84 company-owned outlets in major markets in Colorado and Minnesota to a new franchise group, PJCOMN Acquisition Corp., an affiliate of Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm Milestone Capital Management.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 19, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL agreed to sell 84 company-owned outlets in major markets in Colorado and Minnesota to a new franchise group, PJCOMN ACQUISITION CORP., an affiliate of Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm...

Rockville, Md.--The U.S. Food & Drug Administration acknowledged that a cake-mix ingredient used by the Cold Stone Creamery chain and implicated in a Salmonella outbreak was not labeled "bake before use," as the FDA had earlier maintained and the chain had denied.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 19, 2005... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION acknowledged that a cake-mix ingredient used by the COLD STONE CREAMERY chain and implicated in a Salmonella outbreak was not labeled "bake before use," as the FDA had earlier maintained...

Richmond Heights, Mo.--Panera Bread, based here, said franchisee Doherty Breads had agreed to open 11 bakery-cafes in Queens County, N.Y. Doherty, headed by Ed Doherty, previously agreed to open 20 Panera units in New York's Suffolk and Nassau counties.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
August 19, 2005... RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- PANERABREAD, based here, said franchisee DOHERTY BREADS had agreed to open 11 bakery-cafes in Queens County, N.Y. Doherty, headed by ED DOHERTY, previously agreed to open 20 Panera units in New York's Suffolk and...

Littleton, Colo.--Champps Entertainment Inc., operator or franchisor of 65 upscale-casual restaurants in 23 states, hired Richard Scanlan as chief operating officer, replacing Don Lamb.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
August 19, 2005... LITTLETON, Colo. -- CHAMPPS ENTERTAINMENT INC., operator or franchisor of 65 upscale-casual restaurants in 23 states, hired RICHARD SCANLAN as chief operating officer, replacing DON LAMB. Scanlan was Champps' director of operations from 1997...

New York--The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group Inc., operator of 16 upscale steakhouses, reported a 1.9-percent dip in second-quarter profit to $104,000 on total sales that rose 6.5 percent from the year earlier to $32 million.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
August 19, 2005... NEW YORK -- THE SMITH & WOLLENSKY RESTAURANT GROUP INC., operator of 16 upscale steakhouses, reported a 1.9-percent dip in second-quarter profit to $104,000 on total sales that rose 6.5 percent from the year earlier to $32 million. SWRG...

Nashville, Tenn.--Shoney's Restaurants named Cliff Freeman and Partnesr of New York as the new agency of record for its $20 million account.(MARKETING MATTERS)
August 19, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- SHONEY'S RESTAURANTS named CLIFF FREEMAN AND PARTNERS of New York as the new agency of record for its $20 million account. The agency replaces DOE ANDERSON of Louisville, Ky., and is expected to create the more-aggressive...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 19, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. change close Top Gainers Grill Concepts 16.40 $3.62 Morgan's Foods 3.33 4.65 Diedrich...

Dallas--Brinker International Inc. signed a letter of intent to sell its 90-unit Corner Bakery division, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission late Tuesday.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2005... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC. signed a letter of intent to sell its 90-unit CORNER BAKERY division, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission late Tuesday. The company did not identify the potential buyer or...

Minneapolis--Dairy Queen, based here, signed a franchise agreement with Shanghai, China-based RCS Group Co. and Guangzhou, China-based Guangdong Foison that calls for them to open 14 Dairy Queen locations in China.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- DAIRY QUEEN, based here, signed a franchise agreement with Shanghai, China-based RCS GROUP CO. and Guangzhou, China-based GUANGDONG FOISON that calls for them to open 14 Dairy Queen locations in China. The first four are...

Spartanburg, S.C.--Denny's Corp., based here, named Mark Wolfinger chief financial officer, effective Sept. 26, replacing Andrew F. Green, who resigned as CFO and senior vice president.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2005... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S CORP., based here, named MARK WOLFINGER chief financial officer, effective Sept. 26, replacing ANDREW F. GREEN, who resigned as CFO and senior vice president. "Andrew has expressed a desire to move on to new...

Deerfield, Ill.--Cosi Inc., the 92-unit fast-casual sandwich specialty chain based here, promoted William E. Koziel to the position of chief financial offer.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
August 18, 2005... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- COSI INC., the 92-unit fast-casual sandwich specialty chain based here, promoted WILLIAM E. KOZIEL to the position of chief financial offer. He succeeds CYNTHIA JAMISON. Koziel, who joined Cosi last September, previously...

Steak N Shake Co.(reports third quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
August 18, 2005... INDIANAPOLIS -- The STEAK N SHAKE CO., whose 439-unit casual-dining chain includes 45 branches owned by franchisees, reported a 5-percent increase in third-quarter earnings on a 13-percent increase in revenues. Steak n Shake's net income was...

Mexican Restaurants Inc.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2005... HOUSTON -- MEXICAN RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 80 restaurants operating under six different concepts, reported a 19-percent drop in second-quarter profit to $502,174, or 14 cents per diluted share, on higher depreciation and...

Subway.(sponsoring Little League Baseball and Softball)(Brief Article)
August 18, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY will become the sole quick-service sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball next year under a deal disclosed Wednesday. Subway said it will use the sponsorship, which runs from 2006 through 2008, to spread...

Philly Connection.(new sandwich lineup)(Brief Article)
August 18, 2005... ATLANTA -- PHILLY CONNECTION, based here, added a Chipotle Club sandwich lineup to the menus at all of its 135 restaurants nationwide. The Chipotle Club sandwiches, $4.49, are available through Nov. 30. They include the Chipotle Roast Beef...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 18, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. change close Top Gainers Main Street Rest. Group 9.85 $6.80 Luby's 9.24 12.65 Good Times...

Golden, Colo.--Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc., the 275-unit casual-dining chain, was hit with a class-action shareholder lawsuit Monday that cited issues related to the departures only two business day's earlier of the company's chairman, president and chief executive, Mike Snyder, and senior vice president and ex-chief financial officer, James McCloskey.(JUST IN)
August 17, 2005... GOLDEN, Colo. -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC., the 275-unit casual-dining chain, was hit with a class-action shareholder lawsuit Monday that cited issues related to the departures only two business day's earlier of the company's chairman,...

Real Mex Restaurants Inc.(relocation)(Brief Article)
August 17, 2005... LONG BEACH, Calif. -- REAL MEX RESTAURANTS INC., parent of the nearly 200 El Torito, Acapulco and Chevys Fresh Mex casual-dining eateries, is relocating its corporate headquarters from Long Beach to nearby Cypress, Calif., in Orange County,...

Columbus, Ohio--Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC, based here, is set to launch a new Mitchell's Fish Market restaurant in Tampa, Fla., marking the casual chain's entry into the state.(Brief Article)
August 17, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- CAMERON MITCHELL RESTAURANTS LLC, based here, is set to launch a new MITCHELL'S FISH MARKET restaurant in Tampa, Fla., marking the casual chain's entry into the state. Cameron Mitchell operates 26 restaurants under nine...

Captain D's Seafood.(new crispier fish fillet)(Brief Article)
August 17, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- CAPTAIN D'S SEAFOOD launched The Big Crunch--a new crispier fish fillet--for a limited time at the chain's 595 stores nationwide. The Big Crunch sandwich is two fillets, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce and a ranch sauce on a...

Wendy's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
August 17, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. said Tuesday it had bought back 2 million shares of its common stock for about $98 million in an accelerated share repurchase transaction, with the proceeds earmarked for general corporate purposes....

Bob Evans Farms Inc.(first-quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
August 17, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio-- BOB EVANS FARMS INC., operator of 594 Bob Evans family restaurants and 93 Mimi's Cafe casual eateries, reported a nearly 50-percent decline in first-quarter earnings to $7.2 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, on a...

Kona Grill Inc.(securities)(Brief Article)
August 17, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- KONA GRILL INC., operator of seven upscale-casual restaurants, saw its stock rise 15.45 percent on the Nasdaq exchange to close at $12.70 on its first day of trading Tuesday. Kona Grill priced the IPO of 2.5 million...

Lebanon, Tenn.--Edward Greene, formerly packaging and food purchasing vice president for Coral Gables, Fla.-based Restaurant Services Inc., Burger King's exclusive U.S. purchasing agent, was named strategic initiatives senior vice president, a newly created post, at CBRL Group Inc. here, parent of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Logan's Roadhouse chains.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
August 17, 2005... LEBANON, Tenn. -- EDWARD GREENE, formerly packaging and food purchasing vice president for Coral Gables, Fla.-based Restaurant Services Inc., Burger King's exclusive U.S. purchasing agent, was named strategic initiatives senior vice...