Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from December 2003

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from December 2003

The National Restaurant Association said staff members met with representatives from the Food Marketing Institute.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 31, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION said staff members met with representatives from the FOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE, the NATIONAL CATTLEMEN'S BEEFASSOCIATION and eight other beef industry trade associations Monday to propose...

To improve employee performance and retention, Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. is appointing two staff members at each restaurant as store trainers.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 31, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- To improve employee performance and retention, MELTING POT RESTAURANTS INC. is appointing two staff members at each restaurant as store trainers who are responsible for training the rest of the employees on topics that range...

Briazz Inc., parent of a chain of approximately 41 cafes, dismissed PriceWater House Coopers LLP as its independent accountant.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
December 31, 2003... SEATTLE -- BRIAZZ INC., parent of a chain of approximately 41 cafes, dismissed PRICEWATER HOUSE COOPERS LLP as its independent accountant, according to a filing with securities regulators. The audit committee of Briazz's board of directors...

Luby's Inc. narrowed its loss from operations for its first quarter of fiscal 2004.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
December 31, 2003... SAN ANTONIO -- LUBY'S INC. narrowed its loss from operations for its first quarter of fiscal 2004 owing to better food and labor costs, even though sales fell 3.9 percent. However, the net loss for the 142-unit cafeteria chain widened to $4.5...

David Davidson, executive director of Yale University Dining Services, said he would leave the university to become vice president of operations for the Back Bay Restaurant Group in Boston.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 31, 2003... NEWHAVEN, Conn. -- DAVID DAVIDSON, executive director of YALE UNIVERSITY DINING SERVICES, said he would leave the university to become vice president of operations for the BACK BAY RESTAURANT GROUP in Boston. The move reunites Davidson...

Cold Stone Creamery, parent of a chain of more than 530 ice-cream shops, said it is introducing a new fat-free, no-sugar-added option at its stores systemwide.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 31, 2003... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- COLD STONE CREAMERY, parent of a chain of more than 530 ice-cream shops, said it is introducing a new fat-free, no-sugar-added option at its stores systemwide. The new sweet-cream-flavored Sinless Ice Cream, which has 170...

A new TV ad for Ditech.com, a mortgage-loan company, takes place in a Benihana unit and is the first time the company has co-branded in a commercial.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 31, 2003... MIAMI -- A new TV ad for DITECH.COM, a mortgage-loan company, takes place in a BENIHANA unit and is the first time the company has co-branded in a commercial, according to PHILIP ARMSTRONG, Ditech's vice president of marketing. In the ad a...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 31, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Buffalo Wild Wings 9.24 $26.00 Mexican Restaurants 6.85 3.90 Red...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the Holstein infected with BSE, or mad cow disease, was born four months before new restrictions on cattle feed took effect in both the United States and Canada.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 30, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE said the Holstein infected with BSE, or mad cow disease, was born four months before new restrictions on cattle feed took effect in both the United States and Canada. Records from the...

O'Charley's Inc., operator and franchisor of 206 namesake casual-dining restaurants, signed an exclusive multiunit development deal for Michigan with Meritage Hospitality Group Inc., a 48-unit, publicly traded Wendy's franchisee.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 30, 2003... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- O'CHARLEY'S INC., operator and franchisor of 206 namesake casual-dining restaurants, signed an exclusive multiunit development deal for Michigan with MERITAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP INC., a 48-unit, publicly traded Wendy's...

Big Boy Restaurants International closed a franchised unit in St. Ignace, Mich., for substandard conditions and noncompliance with chainwide standards, marking the 10th unit it has closed for similar reasons in the last three years.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 30, 2003... WARREN, Mich. -- BIG BOY RESTAURANTS INTERNATIONAL closed a franchised unit in St. Ignace, Mich., for substandard conditions and noncompliance with chainwide standards, marking the 10th unit it has closed for similar reasons in the last three...

Quality Dining Inc. reported 7.9-percent lower fourth-quarter earnings on 1.3-percent lower revenues.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
December 30, 2003... MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- QUALITY DINING INC. reported 7.9-percent lower fourth-quarter earnings on 1.3-percent lower revenues. The company posted net income of $1.1 million, or 10 cents a share, for the quarter ended Oct. 26, vs. $1.2 million, or...

The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show appointed John Russell, a partner of Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell and chief executive of Hospitality Artists LLC, as its 2004 chairman.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 30, 2003... WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The INTERNATIONAL HOTEL/MOTEL & RESTAURANT SHOW appointed JOHN RUSSELL, a partner of Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell and chief executive of Hospitality Artists LLC, as its 2004 chairman. In addition, CHESTER S....

Sonic Corp., operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 2,700 drive-in restaurants, said it would offer Spanish vocabulary flash cards in its Wacky Pack Kid's Meal in January.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 30, 2003... OKLAHOMA CITY--SONIC CORP., operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 2,700 drive-in restaurants, said it would offer Spanish vocabulary flash cards in its Wacky Pack Kid's Meal in January as part of an effort to offer...

Stockwatch.(stock prices of restaurant companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 30, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Good Times Rest. 10.96 3.95 Star Buffet 9.18 5.35 Luby's ...

Following confirmation of the first U.S. case of the fatal brain-wasting cattle disorder known as BSE, or mad cow disease, consumer confidence was being tested again by Sunday's expansion to eight Western states of a recall for 10,410 pounds of ground beef from the infected cow and 19 others slaughtered Dec. 9.(Just In)
December 29, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Following confirmation of the first U.S. case of the fatal brain-wasting cattle disorder known as BSE, or mad cow disease, consumer confidence was being tested again by Sunday's expansion to eight Western states of a recall for...

Subway, the 16,500-unit quick-service sandwich chain based here, said it will introduce two low-carbohydrate, Atkins-diet-style wraps today.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 29, 2003... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY, the 16,500-unit quick-service sandwich chain based here, said it will introduce two low-carbohydrate, Atkins-diet-style wraps today. The "Atkins-Friendly" wrap components are made from special wheat and soy grains...

Starbucks Coffee Co. launched a sweepstakes Friday that runs through Feb. 17 and awards the grand- and first-prize winners with trips to any city in the world where a Starbucks is located.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 29, 2003... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. launched a sweepstakes Friday that runs through Feb. 17 and awards the grand- and first prize winners with trips to any city in the world where a Starbucks is located. Customers enter the "Meet Your Friends at...

Stockwatch.(stock prices for several restaurant companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 29, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top gainers change close Mexican Restaurants 4.29 $3.65 CKE Restaurants 4.07 6.14 Buffalo Wild...

Restaurant chains scrambled on Christmas Eve to issue statements distancing themselves from the Agriculture Department's disclosure.(Just In)
December 26, 2003... YAKIMA, Wash. -- Restaurant chains scrambled on Christmas Eve to issue statements distancing themselves from the Agriculture Department's disclosure that the first U.S. case of the fatal brain-wasting cattle disorder bovine spongiform...

Christmas came early for restaurateurs and allies backing a referendum to overturn California's controversial employer-funded health insurance law.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 26, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Christmas came early for restaurateurs and allies backing a referendum to overturn California's controversial employer-funded health insurance law, SENATE BILL 2, as the state 1ST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL overturned a...

Reacting to the nation's first case of mad cow disease, or BSE, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Wednesday placed all U.S.-based beef protein processors on CreditWatch with "negative implications".(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
December 26, 2003... NEWYORK -- Reacting to the nation's first case of mad cow disease, or BSE, STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES on Wednesday placed all U.S.-based beef protein processors on CreditWatch with "negative implications," with the exception of...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 26, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed Top Gainers change close Buffalo Wild Wings 3.85 $22.95 Landry's Restaurants 3.33 ...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. said it signed two new franchise deals to broaden its presence in the Northeastern United States.(Just In)(Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. inks franchise deals with Colby Restaurant Group, UBA Enterprises)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... GREEN WOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC. said it signed two new franchise deals to broaden its presence in the Northeastern United States. UBA ENTERPRISES of Parsipanny, N. J., said it plans to open five new Red Robin...

J&B Restaurant Partners, operator of 31 Friendly's, was slated to open a new restaurant in Long Island.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... RONKONKOMA, N. Y. -- J&B RESTAURANT PARTNERS, operator of 31 Friendly's, was slated to open a new restaurant in Long Island, marking the family-dining chain's first new location to open in the area in more than 12 years, according to company...

Gladys Knight & Ron Winan's Chicken & Waffles, a music and Southern menu-theme casual-dining group that debuted here in 1997.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... ATLANTA -- GLADYS KNIGHT & RON WINAN'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES, a music and Southern menu-theme casual-dining group that debuted here in 1997, said it wants to grow its two-unit base into a 35-store chain in key cities across the United States...

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., operator and franchisor of a chain of 796 double-drive-thru restaurants under the Checkers and Rally's names.(Just In)(Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. sells 22 units to Pacific Restaurant Management Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS INC., operator and franchisor of a chain of 796 double-drive-thru restaurants under the Checkers and Rally 's names, said it sold 22 company-owned Checkers and Rally 's restaurants to a new...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., operator and franchisor of a chain of 343 doughnut shops, hired Michael Phalen as chief financial officer, effective Jan. 5, 2004, replacing Randy Casstevens, who resigned from the company to pursue personal interests.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC., operator and franchisor of a chain of 343 doughnut shops, hired MICHAEL PHALEN as chief financial officer, effective Jan. 5, 2004, replacing RANDY CASSTEVENS, who resigned from the company...

Burger King Corp. hired Joanne V. Lichten, Ph.D., R.D., to the newly created post of chief nutritionist.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. hired JOANNE V. LICHTEN, PH.D., R.D., to the newly created post of chief nutritionist. In addition to overseeing the nutritional profile of eve ry BK product, Lichten will be the nutritional voice of the brand,...

Aramark Corp. tapped Chris Holland as vice president and treasurer, replacing Barbara Austell, who retired from the food and facilities management provider.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK CORP. tapped CHRIS HOLLAND as vice president and treasurer, replacing BARBARA AUSTELL, who retired from the food and facilities management provider. Most recently, Holland was vice president of investment banking at J....

Granite City Food & Brewery, operator of a five-unit chain of casual-dining restaurants, promoted Tim Cary to chief operating officer, restaurant operations.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 24, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY, operator of a five-unit chain of casual-dining restaurants, promoted TIM CARY to chief operating officer, restaurant operations. Cary had served as vice president of operations since the company was...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 24, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Host America 6.67 $8.80 Chicago Pizza & Brewery 5.90 14.90 Buca ...

A state representative and a state senator have sponsored and introduced separate bills designed to prevent civil lawsuits that target food producers, restaurants and related businesses as causes of weight gain and obesity.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 23, 2003... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A state representative and a state senator have sponsored and introduced separate bills designed to prevent civil lawsuits that target food producers, restaurants and related businesses as causes of weight gain and obesity....

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Inc. agreed to sell its Australian operations.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 23, 2003... WICHITA, Kan. -- LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE & SALOON INC. agreed to sell its Australian operations. As part of the deal, Lone Star is selling the majority of its restaurant assets to a new company owned by ROBERT LAPOINTE and TIM SMITH, current...

Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, operator and franchisor of a chain of 36 quick-service units, entered into a franchise agreement with a "large regional Mexican quick-service restaurant chain" for the development of a co-branding test in a market outside of its Colorado market.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 23, 2003... GOLDEN, Colo. -- GOOD TIMES BURGERS & FROZEN CUSTARD, operator and franchisor of a chain of 36 quick-service units, entered into a franchise agreement with a "large regional Mexican quick-service restaurant chain" for the development of a...

California Pizza Kitchen co-founders and co-CEOs Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield will be among six retail executive teams featured in a new reality television show slated to launch in March 2004 entitled "Now Who's The Boss?".(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 23, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN co-founders and co-CEOs LARRY FLAX and RICK ROSENFIELD will be among six retail executive teams featured in a new reality television show slated to launch in March 2004 entitled "Now Who's The Boss?"...

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge gave 39 Shakey's pizzeria franchisees until Dec. 28 to amend their complaint alleging negligent misrepresentation and fraud on the part of Shakey's Inc. chairman Chin Yong Wong.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 23, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge gave 39 SHAKEY'S pizzeria franchisees until Dec. 28 to amend their complaint alleging negligent misrepresentation and fraud on the part of Shakey's Inc. chairman CHIN YONG WONG. The...

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. hired Pat Plumley as senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, replacing David Koehler, who resigned to accept a post with a West Coast casual-restaurant concept.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 23, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS INC. hired PAT PLUMLEY as senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, replacing DAVID KOEHLER, who resigned to accept a post with a West Coast casual-restaurant concept. Most...

McDonald's Corp. awarded creative duties to DDB Worldwide for a global French-fry campaign scheduled to break later this year under the chain's "Rolling Energy" marketing program.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 23, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. awarded creative duties to DDB WORLDWIDE for a global French-fry campaign scheduled to break later this year under the chain's "Rolling Energy" marketing program. Ad efforts will be led by DDB Chicago....

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 23, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Good Times Rest. 7.92 $3.95 Diedrich Coffee 4.96 3.79 Panera Bread ...

Boston Market, which is owned by McDonald's Corp., said it had signed a deal with supermarket chain Food Lion to serve its core menu in a "take-and-go" forms at as part of a test in at least 10 of the supermarkets over the next 18 months.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... GOLDEN, Colo. -- BOSTON MARKET, which is owned by MCDONALD'S CORP., said it had signed a deal with supermarket chain FOOD LION to serve its core menu in a "take-and-go" form at as part of a test in at least 10 of the supermarkets over the...

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is slated to open its first unit here in early January as part of a partnership with Inspired Mexican Cuisine, directed by Steve Ottmann, president.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... CHICAGO -- BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL is slated to open its first unit here in early January as part of a partnership with INSPIRED MEXICAN CUISINE, directed by STEVE OTTMANN, president. Ottmann, who formerly was chief executive of Lettuce...

Nathan's Famous Inc. opened its first restaurant in Harajaku, Tokyo.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... WESTBURY, N.Y. -- NATHAN'S FAMOUS INC. opened its first restaurant in Harajaku, Tokyo. The new hot-dog shop is franchised by NATHAN'S FAMOUS FRANCHISEE OF JAPAN INC., which has the master franchise rights to develop the Nathan's brand...

Family-dining chain operator and franchisor IHOP Corp. signed a three-unit development deal with existing Georgia franchisee John Koumandarakis that would double his restaurant holdings in that state.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... GLENDALE, Calif. -- Family-dining chain operator and franchisor IHOP CORP. signed a three-unit development deal with existing Georgia franchisee JOHN KOUMANDARAKIS that would double his restaurant holdings in that state. Koumandarakis...

Darden Restaurants Inc. reported lower second-quarter profits attributable to continued challenges at its Red Lobster brand.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. reported lower second-quarter profits attributable to continued challenges at its Red Lobster brand. The company reported net earnings for the quarter ended Nov. 23 dropped 16.6 percent to $31.3...

McDonald's Co. Ltd. (Japan), which operates the chain's 3,600 Japanese units and is 50-percent owned by McDonald's Corp. of Oak Brook, Ill., widened its loss forecast for 2003, citing costs to cancel a consulting contract with founder Den Fujita, reports said.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... TOKYO -- MCDONALD'S CO. LTD. (JAPAN), which operates the chain's 3,600 Japanese units and is 50-percent owned by MCDONALD'S CORP. of Oak Brook, Ill., widened its loss forecast for 2003, citing costs to cancel a consulting contract with...

Aramark Corp. announced several executive changes to take effect Jan. 1, 2004, when Bill Leonard becomes CEO of the managed services company.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK CORP. announced several executive changes to take effect Jan. 1, 2004, when BILL LEONARD becomes CEO of the managed services company. The reorganization is intended to streamline Aramark's management structure to...

Applebee's International Inc., parent of a chain of 1,580 casual-dining units, promoted Kurt Hankins to senior vice president of menu development and innovation.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC., parent of a chain of 1,580 casual-dining units, promoted KURT HANKINS to senior vice president of menu development and innovation. Hankins has been with Applebee's since 2001.

Jack in the Box Inc., operator and franchisor of a chain of approximately 1,940 quick-service units, will serve a bunless and sauceless sandwich on a plate beginning Jan. 5, 2004, said spokeswoman Kathleen Finn.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 22, 2003... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC., operator and franchisor of a chain of approximately 1,940 quick-service units, will serve a bunless and sauceless sandwich on a plate beginning Jan. 5, 2004, said spokeswoman KATHLEEN FINN.

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 22, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Ark Restaurants 8.61 $13.75 Checkers Drive-In Rest. 5.40 10.54...

Palm Restaurant Management Corp., owner and operator of 29 Palm Restaurants nationwide, agreed to pay $500,000 to women who were denied jobs as servers because they were female.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... WASHINGTON -- PALM RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT CORP., owner and operator of 29 Palm restaurants nationwide, agreed to pay $500,000 to women who were denied jobs as servers because they were female. The settlement resolves a sexual-discrimination...

Ryan's Family Steak Houses Inc. here said it had signed an agreement to end its 16-year franchise relationship with Jacksonville, Fla.-based Family Steak Houses of Florida Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... GREER, S.C. -- RYAN'S FAMILYSTEAK HOUSES INC. here said it had signed an agreement to end its 16-year franchise relationship with Jacksonville, Fla.-based FAMILY STEAK HOUSES OF FLORIDA INC.--the only franchisee in the Ryan's system--by June...

IHOP Corp. plans to expand its presence in Hawaii, beginning with a single-unit development agreement for Oahu signed by existing Maui franchisee Rennie West, corporate spokesman Patrick Lenow said.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOPCORP. plans to expand its presence in Hawaii, beginning with a single-unit development agreement for Oahu signed by existing Maui franchisee RENNIE WEST, corporate spokesman PATRICK LENOW said. "We're looking for a...

Jeffsinelli, former owner of the Genghis Grill chain, opened his new Which Wich sandwich shop downtown here.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... DALLAS -- JEFFSINELLI, former owner of the Genghis Grill chain, opened his new WHICH WICH sandwich shop downtown here. Which Wich offers a proprietary ordering system using the brown bags that are used for sandwich packaging. The menu...

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge rejected a motion by Shakey's Inc. chairman Chin Yong Wong to require franchisees of the troubled pizza chain to post an $838,000 bond before continuing a lawsuit against him for alleged fraud and negligent misrepresentation, franchisees reported.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge rejected a motion by SHAKEY'S INC. chairman CHIN YONG WONG to require franchisees of the troubled pizza chain to post an $838,000 bond before continuing a lawsuit against him for...

CBRL Group Inc. said quarter-to-date same-store sales for its second quarter ending Jan. 30, 2004, are up 1 percent to 1.5 percent at its Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, reflecting a 1-percent higher average check.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC. said quarter-to-date same-store sales for its second quarter ending Jan. 30, 2004, are up 1 percent to 1.5 percent at its Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, reflecting a 1-percent higher average check....

Rita's Water Ice Franchise Corp., operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 280 Italian ice shops, promoted Brian Carlisle to the newly created post of director of franchise services.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... BENSALEM, Pa. -- RITA'S WATER ICE FRANCHISE CORP., operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 280 Italian ice shops, promoted BRIAN CARLISLE to the newly created post of director of franchise services. Most recently, he was a franchise...

Ruth's Chris Steak House, operator of a chain of 85 fine-dining steakhouses, promoted Kevin Armantrout to regional vice president of the Louisiana, Texas and Minnesota regions.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 19, 2003... METAIRIE, La. -- RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, operator of a chain of 85 fine-dining steakhouses, promoted KEVIN ARMANTROUT to regional vice president of the Louisiana, Texas and Minnesota regions. Most recently, Armantrout served as general...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 19, 2003... Stockwatch Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Meritage Hospitality 6.07 $4.72 P.F. Chang's China Bistro 4.92 50.29...

The restaurant and foodservice industry is projected to reach $440.1 billion in sales in 2004, marking its 13th consecutive year of real growth, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2004 Restaurant Industry Forecast.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The restaurant and foodservice industry is projected to reach $440.1 billion in sales in 2004, marking its 13th consecutive year of real growth, according to the NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION'S 2004 Restaurant Industry...

The Billy Goat Tavern and the Cheeburger Cheeburger restaurant chain of Fort Myers, Fla., reached an out-of-court settlement in their trademark dispute.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... CHICAGO -- The BILLY GOAT TAVERN and the CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER restaurant chain of Fort Myers, Fla., reached an out-of-court settlement in their trademark dispute. The Billy Goat agreed to drop its trademark-infringement lawsuit against the...

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe, operator and franchisor of more than 25 fast-casual restaurants, signed a franchise deal with Dennis and Antoinette Smith.(Just In)
December 17, 2003... TULSA, Okla. -- CAMILLE'S SIDEWALK CAFE, operator and franchisor of more than 25 fast-casual restaurants, signed a franchise deal with DENNIS and ANTOINETTE SMITH to add three units in the Erie, Crawford and Mercer counties of Pennsylvania....

Sodexho USA said its school services division added 32 new accounts in fiscal 2003, valued at more than $391 million in managed volume revenue over the life of the agreements.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... GAITHERSBURG, Md. -- SODEXHO USA said its school services division added 32 new accounts in fiscal 2003, valued at more than $391 million in managed volume revenue over the life of the agreements. Some of the accounts included custodial and...

Maplewood Partners LP of Coral Gables, Fla., said it partnered with Joey Shashy, CEO and founder of the 11-unit Uncle Julio's chain, to acquire Tia's Tex-Mex Restaurant Group from Speciality Restaurant Group in Maryville, Tenn.(Just In)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... IRVING, Texas -- MAPLEWOOD PA RTNERS LP of Coral Gables, Fla., said it partnered with JOEY SHASHY, CEO and founder of the 11-unit Uncle Julio's chain, to acquire TIA'S TEX-MEX RESTAURANT GROUP from SPECIALITY RESTAURANT GROUP in Maryville,...

Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., the beverage giant based here, elected John R. Alm president and chief executive, effective Jan. 1, 2004.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... ATLANTA -- COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES INC., the beverage giant based here, elected JOHN R. ALM president and chief executive, effective Jan. 1, 2004. Alm currently holds the posts of president and chief operating officer. LOWRY F. KLINE, who is...

CEC Entertainment Inc., parent of the 460-unit Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant chain, appointed Chris Morris as senior vice president and chief financial officer effective Jan. 5, 2004.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... IRVING, Texas -- CEC ENTERTAINMENT INC., parent of the 460-unit Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant chain, appointed CHRIS MORRIS as senior vice president and chief financial officer effective Jan. 5, 2004. Most recently, Morris was senior director...

Dairy Queen, operator and franchisor of more than 5,837 quick-service restaurants, added a Puckerberry Blizzard to its 2004 lineup.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- DAIRY QUEEN, operator and franchisor of more than 5,837 quick-service restaurants, added a Puckerberry Blizzard to its 2004 lineup. The new item blends soft-serve ice cream with sour raspberry flavoring and is priced at $2.39...

Blimpie International Inc., operator and franchisor of a chain of 1,700 quick-service units, added a low-carbohydrate wrap to its Carb-Counter Menu, which debuted in October.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
December 17, 2003... ATLANTA -- BLIMPIE INTERNATIONAL INC., operator and franchisor of a chain of 1,700 quick-service units, added a low-carbohydrate wrap to its Carb-Counter Menu, which debuted in October. The low-carbohydrate tortilla is available with any of...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 17, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close AFC Enterprises 7.06 $19.25 Diedrich Coffee 5.42 3.85 Star Buffet ...