Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from February 2003

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from February 2003

The City Council on Thursday voted 7-1 to require businesses and nonprofit organizations in New Mexico's capital city to pay workers a minimum of $8.50 an hour. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... SANTA FE, N.M. -- The City Council on Thursday voted 7-1 to require businesses and nonprofit organizations in New Mexico's capital city to pay workers a minimum of $8.50 an hour. The council last year voted to raise the hourly minimum wage...

Hubert and Chantal Keller and Maurice Rouas, co-owners of the famed Fleur De Lys. (Just In).(to open second restaurant)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- HUBERT and CHANTAL KELLER and MAURICE ROUAS, co-owners of the famed FLEUR DE LYS here, slated an October opening for their second Fleur de Lys, in the MANDALAY BAY resort in Las Vegas. The restaurant will seat 110 in a...

Host America Corp. won a contract to provide foodservice to the congregate and homebound. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... HAMDEN, Conn. -- HOST AMERICA CORP. won a contract to provide foodservice to the congregate and homebound senior nutrition programs of the SUBURBAN BOSTON CONSORTIUM. Host America president GEOFFREY RAMSEY said the contract valued at $2.5...

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (Just In).(closes Times Square restaurant and entertainment complex)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... NEW YORK -- WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT INC. closed its wrestling-themed restaurant and entertainment complex in Times Square. WWE said in an earnings report that the eatery had lost more than $18 million since it opened in October 1999.

Starbucks Corp. (Financial Briefs).(reports increase in same-store sales)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. said same-store sales rose 7 percent for the four weeks ended Feb. 23. The coffee giant has 4,843 company-owned and licensed U.S. stores and 1,451 units abroad.

Yum! Brands Inc. (Financial Briefs).(estimated U.S. systemwide same-store sales decline)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC., citing severe February weather, said estimated U.S. systemwide same-store sales fell 5 percent at company-owned restaurants for the four weeks ended Feb. 22, including declines of 2 percent at Taco Bell, 6...

Outback Steakhouse Inc. (Financial Briefs).(reported increase in same-store sales)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. said same-store sales for the four weeks ended Feb. 22 rose nearly 0.6 percent at its 736 domestic namesake units but declined about 1.3 percent at 124-unit Carrabba's Italian Grill, vs. year-ago...

Prandium Inc., operator and franchisor of 171 restaurants under the Chi-Chi's, Koo Koo Roo and Hamburger Hamlet brands. (Executive Suite).(appointed Hugh HIlton chief executive and president)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... IRVINE, Calif. -- PRANDIUM INC., operator and franchisor of 171 restaurants under the Chi-Chi's, Koo Koo Roo and Hamburger Hamlet brands, named HUGH HILTON chief executive and president and TIMOTHY MATTHEW KLEIN chief operating officer. Both...

Grilled-chicken chain El Pollo Loco awarded its $7 million ad account to Irvine-based Y&R Cos. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... IRVINE, Calif. -- Grilled-chicken chain EL POLLO LOCO awarded its $7 million ad account to Irvine-based Y&R COS. after a three-month review. Y&R's first work is slated to break in May as part of a "major brand transformation" for the...

The pompadoured, checked-overall-clad Big Boy character will be the focus of new radio and TV spots breaking March 3 for Big Boy Restaurants International. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... WARREN, Mich. -- The pompadoured, checked-overall-clad Big Boy character will be the focus of new radio and TV spots breaking March 3 for BIG BOY RESTAURANTS INTERNATIONAL. The rebranding spots are scheduled to air through April in Michigan...

International Dairy Queen Inc. (Marketing Matters).(is adding a pecan praline parfait to its menu)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN INC. said it is adding a pecan praline parfait to its menu beginning March 1. Priced from $2.79 to $2.99, the item is soft-serve ice cream with brown sugar praline sauce and roasted pecan pieces. In a...

Stockwatch.(stock prices of restaurant companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 28, 2003... STOCKWATCH (Shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Thurs. change close Back Yard Burgers Inc. 12.50 $5.04 Ark Restaurants Corp. 9.85 6.48 CKE...

Sonic Corp. (Just In).(to expand breakfast program, sends 2nd-quarter warning)(Brief Article)
February 27, 2003... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP. said it would expand its breakfast program systemwide by the end of March, covering approximately 1,300 units in 68 markets. To date, 400 Sonic units have begun serving breakfast. Despite those contributions from...

Western Sizzlin, a division of Austins Steaks And Saloon Inc., launched a new prototype unit here. (Just In).(in Springdale, Arkansas)(Brief Article)
February 27, 2003... SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- WESTERN SIZZLIN, a division of AUSTINS STEAKS AND SALOON INC., launched a new prototype unit here. Its exterior features revamped signage and lighted window canopies. The interior has new carpet, furniture and lighting...

T.G.I. Friday's is slated to open its first restaurant in Alaska here later this year with franchise partner Out In The Boonies Inc. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 27, 2003... ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- T.G.I. FRIDAY'S is slated to open its first restaurant in Alaska here later this year with franchise partner OUT IN TILE BOONIES INC. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant is expected to create more than 100 new jobs for the...

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub. (Just In).(adds spring menu items)(Brief Article)
February 27, 2003... WOBURN, Mass. -- NINETY NINE RESTAURANT & PUB is slated to debut several limited-time spring menu items on March 17. Among the new menu items are a Cajun skillet sirloin, $9.99; Rodeo ribeye steak, $13.99; "loaded" potato soup, $3.99; and an...

IHOP Corp. (Financial Briefs).(4th-quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
February 27, 2003... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP. reported a 3-percent increase in fourth-quarter earnings to $12 million, vs. results of the year-ago quarter. Revenue grew 19 percent to $107.4 million. Fiscal 2002 net income rose 1 percent to $40.8 million on...

Cosi Inc. (Financial Briefs).(4th-quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
February 27, 2003... NEW YORK. -- COSI INC. said it narrowed its loss for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 30 to $10.2 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, from a loss of $17.5 million, or $4.29 a share, a year earlier. The fast-casual sandwich chain reported a pro...

Hotel De La Cote D'or. (Just in).(Bernard Loiseau found dead at his home)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... SAULIEU, France--BERNARD LOISEAU, a celebrated French chef and restaurateur, was found shot dead at his home here with his hunting rifle at his side. Suicide was suspected, according to Agence France-Presse. Loiseau was 52. His HOTEL DE LA...

Hamburger Hamlet. (Just in).(founders to open second Kate Mantilini dinner house)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... LOS ANGELES--HAMBURGER HAMLET chain founders MARILYN and HARRY LEWIS and sons ADAM and DAVID project a mid-April opening for their second KATE MANTILINI dinner-house, at a former Houston's site in suburban Woodland Hills. Kate Mantilini, a...

Cushman & Wakefield. (Just in).(Norman Van Aken plans to open the restaurant Norman's on Sunset in West Hollywood, California)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... CORAL GABLES, Fla.--NORMAN VAN AKEN, renowned chef and owner of Norman's, a former NRN Fine Dining Hall of Fame inductee here, said he is negotiating to open Norman's on Sunset in West Hollywood, Calif, by late 2003. The proposed 130-seat...

Back Yard Burgers. (Financial Briefs).(reports increase in net profits)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... MEMPHIS, Tenn.--BACK YARD BURGERS said net profits for its fourth quarter also ended Dec. 28 jumped 41.6 percent to $327,000, vs. $231,000 in the year-ago period. Revenue for the quarter rose 10.2 percent to $8.5 million, vs. $7.7 million in...

Papa John's International. (Financial Briefs).(reports decline in revenues, net income)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky.--PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL on Tuesday reported net income of $11.1 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, vs. $11.5 million in the year-earlier period, an a 3.2-percent decline in revenues for the quarter, to $236.1...

Friendly Ice Cream Corp. (Financial Briefs).(reports net loss for fourth-quarter 2002)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... WILBRAHAM, Mass.--FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORP. reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $708,000, vs. a loss of $848,000 before an extraordinary item in the prior-year period, whose net loss was $80,000. Revenue for the quarter rose 0.6 percent to...

Panera Bread Co. (Financial Briefs).(reports increase in profits)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... ST. LOUIS--PANERA BREAD CO. posted a 58-percent increase in profits for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 28 to $7.5 million. Fourth-quarter revenue rose 31 percent to $73 million. Fiscal 2002 earnings grew 65 percent to $21.8 million on a...

ARBY. (Marketing Matters).(Arby's to launch national advertising campaign)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--ARBY'S said it will launch a national ad campaign March 2 starring the animated character Oven Mitt, whose voice in two 30-second TV spots will be that of actor TOM ARNOLD. Including radio and print ads and...

Stockwatch.(stock prices of restaurant companies)(Brief Article)
February 26, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. change close Top Gainers Applebee's International 7.36 $24.79 Panera Bread 5.74 27.08...

International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. (Just In).(Elsa Murano discussed governments efforts to protect food supplies from terrorism at recent conference)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... MIAMI -- ELSA MURANO, under secretary for food safety of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, told CHAIN OPERATORS EXCHANGE 2003 attendees here Monday that the government remained focused on ways to protect food supplies from terrorism. In a...

Health and Human Services Committee. (Just In).(bill calling for elimination of smoking in Nebraska restaurants and bars is being evaluated)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... LINCOLN, Neb. -- A bill calling for the elimination of smoking in Nebraska restaurants and in bars there that serve kitchen-prepared food is being evaluated by the state's HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE. Legislative Bill 546, which was...

Darden Restaurants Inc. (Just In).(acquires three Don Pablo's restaurants and a Hops unit from Avado Brands Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. said it acquired three Don Pablo's restaurant locations and one Hops unit from Madison, Ga.-based AVADO BRANDS INC. and will convert the units into Smokey Bones BBQ Sports Bar restaurants. The Don...

Applebee's International Inc. (Just In).(reports increase in same-store sales)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC. said same-store sales for the four weeks ended Feb. 23 rose 3.4 percent at company-owned branches of the 1,507-unit Applebee's chain. Excluding 21 formerly franchised restaurants in...

Hospitality Partners. (Just In).(two restauranteurs file a lawsuit against Houston and its City Council over a contract at Hobby Airport)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... HOUSTON -- Two restaurateurs have filed a lawsuit against the city and its City Council over a concessions contract at Hobby Airport. HARLON BROOKS and PERCY CREUZOT III filed the lawsuit as private citizens, not as operators, according to...

Hardee's Food Systems Inc. (Just In).(debuts new cinnamon roll)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- HARDEE'S FOOD SYSTEMS INC., a 2,250-unit arm of Santa Barbara, Calif.-based CKE RESTAURANTS INC., rolled out a $1.89, jumbo-size cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing.

Jack in the Box Inc. (Executive Suite).(appointed Andrew Stevens senior vice president and controller)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC. hired ANDREW STEVENS as senior vice president and controller. He was vice president and controller for CSK Auto. In addition to 1,880-unit Jack in the Box, the company operates and franchises 85 Qdoba Mexican...

U.S. Foodservice. (Supplier News).(an accounting scandal breaks out at RoyalAhold NV and its U.S. Foodservice arm)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2003... AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- An Enron-like accounting scandal rocked Europe and the United States Monday when the two top executives of the world's third-largest food retailer, ROYALAHOLD NV, resigned and several senior managers of its Columbia,...

Stockwatch.(stock prices of restaurant companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 25, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Back Yard Burgers 3.54 $4.10 Max & Erma's Rests. 2.41 15.28 Friendly...

Walt Disney World. (Just In).(announces a hiring freeze)(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- WALT DISNEY WORLD, citing fallen guests counts at its theme parks here and concerns about thc likely negative impact on tourism that would stem from a war with Iraq, announced a hiring freeze, the reduction of some...

A group of local business owners here is considering taking legal action to stop the city from enacting a smoking ban in restaurants, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... DALLAS -- A group of local business owners here is considering taking legal action to stop the city from enacting a smoking ban in restaurants, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News. The ordinance, which was passed by the City...

Building off the success of its stored-value payment cards, Starbucks Coffee Co. has teamed up with Visa USA and Bank One to develop new payment products. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... SEATTLE -- Building off the success of its stored-value payment cards, STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. has teamed up with VISA USA and BANK ONE to develop new payment products. The first, slated for introduction later this year; would combine Starbucks...

Neal Rowland, owner of Cubbies cafe here, is among several hospitality operators who are using their menus to criticize France for its anti-war opposition to the United States-led coalition against Iraq. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... BEAUFORT, N.C. -- NEAL ROWLAND, owner of CUBBIES cafe here, is among several hospitality operators who are using their menus to criticize France for its anti-war opposition to the United States-led coalition against Iraq. Rowland used...

Moody's Investors Service said it downgraded McDonald's Corp's long-term senior unsecured debt rating to A2, Moody's sixth-highest grade, from a prior rating of Aa3. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... NEW YORK -- MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE said it downgraded MCDONALD'S CORP.'s long-term senior unsecured debt rating to A2, Moody's sixth-highest grade, from a prior rating of Aa3, citing the company's second consecutive year of negative...

Mexican Restaurants. (Financial Briefs).(reports its fourth quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... HOUSTON -- MEXICAN RESTAURANTS, operator and franchisor of 83 restaurants, reported net earnings of $154,260 for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, vs. a loss of S285,150 in the year-ago period. While the latest quarter included a pre-tax gain...

McDonald's entered into an exclusive pact with actor Paul Newman to serve Newman's Own salad dressings with the chain's soon-to-be-launched premium line of salads. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S entered into an exclusive pact with actor PAUL NEWMAN to serve NEWMAN'S OWN salad dressings with the chain's soon-to-be-launched premium line of salads. Beginning March 24, participating McDonald's will offer...

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar. (Marketing Matters).(is launching an ad campaign to promote its 'Finger Foods' menue)(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL & BAR today is slated to break its first ad campaign promoting the 200-unit chain's Finger Foods menu. A 30-second radio spot and point-of-pur. chase materials promote the tag "Twelve tasty appetizers....

Del Taco Inc. (Marketing Matters).(launches TV ads for its Cicken Spicy Jack Quesadillas)(Brief Article)
February 24, 2003... LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- DELTACO INC., operator and franchisor of the 415-unit fast-food chain, is promoting its Chicken Spicy Jack Quesadillas in a 30-second TV spat set at the NHL Anaheim Mighty Ducks' Arrowhead Pond arena. The spot is slated...

Stockwatch. (Marketing Matters).(stock prices for several restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 24, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Fri. change close Diedrich Coffee 6.13 $3.81 Dave & Buster's 5.31 8.13 Ryan's...

Washington Restaurant Association. (Just In).(opposes legislation to ban smoking in all public places in the state of Washington)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The WASHINGTON RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION is opposing new legislation that would ban smoking in all public places in the state, including restaurants and bars. Both state Senate bill 5791 and House bill 1868 would require owners...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (Just In).(is acquiring several Missouri markets from an area-developer partnership)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. said it agreed to acquire. its Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka, Kan., and Springfield, Mo., markets from an area-developer partnership, which includes five units. The 270-unit doughnut chain...

Carvel Corp. (Just In).(signs a deal with Souper Salad Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... ATLANTA -- CARVEL CORP., based here, said it signed a deal with Needham, Mass.-based SOUPER SALAD CO. INC. through which it will add a Carvel soft-serve ice cream station to a Souper Salad unit a Braintree, Mass. The pact is the second...

Fresh Choice Inc. (Financial Briefs).(is slowing its expansion in 2003 and 2004)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... MORGAN HILL, Calif. -- Citing an uncertain economy, FRESH CHOICE INC. said it plans to slow its expansion in 2003 and 2004. The 51-unit buffet-salad bar chain operator, which opened five restaurants in 2002, has opened two so far in 2003 and...

CBRL Group Inc. (Financial Briefs).(reports a 17% increase in net profits for the second quarter)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC. reported a 17-percent increase in net profits to $24.6 million for the second quarter ended Jan. 31, versus $21.1 million in the prior-year period. Revenue rose 8 percent to $563.1 million, compared with...

Elmer's Restaurants Inc. (Financial Briefs).(reports increase in earnings)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... PORTLAND, Ore. -- ELMER'S RESTAURANTS INC. said earnings for its third quarter ended Jan. 6 increased 10 percent to $268,145. vs. $242,942 in the year-ago period. Citing a reduction in company-operated units, the family-chain franchiser said...

Steak N Shake Co. (Financial Briefs).(has hired Deloitte & Touche as its new independent public accountant)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... INDIANAPOLIS -- STEAK N SHAKE CO. hired DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP as its new independent public accountant, replacing longtime auditor ERNST & YOUNG LLP, according to a filing with securities regulators. The 409-unit, casual-dining chain said it...

Church's Chicken, a division of AFC Enterprises Inc. (Marketing Matters).(is launching national television advertising campaign)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... ATLANTA -- CHURCH'S CHICKEN, a division of AFC ENTERPRISES INC., is launching national television advertising to support a new limited-time product offering, Shrimp Crunchers. The ad features the idea of "No Wimp Shrimp," and restaurant crew...

Stockwatch.(stock prices of restaurant companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 21, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. change close Top Gainers Champps Entertainment 6.13 $8.83 Back Yard Burgers 5.12 3.90 Ark Restaurant...

McDonald's Corp.'s U.S. franchisees voted to remove the Big N' Tasty burger from the chain's Dollar Menu. (Just In).(to be replaced with the Double Cheeseburger)(Brief Article)
February 20, 2003... OAK BROOK, III. -- MCDONALD'S CORP.'s U.S. franchisees voted to remove the Big N'Tasty burger from the chain's Dollar Menu and replace it with the Double Cheeseburger. Critics had blamed the presence of the "premium" Big N' Tasty on the $1...

U.S. department of labor. (Just In).(Chinese buffet restaurants, back wages; Chicago, Illinois)(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... CHICAGO -- Eleven local Chinese buffet restaurants agreed to pay back wages exceeding $665,000 to more than 100 workers to settle lawsuits filed last September by the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The mostly Asian...

CKE Restaurants Inc. (Just In).(Carl's Jr. restaurants, new restaurant prototype; Downey, California)(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... DOWNEY, Calif. - CARL'S JR. launched a new prototype design at a restaurant here. To improve guests' drive-thru experience, the prototype's exterior features dynamic lighting and extensive landscaping. The 981-unit Carl's Jr., based in...

Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants. (Just In).(Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts chains; plans for new outlets in Albuquerque, New Mexico)
February 19, 2003... RANDOLPH, Mass. - ALLIED DOMECQ QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS said its Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin' Donuts chains are planning to add approximately 25 outlets in the Albuquerque, N.M., area. The company, whose chains have about 5,000 units, said...

McDonald's posted the lowest score in the QSR segment for customer satisfaction for the fourth quarter of 2002, according to the American customer satisfaction index. (Just In).(McDonald's Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... MILWAUKEE -- McDonald's posted the lowest score in the QSR segment for customer satisfaction for the fourth quarter of 2002, according to the AMERICAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX. The chain scored 61 out of 100 points. Papa Jolm's led the QSR...

C.D. "Pat" Farnsworth, founder of the 13-unit Pat's Pizza chain, died Thursday, according to the Bangor Daily News. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... ORONO, Maine -- C.D. "PAT" FARNSWORTH, founder of the 13-unit PAT'S PIZZA chain, died Thursday, according to the Bangor Daily News. He was 93. Farnsworth opened his first restaurant here in 1931 under the Farnsworth's Cafe name. After adding...

Happy Guests International Inc. (Just In).(lawsuit, Internal Revenue Service)(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... SEATTLE -- A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by HAPPY GUESTS INTERNATIONAL INC., owner of the landmark Salty's restaurants here and in Portland, Ore., apparently clearing the way for their potential seizure by the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE....

Burger King Corp. (Just In).(executive retirement)(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CROP. Said CHRIS CLOUSER, who served as global marketing officer and president of Burger King Brands, will retire effective May 1. No successor was named. BK's statement said Clouser had "agreed to serve as a senior...

Darden Restaurants Inc. (Financial Briefs).(earnings)(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC., citing the negative impact of higher-than-expected workers' compensation and insurance costs, said it expects to report lower-than-anticipated earnings per share for the third quarter ending Feb. 23....

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry, share prices)(Brief Article)
February 19, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Tues. change Close Smith & Wellensky Rest. 8.03 $3.89 Checkers Drive-In Rest. 5.09 6.19 Krispy...

Burger King Corp. (Just In).(serves troops stationed in the Middle East)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... SAN ANTONIO -- PAUL NOVAK, executive vice president of franchise operations mid chief development officer for BURGER KING CORP., told a seminar audience Sunday at the annual International Franchise Association convention here that BK's...

Cosi Inc. (Just In).(lawsuit over initial public offering)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... NEW YORK -- Marking at least the fourth class-action lawsuit filed against COSI INC. over its initial public stock offering last November, an unidentified shareholder represented by the Philadelphia law firm of BARRACK, RODOS & BACINE alleged...

Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., has reintroduced his "ADA Notification Act" legislation in the House and won endorsements again from the National Restaurant Association and the National Council of Chain Restaurants. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Rep. MARK FOLEY, R-Fla., has reintroduced his "ADA Notification Act" legislation in the House and won endorsements again from the NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHAIN RESTAURANTS for its provisions...

Tands Inc. a 28-unit Bojangles franchisee operating in eastern North Carolina, has settled a sexual harassmer lawsuit brought by U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Just In).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- TANDS INC. a 28-unit BOJANGLES franchisee operating in eastern North Carolina, has settled a sexual harassmer lawsuit brought by U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION on behalf of six women employees at a Bojangles...

Friendly Ice Cream Corp. (Executive Suite).(John L. Cutter named chief executive)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... WILBRAHMAM Mass. -- FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORP. said its president and chief operations officer, JOHN L. CUTTER, was promoted to chief executive to replace DONALD N. SMITH, who remains board chairman. Cutter had been Friendly's president and COO...

Tyson Foods Inc. (Executive Suite).(Dick Bond named president, chief operating officer)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- TYSON FOODS INC. on Friday named DICK BOND president and chief operating officer. The president post had been open, and GREG LEE, who had been Tyson's COO, will become chief a administrative officer and international...

McDonald's Holding Co. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... TOKYO - MCDONALD'S HOLDING CO. (JAPAN), the 3,600-unit group in which MCDONALD's CORP. owns a nearly 50-percent stake, reported a net loss for 2002 of about $20 million the wake of double-digit sales declines and nearly $41 million in charges...

Outback Steakhouse Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... TAMPA Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. posted a 23-percent increase in earnings to 341.1 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 as revenue rose 12 percent to $602.7 million. Outback's fiscal 2002 profits grew 17 percent to $156.4 million...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... WINSTON SALEM, N.C. - KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS reported an 11.8 percent rise in systemwide same-store sales for the fourth quarter ended Feb. 2, including rises of 143 percent in company-store sales 83 percent in area--developers sales and 10.7...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2003... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Fri. change close Total Entertainmn't Rest. 12.82 $8.01 Elmer's Restaurants 12.19 5.89 Krispy...

The National Restaurant Association. (Just In).(New York, Maine expected to require restaurants to list nitritional information on menus)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... NEW YORK -- Lawmakers in New York and Maine are expected to introduce legislation that would require restaurateurs in those states list nutritional information on their menus. New York state Assemblyman FELIX ORTIZ, D-Brooklyn, is drafting...

IQ Investments. (Just In).(The 12 Hardee's restaurants in Greater Cincinnati were closed that week)
February 14, 2003... CINCINNATI - All 12 Hardee's restaurants in Greater Cincinnati were closed that week, including two company-owned units and 10 run by franchisee IQ INVESTMENTS of Irvine, Calif., the Cincinnati Post reported, IQ, which is headed by former...

Winghouse of Florida Inc. (Just In).(sued by Hooters of America for alleged trade-dress infringement)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- HOOTERS OF AMERICA, Atlanta-based operator and franchisor of more 310 Hooters restaurants, is suing 10-unit chain WINGHOUSE OF FLORIDA INC. for alleged trade-dress infringement, According to the Orlando Business Journal,...

National Restaurant Association. (Just In).(endorsed bill to accelerate depreciation schedule for restaurants)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Rep. MARK FOLEY, R-Fla., introduced a House bill intended to accelerate the current depreciation schedule for restaurants and provide them with an economic boost. Under terms of the bill, which was endorsed by the NATIONAL...

U.S. Department of Labor. (Just In).(Taquerias Mexico to pay back wages)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... HOUSTON - The restaurant TAQUERIAS MEXICO here agreed to pay 66 kitchen workers and wait staff a total of $100,900 in back wages after the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR investigated wage-and-hour violations. The Houston Chronicle said...

Applebee's International Inc. (Financial Briefs).(fourth-quarter and fiscal 2002 results)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC. reported a 56-percent increase in profits to $20.3 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, compared with results of the year-earlier period. Fourth-quarter revenue grew 14 percent of...

Stock watch.(Thursday, February 12, 2003)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 14, 2003... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Thurs. change close Benihana 2.59 $12.30 CKE Restaturents 2.35 3.48 Peet's...

McDonald's Corp. (Just In).(sales in January 2003)(Brief Article)
February 13, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill -- MCDONALD'S CORP. said worldwide same-store sales for its burger chain declined 24 percent in January, including a 0.5-percent dip in U.S. same-store sales. January comparable-restaurant sales decreased 3.8 percent in Europe...

Dunkin' Donuts. (Just In).(outles in Quebec to offer smoke-reduced environments)(Brief Article)
February 13, 2003... MONTREAL -- All of DUNKIN' DONUTS' more than 140 out lets in Quebec will offer smoke-reduced environments, according to the chain, which has opened only smoke-free branches in the province since 1998. In that year the Quebeo Tobacco Act was...