Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from February 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from February 2005

Chicago--the Cook County Board defeated a proposal by board president John Stroger for a 2-percent increase in sales taxes on restaurant meals and hotel stays, which would have raised that levy to 12.25 percent in Chicago.(Brief Article)
February 28, 2005... CHICAGO -- The Cook County Board defeated a proposal by board president JOHN STROGER for a 2-percent increase in sales taxes on restaurant meals and hotel stays, which would have raised that levy to 12.25 percent in Chicago. Instead of that...

Miami--as Burger King Corp. mulls a headquarters relocation, possibly to Dallas or Houston, Miami-Dade County commissioners on Thursday approved a package of $5.38 million in incentives intended to keep BK from leaving Miami, the Miami Herald reported.(Brief Article)
February 28, 2005... MIAMI -- As BURGER KING CORP. mulls a headquarters relocation, possibly to Dallas or Houston, Miami-Dade County commissioners on Thursday approved a package of $5.38 million in incentives intended to keep BK from leaving Miami, the Miami...

Phoenix--the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said it had filed two employment discrimination lawsuits on behalf of teenage workers against franchise operators of McDonald's restaurants in Albuquerque, N.M., and Cordes Junction, Ariz.(Pand Enterprises Inc. and GLC Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2005... PHOENIX -- The U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION said it had filed two employment discrimination lawsuits on behalf of teenage workers against franchise operators of MCDONALD'S restaurants in Albuquerque, N.M., and Cordes Junction,...

Woodbury, N.Y.--Thomas Lackmann, chairman of Lackmann Culinary Services, based here, died Feb. 24 after undergoing emergency surgery.(Obituary)
February 28, 2005... WOODBURY, N.Y. -- THOMAS LACKMANN, chairman of LACKMANN CULINARY SERVICES, based here, died Feb. 24 after undergoing emergency surgery. He was 74. The company declined to release further details surrounding Lackmann's death. Lackmann is...

Washington--the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nutrition watchdog group, is suing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, seeking regulations on the use of salt in the food supply, including processed foods and restaurant meals.(Brief Article)
February 28, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The CENTER FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, a nutrition watchdog group, is suing the U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, seeking regulations on the use of salt in the food supply, including processed foods and restaurant...

Raleigh, N.C.--Arlington, Va.-based Red, Hot & Blue, a 40-unit barbecue operator, won a decision in federal bankruptcy court here against former Chapel Hill, N.C.-based franchisee James Groot, who reportedly defaulted on $200,000 in royalty payments and advertising fees, a published report said.(Brief Article)
February 28, 2005... RALEIGH, N.C. -- Arlington, Va.-based RED, HOT & BLUE, a 40-unit barbecue operator, won a decision in federal bankruptcy court here against former Chapel Hill, N.C.-based franchisee JAMES GROOT, who reportedly defaulted on $200,000 in royalty...

Huntington Beach, Calif.--What A Lot A Pizza said franchisees William and Jackee Quinn had agreed to open five units over the next five years in Southern California.(Brief Article)
February 28, 2005... HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- WHAT A LOT A PIZZA said franchisees WILLIAM and JACKEE QUINN had agreed to open five units over the next five years in Southern California. The 10-unit chain, based here, partnered with FRANSMART of Alexandria,...

IHOP Corp.(fourth quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2005... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., franchisor of some 1,176 restaurants, said higher earnings for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 primarily reflected a gain on the sale of real estate and an extra operating week in fiscal 2004. IHOP's net...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 28, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Back Yard Burgers 11.81 $6.44 Star Buffet 7.46 7.20 McCormick &...

Winston-Salem, N.C.--Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. on Thursday said federal prosecutors are investigating the company and will seek to interview certain former and current officers and employees.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. on Thursday said federal prosecutors are investigating the company and will seek to interview certain former and current officers and employees. The operator or franchisor of 401 doughnut...

Neptune Beach, Fla.--Eaco Corp., formerly the sole franchisee of the Ryan's Family Steak House chain, agreed to sell 16 restaurants it operates under the Whistle Junction, Florida Buffet and Ryan's names to Banner Buffets LLC for $30 million.(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. -- EACO CORP., formerly the sole franchisee of the Ryan's Family Steak House chain, agreed to sell 16 restaurants it operates under the Whistle Junction, Florida Buffet and Ryan's names to BANNER BUFFETS LLC for $30...

West Roxbury, Mass.--New York investment firm Centre Partners Management LLC completed the previously reported purchase of Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp.(Masachussets)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... WEST ROXBURY, Mass. -- New York investment firm CENTRE PARTNERS MANAGEMENT LLC completed the previously reported purchase of UNO RESTAURANT HOLDINGS CORP. Terms were not disclosed. The 200-unit casual-dining operator will be led by founder...

San Francisco--The owners of Fior D'Italia here, one of the oldest Italian restaurant in America, said they expect repair and replacement costs and business interruption losses to reach about $1.5 million before the landmark eatery damaged by a fire Feb. 15 reopens this spring.(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... SAN FRANCISCO -- The owners of FIOR D'ITALIA here, one of the oldest Italian restaurant in America, said they expect repair and replacement costs and business interruption losses to reach about $1.5 million before the landmark eatery damaged...

Jack in the Box Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC., operator or franchisor of more than 2,000 quick-service restaurants, reported a 14-percent rise in first-quarter operating income to $44.4 million on a 10-percent jump in revenue to $738.6 million. Net...

Panera Bread Co.(fourth-quarter earnings )(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- PANERABREAD CO.'s fourth-quarter earnings and revenues jumped 35 percent. The operator or franchisor of 741 bakery-cafes reported net income of $14 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec. 25, versus...

Minneapolis--Buca Inc., operator of 106 Buca di Beppo and Vinny T's of Boston dinnerhouses, named Kaye R. O'Leary chief financial officer, effective April 1.(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUCAINC., operator of 106 Buca di Beppo and Vinny T's of Boston dinnerhouses, named KAYE R.O'LEARY chief financial officer, effective April 1. She replaces DAN SKRYPEK, who had been interim CFO since GREG GADEL resigned in...

Denny's Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 25, 2005... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S INC., operator or franchisor of 1,603 restaurants, named CRAIG E. HERMAN to the newly created post of senior vice president of company operations, specifically Denny's 552 company-owned units. Herman was in charge...

Stockwatch.(Restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 25, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Denny's 7.09 $4.68 Rubio's Retaurants 4.46 11.00 Flanigan's...

Nashville, Tenn.--Jefferies Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, and the principals of Dynamic Management Co. LLC acquired Barnhill's Buffet Inc., a chain of 41 all-you-can-eat restaurants in seven states.(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- JEFFERIES CAPITAL PARTNERS, a New York-based private equity firm, and the principals of DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT CO. LLC acquired BARNHILL'S BUFFET INC., a chain of 41 all-you-can-eat restaurants in seven states. Terms of the...

Atlantic City, N.J.--An applicant for a job at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa here filed a lawsuit against the establishment over a new policy that prohibits the resort's 200 costumed beverage servers and bartenders from gaining more than 7 percent of their baseline weight as set at weigh-ins that began last Friday, an Associated Press report indicated.(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- An applicant for a job at the BORGATA HOTEL CASINO & SPA here filed a lawsuit against the establishment over a new policy that prohibits the resort's 200 costumed beverage servers and bartenders from gaining more than 7...

Michelin.(Michelin Travel Publications will launch Michelin Guide New York City 2006)(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... NEW YORK -- MICHELIN said it will launch in November the Michelin Guide New York City 2006, marking the French company's first review of hotels and restaurants in North America. The guide is to provide ratings of approximately 500 New York...

Restaurant Association of Maryland.(gives statistics of sales tax collections in Talbot County)(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... COLUMBIA, Md. -- Following implementation of a smoking ban at restaurants and bars with liquor licenses in Talbot County, Md., sales tax collections declined by 11 percent, or nearly $3 million, from May through December 2004, compared with...

James Beard Foundation.(appoints Edna Morris as interim executive director )(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... NEW YORK -- Former Red Lobster president EDNA MORRIS was appointed interim executive director of the JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION. Morris, who said she has committed to serve in the position for up to 12 months, will work with the foundation's...

Carl's Jr.(rolls out spicy burger )(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- In a "Six Dollar" line extension, the 1,017-unit CARL'S JR. chain on Wednesday rolled out a $4.59 Spicy BBQ Six Dollar Burger topped with Texas Toothpicks, which are batter-fried slivers of onions and jalapenos. They're...

Columbus, Ohio - Donatos Pizza this week broke the first of five TV spots in a new campaign called "Order Responsibly," which urges consumers to shun "mediocre pizza".(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- DONATOS PIZZA this week broke the first of five TV spots in a new campaign called "Order Responsibly," which urges consumers to shun "mediocre pizza." One spot, promoting a new limited-time Smokehouse BBQ Pizza, depicts a...

Miami--Benihana Inc. said it was notified by Nasdaq that the company's stock would be delisted from the Nasdaq stock exchange because a quarterly report for the three months ended Jan. 2 had not been reviewed by an independent registered public accounting firm.(Brief Article)
February 24, 2005... MIAMI -- BENIHANA INC. said it was notified by Nasdaq that the company's stock would be delisted from the Nasdaq stock exchange because a quarterly report for the three months ended Jan. 2 had not been reviewed by an independent registered...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 24, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Rubio's Restaurants 7.56 $10.53 Worldwide Rest. Concepts 5.32 4.95 Granite City Food...

Bloomington, Ind.--Following action taken last year by the city of Bloomington that banned smoking in all restaurants and bars, effective Jan. 1, the Indiana House of Representatives is weighing the state's first partial ban on smoking in restaurants.(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Following action taken last year by the city of Bloomington that banned smoking in all restaurants and bars, effective Jan. 1, the Indiana House of Representatives is weighing the state's first partial ban on smoking in...

Trenton, N.J.--While several bills to ban smoking in businesses are before the New Jersey state Senate, the American Cancer Society last week began an anti-smoking radio advertising campaign that supports a statewide smoking ban.(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... TRENTON, N.J. -- While several bills to ban smoking in businesses are before the New Jersey state Senate, the American Cancer Society last week began an anti-smoking radio advertising campaign that supports a statewide smoking ban. The cancer...

Ferndale, Mich.--BD's Mongolian Barbeque signed a development agreement with Dave Ulgenalp, managing partner of Mongrill LLC, calling for him to open 14 units in Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland and Sarasota, Fla., by 2012.(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... FERNDALE, Mich. -- BD'S MONGOLIAN BARBEQUE signed a development agreement with DAVE ULGENALP, managing partner of MONGRILLLLC, calling for him to open 14 units in Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland and Sarasota, Fla., by 2012. The deal is the largest...

Yard House Restaurants LLC.(plans to open new units)(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- YARD HOUSE RESTAURANTS LLC, operator of nine dinnerhouses, said it plans to open three new units in 2005. The Irvine-based company said it had gross sales in 2004 exceeding $62 million, a 42.2-percent increase from fiscal...

Chicago--The National Restaurant Association said former U.S. secretary of state Colin L. Powell will make the keynote address at the NRA's annual Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show here in May.(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... CHICAGO -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION said former U.S. secretary of state COLIN L. POWELL will make the keynote address at the NRA's annual Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show here in May.

Domino's Pizza Inc.(fourth-quarter profits)(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA INC., operator or franchisor of 7,757 pizza delivery units, reported a 27-percent surge in fourth-quarter profits to $27 million on a 10.5-percent increase in revenues to $478.5 million. An extra operating...

Dallas--Brinker International Inc. here said Wilson Craft had resigned as president of its flagship Chili's Grill & Bar chain for personal reasons and would be replaced on an interim basis by Todd Diener, Brinker's chief operating officer and former Chili's president.
February 23, 2005... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC. here said WILSON CRAFT had resigned as president of its flagship Chili's Grill & Bar chain for personal reasons and would be replaced on an interim basis by TODD DIENER, Brinker's chief operating officer...

Papa John's Pizza.(new offerings)(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA is testing breakfast pizza omelets, pastries, juice and coffee at a downtown unit here, a news report indicated. The 6-inch pizza-dough-encased omelets come with such optional toppings as cheese, sausage...

Luby's Inc.(adds new entrees in a spring rollout)(Brief Article)
February 23, 2005... HOUSTON -- LUBY'S INC., operator of 134 cafeterias, added four new entrees in a spring rollout. The additions are Sweet Pepper Salmon, Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Tempura Fried Fillet and a blackened Southwest Chicken Breast with Cajun spices,...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 23, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Nathan's Famous 2.88 $7.49 Max & Erma's 2.41 14.85 Buca ...

The NPD Group.(hamburger restaurants see rise in customer traffic)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. -- Quick-service hamburger restaurants, which account for 23 percent of total restaurant industry traffic, saw a 4-percent increase in customer traffic in 2004, according to a study by THE NPD GROUP, a market research...

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO INC., operator or franchisor of approximately 115 P.F. Chang's China Bistro restaurants and 53 Pei Wei Asian Diner units, is developing a new restaurant concept, according to published reports....

Washington Township, N.J.--officials were investigating the cause of a fire that nearly destroyed a T.G.I. Friday's restaurant here last Tuesday night.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- Officials were investigating the cause of a fire that nearly destroyed a T.G.I. FRIDAY'S restaurant here last Tuesday night. Police evacuated more than 40 customers and staff members from the building. The...

Seattle--Taco Del Mar, a 118-unit chain based here, entered a franchise agreement with Marion Stampley Jr. of San Francisco-based MTS Ventures Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... SEATTLE -- TACO DEL MAR, a 118-unit chain based here, entered a franchise agreement with MARION STAMPLEY JR. of San Francisco-based MTS VENTURES INC. under which it would open four units over the next two months in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

New York--Drew Nieporent of Myriad Restaurant Group is partnering with Bob Schagrin and Josh Guberman to open a retail wine store-cafe here called Crush Wine Co., which would showcase products from vintners whose annual production does not exceed 5,000 cases per variety of wine.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... NEW YORK -- DREW NIEPORENT of MYRIAD RESTAURANT GROUP is partnering with BOB SCHAGRIN and JOSH GUBERMAN to open a retail wine store-cafe here called Crush Wine Co., which would showcase products from vintners whose annual production does not...

Miami--Burger King Corp., based here, named chief executive Greg Brenneman, 43, to the additional post of chairman.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP., based here, named chief executive GREG BRENNEMAN, 43, to the additional post of chairman. He succeeds RICHARD BOYCE, who remains on the Burger King board's executive committee. Brenneman joined Burger King last...

Bradenton, Fla.--First Watch Restaurants Inc., based here, hired Rick Akam as chief operating officer of the 52-unit, breakfast-through-lunch chain, which operates in nine states nationwide.(Florida)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... BRADENTON, Fla. -- FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS INC., based here, hired RICK AKAM as chief operating officer of the 52-unit, breakfast-through-lunch chain, which operates in nine states nationwide. Akam most recently was COO of Raving Brand's Inc....

Manufacturers' Agents for the Food Service Industry.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... ATLANTA -- Sales of durable goods to the foodservice industry rose 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, versus the year-ago period, and increased for all product categories in all regions of the United States and Canada, according...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp., as part of its previously announced marketing partnership with Destiny's Child, said the singing group will make personal visits to McDonald's restaurants throughout its 16-country, 72-city tour that is set to kick off April 9 in Hiroshima, Japan.(Marketing Matters)(Illinois)(Brief Article)
February 22, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP., as part of its previously announced marketing partnership with DESTINY'S CHILD, said the singing group will make personal visits to McDonald's restaurants throughout its 16-country, 72-city tour that is...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 22, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Sonic 6.03 $32.54 Smith & Wollensky 5.30 5.17...

Milford, Conn.--Subway, operator or franchisor of more than 22,500 sandwich shops, disputed a claim by the nonprofit Citizens' Council on Health Care, or CCHC, that the chain is running a "misleading and detrimental" advertising campaign.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY, operator or franchisor of more than 22,500 sandwich shops, disputed a claim by the nonprofit CITIZENS' COUNCIL ON HEALTH CARE, or CCHC, that the chain is running a "misleading and detrimental" advertising campaign....

Baltimore--four restaurant concepts have been chosen to occupy the new Airmall at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2005... BALTIMORE -- Four restaurant concepts have been chosen to occupy the new Airmall at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. MARK KNIGHT, president of BAA MARYLAND INC., which is building 140,000 square feet of concession space at the...

Seattle--Starbucks Corp. has teamed with Jim Beam Brands Co. to produce and market Starbucks Coffee Liqueur.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2005... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. has teamed with JIM BEAM BRANDS CO. to produce and market Starbucks Coffee Liqueur. The liqueur made with 100-percent Starbucks coffee is intended for the on-premise and retail markets, and stems from a development...

Chicago--City Hall and the Chicago Park District are at odds over a contract held by the partners of Park Grill in Millennium Park, and say the deal may have been illegal.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2005... CHICAGO -- City Hall and the Chicago Park District are at odds over a contract held by the partners of PARK GRILL in Millennium Park, and say the deal may have been illegal. The 20-year lease was awarded to restaurateurs MATTHEW O'MALLEY and...

CBRL Group Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2005... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC., operator of 516 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants and gift shops and operator or franchisor of 141 Logan's Roadhouse units, reported a 14-percent jump in second-quarter profits on an 8.9-percent...

Bob Evans Farms Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- BOB EVANS FARMS INC., based here, posted third-quarter earnings that were 57 percent lower than those of the year before, as a result of decreased same-store sales and operating margins at its 587 Bob Evans family...

Stockwatch (shares over $3).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 18, 2005... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Panera Bread 10.22 $54.15 Ark Restaurants 3.61 38.44 Denny's 2.08 ...

People Report.(surveys on turnover rates for restaurant managers and hourly workers)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2005... DALLAS -- Turnover rates for restaurant managers and hourly workers may be on the rise again after appearing to bottom out following three years of steady decline, according to PEOPLE REPORT, a human-resources firm here that recently released...

IHOP Corp.(signs franchise agreements)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2005... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., operator or franchisor of 1,186 restaurants, signed agreements under which franchisees would open 56 restaurants over the next seven years in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North...

Sherman Oaks, Calif.--In what it said were efforts to increase shareholder value, Worldwide Restaurant Concepts, based here, completed a seven-store sale-leaseback transaction that generated about $16.1 million.(Brief Article)
February 17, 2005... SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- In what it said were efforts to increase shareholder value, WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS, based here, completed a seven-store sale-leaseback transaction that generated about $16.1 million. The parent of the Sizzler...

HMSHost Corp.(operates two toll plazas on the Indiana Toll Road)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2005... BETHESDA, Md. -- HMSHOST CORP., based here, received a contract to operate two toll plazas on the Indiana Toll Road. The 10-year pact is expected to generate an average of $6 million in annual revenue. JOHN J. MCCARTHY, president and chief...

Wendy's International Inc.(fourth quarter results)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. booked a net fourth-quarter loss of $135.7 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, as a result of a $1.64-per-share charge for a goodwill write-down on its Baja Fresh Mexican Grill chain. Excluding the...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(fourth-quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC., reporting a nearly 15-percent drop in fourth-quarter earnings, blamed weaker-than-expected sales at its 881-unit namesake chain, higher tomato prices, a $1.6 million contribution to Florida hurricane...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 17, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Luby's 3.51 $6.49 Total Entertainment 3.22 11.85 Good Times...

Denver--Qdoba Mexican Grill, the 195-unit fast-casual chain based here, said franchisee Nadya Shihadeh, owner and operator of the franchising company Zaytoon Ltd., had agreed to open Qdoba restaurants in Findlay, Bowling Green and Lima, Ohio.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 16, 2005... DENVER -- QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL, the 195-unit fast-casual chain based here, said franchisee NADYA SHIHADEH, owner and operator of the franchising company ZAYTOON LTD., had agreed to open Qdoba restaurants in Findlay, Bowling Green and Lima,...

Las Vegas--Paul Bartolotta, chef-owner of four upscale and fine-dining restaurants in Milwaukee, plans to open a second Italian restaurants in Las Vegas in addition to his previously reported opening at Wynn Las Vegas, Steve Wynn's new $2.7 billion casino-resort property.(Just In)
February 16, 2005... LAS VEGAS -- PAUL BARTOLOTTA, chef-owner of four upscale and fine-dining restaurants in Milwaukee, plans to open a second Italian restaurants in Las Vegas in addition to his previously reported opening at Wynn Las Vegas, STEVE WYNN's new $2.7...

St. Louis--Hardee's, a 1,017-unit subsidiary of Carpinteria, Calif.-based CKE Restaurants Inc., debuted the Loaded Breakfast Burrito, $2.49.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
February 16, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- HARDEE'S, a 1,017-unit subsidiary of Carpinteria, Calif.-based CKE RESTAURANTS INC., debuted the Loaded Breakfast Burrito, $2.49. The item is scrambled eggs, diced ham, bacon, sausage, shredded cheese and salsa wrapped in a flour...

Orlando, Fla.--Red Lobster is expanding its "LightHouse Menu," which provides information on the carbohydrate and fat grams and calorie content of more than 30 menu items, to make the submenu a a permanent offering of the 670-unit chain.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
February 16, 2005... ORLANDO, Fla. -- RED LOBSTER is expanding its "LightHouse Menu," which provides information on the carbohydrate and fat grams and calorie content of more than 30 menu items, to make the submenu a a permanent offering of the 670-unit chain....

Washington--the National Restaurant Association teamed up with First Data Corp. to launch the TakeCharge credit-card-processing program.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
February 16, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION teamed up with FIRST DATA CORP. to launch the TakeCharge credit-card-processing program. TakeCharge, which was designed specifically to be used by foodservice operators, offers payment choices...

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 16, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC. more than doubled its fourth-quarter earnings on 32-percent-higher revenues, versus the fourth quarter of 2003. The operator and franchisor of approximately 306 Buffalo Wild Wings units recorded net...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 16, 2005... GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC., operator or franchisor of 255 casual-dining units, reported a 30.5-percent increase in fourth-quarter profits but said results could be restated because of changes in lease...

Rare Hospitality International.(Executive Suite)(Benjamin A. Waites promoted)(Brief Article)
February 16, 2005... ATLANTA -- RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL, operator or franchisor of 268 restaurants, including 218 LongHorn Steakhouses, 28 Bugaboo Creek Steak Houses and 20 The Capital Grille restaurants, promoted BENJAMIN A. WAITES to the newly created...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 16, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Flanigan's Enterprises 5.19 $8.10 IHOP 4.49 47.26 Champps ...

Washington--Responding to the confirmation this year of two cases of mad cow disease in Canada, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would delay a portion of its plan to allow imports of Canadian beef into the country beginning March 7.(Just In)
February 15, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Responding to the confirmation this year of two cases of mad cow disease in Canada, the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE said it would delay a portion of its plan to allow imports of Canadian beef into the country beginning March...

Lynchburg, Va.--A former assistant manager of a Bedford, Va., Burger King unit, who was fired after refusing to honor a race-based request from a customer, will receive $65,000 from his former employer as part of a recent settlement of a discrimination lawsuit in federal court here.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 15, 2005... LYNCHBURG, Va. -- A former assistant manager of a Bedford, Va., BURGER KING unit, who was fired after refusing to honor a race-based request from a customer, will receive $65,000 from his former employer as part of a recent settlement of a...

Wilbraham, Mass.--Friendly's Restaurants Franchise Inc., a subsidiary of Friendly's Ice Cream Corp., based here, signed an agreement with Middletown, Del.-based R.R.C. Restaurants Inc., calling for it to expand the 535-unit chain by opening three Friendly's units in New Castle County, Del., by September 2008.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 15, 2005... WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- FRIENDLY'S RESTAURANTS FRANCHISE INC., a subsidiary of FRIENDLY'S ICE CREAM CORP., based here, signed an agreement with Middletown, Del.-based R.R.C. RESTAURANTS INC., calling for it to expand the 535-unit chain by opening...

Michigan Restaurant Association.(Just In)(resealed wine bottles to transport)(Brief Article)
February 15, 2005... LANSING, Mich. -- The MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION is supporting a bill that would allow restaurants to re-cork partly consumed bottles of wine for diners to transport home in their cars. Thirty other states allow diners to leave...

Virginia Beach, Va.--Marlin Alexander Inc., a six-unit franchisee of Cici's Pizza, entered into a deal valued at $1.1 million with Scottsdale, Ariz.-based GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance to enhance growth.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 15, 2005... VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- MARLIN ALEXANDER INC., a six-unit franchisee of CICI'S PIZZA, entered into a deal valued at $1.1 million with Scottsdale, Ariz.-based GE COMMERCIAL FINANCE, FRANCHISE FINANCE to enhance growth. Under the deal, Marlin...

Landry's Restaurants Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 15, 2005... HOUSTON -- LANDRY'S RESTAURANTS INC., the nation's second-largest operator of casual-dining seafood chains, is changing the way it accounts for leases. The company, based here, said it had not determined whether corrections to its accounting...

Happy Joe's Franchising Inc.(Executive Suite)(Bob Thiess appointed)(Brief Article)
February 15, 2005... BETTENDORK, Iowa -- HAPPY JOE'S FRANCHISING INC., the franchise arm of the 65-unit Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor Inc., based here, named BOB THIESS to the newly created position of executive director of franchise development. Most...

Caspers Co.(Executive Suite)(Blake J. Casper to succeed Joseph S. Casper)(Brief Article)
February 15, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- CASPERS CO., a 78-unit McDonald's franchisee, named BLAKE J. CASPER to succeed his father, JOSEPH S. CASPER, as chief executive and chairman. Joseph Casper died Feb. 6 after a battle with cancer at the age of 62. Tampa-based...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 15, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Good Times Restaurants 7.21 $3.57 Champps 7.09 9.37 Luby's ...

San Rafael, Calif.--McDonald's Corp. agreed to pay $8.5 million plus attorney's fees to settle litigation filed here over its allegedly inadequate disclosure that the chain had delayed a plan to reduce trans fat in its foods.(Just In)
February 14, 2005... SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. agreed to pay $8.5 million plus attorney's fees to settle litigation filed here over its allegedly inadequate disclosure that the chain had delayed a plan to reduce trans fat in its foods. The Oak Brook,...

Tampa, Fla.--Joseph S. Casper, chief executive and chairman of 78-unit Caspers Co., the largest McDonald's franchisee in Florida, died Feb. 6 after a battle with cancer.(Just In)(Obituary)
February 14, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- JOSEPH S. CASPER, chief executive and chairman of 78-unit CASPERS CO., the largest MCDONALD'S franchisee in Florida, died Feb. 6 after a battle with cancer. He was 62. Casper opened his first McDonald's in 1969 with his father,...

Shells Seafood Restaurants Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS INC., a 25-unit casual-dining chain based here, plans to open its first new restaurant since 1999, in Clearwater, Fla. Shells acquired a Clearwater Beach waterfront property--formerly a Leverock's...

McDonald's Corp.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. generated a record $3.9 billion in cash from operations in 2004, topping 2003 results by more than $600 million, the company said. The surge was attributed to higher sales and profits at existing...

Starbucks Corp.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. on Friday filed for a five-day extension of the deadline for submitting its quarterly report to securities regulators for the period ended Jan. 2, saying the company needed time to adjust its lease accounting. The...