Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from January 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from January 2005

Subway.(Just In)(offers an optional breakfast program )(Brief Article)
January 31, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY, franchisor of the 22,670-unit sandwich chain, is testing new breakfast items at approximately 100 branches around the country, including Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., parts of Texas, and Tucson, Ariz. While Subway...

Chicago--the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is slated to introduce a more comprehensive educational tool this spring for responsible alcohol management by restaurateurs and concessionaires.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 31, 2005... CHICAGO -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is slated to introduce a more comprehensive educational tool this spring for responsible alcohol management by restaurateurs and concessionaires. JIM BOUDREAU, senior vice...

Atlanta--the Georgia Department of Revenue agreed to release 280 bottles of wine, some of them worth hundreds of dollars each, that agents confiscated here last week from the high-end steakhouse Bones's, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 31, 2005... ATLANTA -- The GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE agreed to release 280 bottles of wine, some of them worth hundreds of dollars each, that agents confiscated here last week from the high-end steakhouse BONE'S, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution...

Fort Lauderdale, Fla--Joseph Flanigan, founder of Flanigan's Seafood Bar And Grill and the Big Daddy's liquor stores, died Friday from complications related to cancer at his home in Sea Ranch Lakes, Fla.(Just In)(Obituary)
January 31, 2005... FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- JOSEPH FLANIGAN, founder of FLANIGAN'S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL and the Big Daddy's liquor stores, died Friday from complications related to cancer at his home in Sea Ranch Lakes, Fla. He was 75. Flanigan led the publicly...

New York--Old Homestead, a steakhouse that grabbed headlines several years ago with its $41 Kobe beef burger, is opening its third unit, in Bethesda, Md., in April.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 31, 2005... NEW YORK -- OLD HOMESTEAD, a steakhouse that grabbed headlines several years ago with its $41 Kobe beef burger, is opening its third unit, in Bethesda, Md., in April. GREG SHERRY owns the two-unit chain, based here, which includes a branch in...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp., saying it will explore a possible public or private spinoff of its Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill chain of 410 fast-casual units, posted corporate fourth-quarter profits that were more than triple year-earlier results on a 10-percent jump in global revenues, boosted by strong U.S. sales and the McDonald's chain's first full-year string of monthly same-store sales increases since 1987.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 31, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP., saying it will explore a possible public or private spinoff of its Denver-based CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL chain of 410 fast-casual units, posted corporate fourth-quarter profits that were more than triple...

Applebee's International Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 31, 2005... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC., operator or franchisor of 1,680 casual-dining restaurants, said comparable-store sales for the four weeks ended Jan. 23 had risen 1.1 percent at company restaurants and 5.1 percent at...

Chicago--the Women's Foodservice Forum selected Chicago-based Schafer Condon Carter as its ad agency of record to help drive membership, and boost corporate involvement and support for the organization.(Marketing Matters)
January 31, 2005... CHICAGO -- The WOMEN'S FOODSERVICE FORUM selected Chicago-based SCHAFER CONDON CARTER as its ad agency of record to help drive membership, and boost corporate involvement and support for the organization. The Chicago-based WFF, whose membership...

Peter Piper Inc.(Executive Suite)(appointed Frank Sbordone as chief executive)(Brief Article)
January 31, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- PETER PIPER INC., operator or franchisor of 141 pizza and entertainment units, named FRANK SBORDONE as chief executive. He also is president and chief operating officer. Sbordone succeeds NEIL R. SIMON, who remains vice...

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
January 31, 2005... STOCKWATCH (share over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Good Times Restaurants 18.31 $3.49 Flanigan's Enterprises 6.00 7.42 Smith & Wollensky 5.15...

New York--A restaurant analyst here, while upgrading his rating on Wendy's International stock to "outperform," forecast that the nearly 6,500-unit burger chain's franchisees could roll out a breakfast program this year as the brand downplays its 99-cent menu.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2005... NEW YORK -- A restaurant analyst here, while upgrading his rating on WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL stock to "outperform," forecast that the nearly 6,500-unit burger chain's franchisees could roll out a breakfast program this year as the brand downplays...

Anaheim, Calif.--Blaming a poor economy and lack of sales, franchisee Eric Chung of Edcca Foods Inc., based here, closed the last of his six Coco's Bakery Restaurants in western Washington state.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2005... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Blaming a poor economy and lack of sales, franchisee ERIC CHUNG of EDCCA FOODS INC., based here, closed the last of his six COCO'S BAKERY RESTAURANTS in western Washington state. Three units closed earlier this month, and...

Wilmington, N.C.--Port City Java, operator or franchisor of 67 coffeehouses, opened a new prototype outlet with a design geared for nontraditional settings.(Just In)(New Shops)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2005... WILMINGTON, N.C. -- PORT CITY JAVA, operator or franchisor of 67 coffeehouses, opened a new prototype outlet with a design geared for nontraditional settings. The new unit, Port City's third location in a Harris Teeter grocery store, is modular...

New York--The 98-year-old PLAZA HOTEL on Central Park South is scheduled to close by April 30 and be transformed into upscale condominiums, retail stores and a smaller hotel.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2005... NEW YORK -- The 98-year-old PLAZA HOTEL on Central Park South is scheduled to close by April 30 and be transformed into upscale condominiums, retail stores and a smaller hotel. The 805-room hotel's owner, ELAD PROPERTIES, said the Plaza's...

McDonald's Corp.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. expanded the role of McDonald's U.S. president RALPH ALVAREZ to president of the company's North American division, a new post that includes the United States and Canada. JEFF STRATTON, McDonald's U.S. chief...

Wendy's International Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2005... DUBLIN, OHIO -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. delayed the scheduled Feb. 4 release of its fourth-quarter results by 12 days while it revises the accounting for its restaurant leases and subleases. The operator and franchisor of more 9,500...

Steak N Shake Co.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2005... INDIANAPOLIS -- STEAK N SHAKE CO., operator or franchisor of 429 casual-dining restaurants, reported a 12-percent rise in first-quarter earnings on a 10.5-percent increase in revenues to $126.5 million. The Indianapolis-based company's net...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 28, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Mexican Restaurants 10.20 $9.51 Buffalo Wild Wings 7.08 41.27 Diedrich Coffee ...

Fresh Start Enterprises, a former four-unit Baja Fresh Mexican Grill franchisee in Kansas City, Mo., filed a lawsuit in California against the chain's former chief executive, Greg Dollarhyde, alleging he made false and misleading statements about the financial health of the company.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 27, 2005... FRESH START ENTERPRISES, a former four-unit BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL franchisee in Kansas City, Mo., filed a lawsuit in California against the chain's former chief executive, GREG DOLLARHYDE, alleging he made false and misleading statements...

New York--Leonard F. Pickell Jr., former president of the James Beard Foundation, pleaded guilty Jan. 24 to stealing more than $50,000 from the organization since 1995, according to published reports.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 27, 2005... NEW YORK -- LEONARD F. PICKELL JR., former president of the JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION, pleaded guilty Jan. 24 to stealing more than $50,000 from the organization since 1995, according to published reports. Pickell faces a maximum of five to 15...

New York--Restaurant Opportunities Center here, an advocacy group for workers, said that more than one-third of the city's foodservice employees are illegal immigrants and that 59 percent of those workers reported overtime violations by employers, while 73 percent said they had no health insurance.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 27, 2005... NEW YORK -- RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITIES CENTER here, an advocacy group for workers, said that more than one-third of the city's foodservice employees are illegal immigrants and that 59 percent of those workers reported overtime violations by...

Sagittarius II Acquisitions.(Executive Suite)(Ron Powell appointed as president )(Brief Article)
January 27, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Yorkshire Global Restaurants president RON POWELL was named president and CEO of Delaware-based SAGITTARIUS II ACQUISITIONS, the holding group that acquired the 580-unit CAPTAIN D'S SEAFOOD chain Jan. 4. Powell also...

Starbucks Corp.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 27, 2005... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. reported a 31-percent jump in first-quarter earnings to $144.8 million on record revenues of $1.6 billion, up 24 percent from a year earlier, for the period ended Jan. 2. The operator and licensor of 8,949...

Ryan's Restaurant Group Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 27, 2005... GREER, S.C. -- RYAN'S RESTAURANT GROUP INC., operator and franchisor of the 348 grill-buffet chain based here, said fourth-quarter profits fell nearly 26 percent because of weak sales. The company earned $9.2 million, or 22 cents a share, for...

Meritage Hospitality Group Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 27, 2005... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- MERITAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP INC., operator of 48 Wendy's and one O'Charley's unit, reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $209,787, or 4 cents per share, versus a profit of $418,757, or 8 cents a share, in the prior year's...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 27, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Applebee's International 10.04 $27.95 Star Buffet 4.38 6.20 Ark Restaurants ...

New York--A federal appeals court here has revived a controversial obesity lawsuit against McDonald's Corp. by reversing a trial court's 2003 dismissal of charges by two New York City teenagers who blamed their health problems on the burger chain's allegedly deceptive advertising.(Court of Appeals for the 2d Circuit)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... NEW YORK -- A federal appeals court here has revived a controversial obesity lawsuit against MCDONALD'S CORP. by reversing a trial court's 2003 dismissal of charges by two New York City teenagers who blamed their health problems on the burger...

Miami--McDonald's restaurants here are testing a line of premium chicken sandwiches expected to be launched nationwide this fall, according to Boston-based restaurant analyst John Glass of CIBC World Markets.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... MIAMI -- MCDONALD'S restaurants here are testing a line of premium chicken sandwiches expected to be launched nationwide this fall, according to Boston-based restaurant analyst JOHN GLASS of CIBC WORLD MARKETS. The four varieties are Classic...

New York--The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group agreed to pay $164,000 to 23 immigrant workers in consolidating four federal lawsuits alleging job discrimination and wage and hour violations.(Just In)(Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and National Labor Relations Board)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... NEW YORK -- The SMITH & WOLLENSKY RESTAURANT GROUP agreed to pay $164,000 to 23 immigrant workers in consolidating four federal lawsuits alleging job discrimination and wage and hour violations. The 18-unit upscale steakhouse chain's settlement...

Austin, Texas--The 253-unit Fuddruckers chain in mid-March plans to consolidate all of its headquarters functions from Beverly, Mass., to Austin, where Fuddruckers has maintained a regional restaurant support center since 1998.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... AUSTIN, Texas -- The 253-unit FUDDRUCKERS chain in mid-March plans to consolidate all of its headquarters functions from Beverly, Mass., to Austin, where Fuddruckers has maintained a regional restaurant support center since 1998. The Beverly...

Sanford, Fla.--The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the deaths here of an 18-year-old McDonald's worker and a truck driver from carbon-dioxide poisoning.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... SANFORD, Fla. -- The U.S. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION is investigating the deaths here of an 18-year-old MCDONALD'S worker and a truck driver from carbon-dioxide poisoning. The accident occurred inside a room where tanks of...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC.'s lenders agreed to extend until March 25 the deadline for default on its $150 million credit line, the company said Tuesday in disclosing its second extension to file delinquent financial...

Wendy's International.(Marketing Matters)(Services)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL said more than 80 percent of its U.S. namesake restaurants have introduced fresh fruit, available in a cup for $2.19 and in a bowl for $4.19, as part of a national rollout expected to be completed by...

Smyrna, Ga--Atlanta Bread Co., the 167-unit bakery-cafe chain based here, named Scharbo and Co. of Atlanta as agency of record and plans.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
January 26, 2005... SMYRNA, Ga. -- ATLANTA BREAD CO., the 167-unit bakery-cafe chain based here, named SCHARBO AND CO. of Atlanta as agency of record and plans to break new ads during the third quarter.

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 26, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Host America 9.20 $3.80 Rare Hospitality 5.53 29.79 Brinker International...

Washington--Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. on Monday told securities regulators it would pay $1,455 an hour to turnaround firm Kroll Zolfo Cooper LLC for the services of Stephen Cooper and Steven Panagos as the chain's new CEO and president/COO, respectively.(Just In)(Chief operating officers)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... WASHINGTON -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. on Monday told securities regulators it would pay $1,455 an hour to turnaround firm KROLL ZOLFO COOPER LLC for the services of STEPHEN COOPER and STEVEN PANAGOS as the chain's new CEO and president/COO,...

Richmond Heights, Mo.--Panera Bread Co., operator and franchisor of the 701-unit bakery-cafe chain based here, said a new franchise group had agreed to open 10 units in the California counties of San Francisco and Marin.(Just In)(Missouri)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- PANERABREAD CO., operator and franchisor of the 701-unit bakery-cafe chain based here, said a new franchise group had agreed to open 10 units in the California counties of San Francisco and Marin. The group, led by...

Tokyo--McDonald's Holdings Co. (Japan) Ltd., which is 50-percent owned by brand owner McDonald's Corp. of Oak Brook, Ill., said it is "conducting a test on pricing to study what is most relevant to customers.".(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... TOKYO -- MCDONALD'S HOLDINGS CO. (JAPAN) LTD., which is 50-percent owned by brand owner MCDONALD'S CORP. of Oak Brook, Ill., said it is "conducting a test on pricing to study what is most relevant to customers." McDonald's Japan declined to...

Entrepreneur.(Just In)(Subway and Quiznos Sub ranked topped in magazines franchises list)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- Subway and Quiznos Sub ranked among the top 10 in ENTREPRENEUR magazine's list of the 101 fastest-growing franchises for 2005. The rankings are based on the number of new U.S. and Canadian franchise units added from 2003 to...

Omaha, Neb.--Conagra Foods Inc., a packaged-goods giant, signed a deal with Six Flags Inc. to be national food sponsor at its 28 theme parks in the United States.(Supplier News)(Nebraska)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... OMAHA, Neb. -- CONAGRA FOODS INC., a packaged-goods giant, signed a deal with SIX FLAGS INC. to be national food sponsor at its 28 theme parks in the United States. Under the multiyear agreement, ConAgra would expand its foodservice presence at...

Captain D's.(Marketing Matters)(restaurant to begin promotions of a new seafood)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- CAPTAIN D'S, operator and franchisor of 580 quick-service seafood restaurants, is gearing up to debut a new seafood promotion nationwide Jan. 31. It will feature two new combos, priced at $3.99 each. The Festival Shrimp...

Atlanta--Blimpie International Inc., franchisor of nearly 1,600 units, hired Weber Shandwick Worldwide to manage the Atlanta-based chain's public relations.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... ATLANTA -- BLIMPIE INTERNATIONAL INC., franchisor of nearly 1,600 units, hired WEBER SHANDWICK WORLDWIDE to manage the Atlanta-based chain's public relations. Weber Shandwick will provide assistance for all of Blimpie's corporate...

Miami--Burger King rolled out the Western Angus Steak Burger last Friday, surprising its franchisees and employees, who did not know that the winning product on the previous night's "The Apprentice" would be offered to consumers.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
January 25, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING rolled out the Western Angus Steak Burger last Friday, surprising its franchisees and employees, who did not know that the winning product on the previous night's "The Apprentice" would be offered to consumers. The NBC...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 25, 2005... STOCKWATCH (share over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Rubio's Restaurants 4.23 $10.11 Triarc Cos. 2.17 15.55 Brinker International 1.97 ...

Atlanta--Church's Chicken, the 1,556-unit quick-service chain, terminated 20 of its 4,700 employees Friday.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... ATLANTA -- CHURCH'S CHICKEN, the 1,556-unit quick-service chain, terminated 20 of its 4,700 employees Friday. The terminated employees will receive a severance package and outplacement assistance, the company said. HARSHAV. AGADI, president and...

Dallas--Brinker International Inc., based here, entered a franchise development agreement with Louisville, Ky.-based ERJ Dining under which it would open 18 Chili's Grill& Bar locations in Louisville, Lexington and Paducah, Ky.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC., based here, entered a franchise development agreement with Louisville, Ky.-based ERJ DINING under which it would open 18 CHILI'S GRILL& BAR locations in Louisville, Lexington and Paducah, Ky. As part of the...

Dedham, Mass.--D'Angelo Sandwich Shops, a 211-unit made-to-order-sandwich chain based here, signed an agreement with Russell and Jennifer Haskell Harms calling for them to open four units in Orlando, Fla.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... DEDHAM, Mass. -- D'ANGELO SANDWICH SHOPS, a 211-unit made-to-order-sandwich chain based here, signed an agreement with RUSSELL and JENNIFER HASKELL HARMS calling for them to open four units in Orlando, Fla. The deal marks the chain's reentry...

National Restaurant Association.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Consumer interest in nutritious menu options and healthful eating while dining out will continue to increase this year, according to the NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION's 2005 Restaurant Industry Forecast. The report indicates...

Cosi Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- COSI INC., operator of 92 fast-casual sandwich specialty restaurants, reported a 13-percent increase in fourth-quarter revenues to $28.5 million, versus $25.1 million in the year-earlier quarter. There was one additional...

Pizza Hut.(Marketing Matters)(Dippin' Strips introduced)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... DALLAS -- PIZZA HUT on Sunday introduced Dippin' Strips, a $9.99 one-topping pizza sliced into 16 one-inch by four-inch rectangular slices that was designed specially for dipping with three sauces--marinara, ranch and garlic. The chain said the...

The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.(Executive Suite)(Dick Sveum)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- THE MELTING POT RESTAURANTS INC., a 35-unit fondue restaurant chain, named DICK SVEUM to the newly created position of vice president of franchise operations. Sveum, a 30-year veteran of the franchise industry, most recently was...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Illustration)
January 24, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Famous Dave's of Amer. 13.85 $12.41 Back Yard Burgers 7.53 7.00 Host America...

New York--Private equity investment firm Castle Harlan Inc. sold the 45-unit Charlie Brown's Steak-House chain to New York-based Trimaran Capital Partners for $140 million.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... NEW YORK -- Private equity investment firm CASTLE HARLAN INC. sold the 45-unit CHARLIE BROWN'S STEAK-HOUSE chain to New York-based TRIMARAN CAPITAL PARTNERS for $140 million. Castle Harlan had purchased the Mountainside, N.J.-based dinnerhouse...

Hackensack, N.J. -- The jury here ordered contract giant Aramark to pay $75 million in punitive damages to 7-year-old Antonia Verni and her mother, Fazila Verni, after earlier awarding them $60.5 million in compensatory damages, in a case stemming from a 1999 drunk-driving accident that left the young girl a quadraplegic.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... HACKENSACK, N.J. -- The jury here ordered contract giant ARAMARK to pay $75 million in punitive damages to 7-year-old ANTONIA VERNI and her mother, FAZILA VERNI, after earlier awarding them $60.5 million in compensatory damages, in a case...

Atlanta--Hooters of America Inc., operator and franchisor of more than 450 casual-dining restaurants worldwide, signed Australian Enterprises LP to a franchise pact calling for the opening of an unspecified number of units in major Australian cities starting in early 2006.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... ATLANTA -- HOOTERS OF AMERICA INC., operator and franchisor of more than 450 casual-dining restaurants worldwide, signed AUSTRALIAN ENTERPRISES LP to a franchise pact calling for the opening of an unspecified number of units in major Australian...

McCain Foods USA Inc.(Supplier News)(Frank Van Schaayk appointed)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCCAIN FOODS USA INC. named FRANK VAN SCHAAYK chief executive, replacing GILLES LESSARD, who retired recently. Van Schaayk joined McCain Foods in 1992 as managing director of McCain Foods Holland Ltd. He was appointed...

WhataBurger Inc.(Executive Suite)(Tom Dobson assumes the place of Tim Taft)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- WHATA BURGER INC., operator and franchisor of the 640-unit chain based here, on Thursday said president and chief operating officer TIM TAFT was leaving the company, and his duties would be assumed by TOM DOBSON,...

Rubio's Restaurants Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- RUBIO'S RESTAURANTS INC., operator and franchisor of the 150 fast-casual chain, reported fourth-quarter revenues of $32.7 million, a 7.1-percent increase from year-earlier results. Full-year revenues rose almost 10 percent...

Church's Chicken.(Financial Briefs)(Louis J. Profumo appointed)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... ATLANTA -- CHURCH'S CHICKEN, the 1,556 quick-service chain, named LOUIS J. PROFUMO chief financial officer and executive vice president. Most recently he was CFO and treasurer of Avado Brands Inc., parent of the Don Pablo's and Hops chains....

Miami--Burger King Corp. expanded its partnership with promotional agency of record Equity Marketing, awarding it creative duties for adult, youth and family promotions.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
January 21, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. expanded its partnership with promotional agency of record EQUITY MARKETING, awarding it creative duties for adult, youth and family promotions. Equity already handles creative and manufacturing duties for BK's kids'...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Illustration)
January 21, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Max & Erma's 13.21 $15.00 Triarc Cos. 3.37 15.01...

New York--publicly traded Triarc Cos. Inc., a holding company that through its subsidiaries is franchisor of the ARBY'S chain and operator of 235 Arby's restaurants in the United States.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 20, 2005... NEW YORK -- Publicly traded TRIARC COS. INC., a holding company that through its subsidiaries is franchisor of the ARBY'S chain and operator of 235 Arby's restaurants in the United States, said it is negotiating to combine its Arby's business...

Newark, N.J.--a civil-case jury here found Aramark, the sports concessionaire at Giants Stadium, liable for damages to a mother and daughter injured in an automobile accident that was caused by a driver who had gotten drunk at a New York Giants football game in 1999.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 20, 2005... NEWARK, N.J. -- A civil-case jury here found ARAMARK, the sports concessionaire at Giants Stadium, liable for damages to a mother and daughter injured in an automobile accident that was caused by a driver who had gotten drunk at a New York...

McDonald's Corp.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 20, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. reported global system wide sales increases of 9.6 percent for December and 9.5 percent for the fourth quarter. In constant currencies those increases were 5.9 percent and 6 percent, respectively. For the...

Max & Erma's Restaurants Inc.(Financial Briefs)(rules for corporate financial reporting )
January 20, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- MAX & ERMA'S RESTAURANTS INC., operator and franchisor of 98 casual-dining restaurants, said it plans to delist its stock from the Nasdaq National Market in part to cut costs, which had increased with the implementation of the...

BJ's Restaurants Inc., parent of 35 casual-dining units, hired Gerald W. Deitchle as president and chief executive, effective Feb. 7. Paul Motenko and Jerry Hennessy, BJ's current co-CEOs, were appointed co-chairmen and remain members of the executive team.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
January 20, 2005... HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- BJ'S RESTAURANTS INC., parent of 35 casual-dining units, hired GERALD W. DEITCHLE as president and chief executive, effective Feb. 7. PAUL MOTENKO and JERRY HENNESSY, BJ's current co-CEOs, were appointed co-chairmen...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Illustration)
January 20, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Triarc Cos. 13.97 $14.52 Buffalo Wild WIngs 2.54 40.00 Jack in the Box ...

Winston-Salem, N.C.--Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.'s chief executive, chairman and president Scott A. Livengood stepped down Tuesday, amid financial losses, a federal investigation into the company's accounting practices and a shareholder lawsuit alleging dishonest sales inflation.(Just In)
January 19, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC.'s chief executive, chairman and president SCOTT A. LIVENGOOD stepped down Tuesday, amid financial losses, a federal investigation into the company's accounting practices and a shareholder...

Atlanta--the Washington Lawyers Committee For Civil Rights and Urban Affairs filed racial-discrimination lawsuits Tuesday against Norcross, Ga.-based Waffle House and franchisees in U.S. District Court in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 19, 2005... ATLANTA -- The WASHINGTON LAWYERS COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND URBAN AFFAIRS filed racial-discrimination lawsuits Tuesday against Norcross, Ga.-based WAFFLE HOUSE and franchisees in U.S. District Court in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and...

Long Beach, Calif.--Real Mex Restaurants Inc. become the largest operator of full-service Mexican restaurants with the completion of its purchase of Chevys Inc.'s 106-unit Chevys Fresh Mex and nine-unit Fuzio Universal Pasta brands last week.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 19, 2005... LONG BEACH, Calif. -- REAL MEX RESTAURANTS INC. become the largest operator of full-service Mexican restaurants with the completion of its purchase of CHEVYS INC.'s 106-unit Chevys Fresh Mex and nine-unit Fuzio Universal Pasta brands last week....

Ruby Tuesday.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
January 19, 2005... MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- Casual-dining chain RUBY TUESDAY, which blamed its experiment with smaller food portions last year for a 5.1-percent decline in sales in the second quarter ended Nov. 30, introduced 18 new menu items to win back guests and...

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.(Executive Suite)(Jeff Warne appointed)(Brief Article)
January 19, 2005... CARROLLTON, Texas -- CARLSON RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE named JEFF WARNE president and chief operating officer of its 100-unit PICK UP STIX division, based in San Clemente, Calif. He replaces TIM PULIDO, who had been at the chain's helm since April...

La Madeleine Bakery, Cafe & Bistro.(Executive Suite)(Greg Buchanan promoted)(Brief Article)
January 19, 2005... DALLAS -- LA MADELEINE BAKERY, CAFE & BISTRO promoted GREG BUCHANAN to president of the 64-unit fast-casual chain. He replaces industry veteran WALLACE DOOLIN, who resigned as chief executive of Dallas-based La Madeleine last October to become...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Illustration)
January 19, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Granite City Food & Brew. 10.47 $4.75 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 10.21 9.61...

Sydney, Australia--Charlie Bell, who began working for McDonald's in Australia when he was 15 and who advanced to become the U.S.-based chain's chief executive before resigning last November for health reasons, died here in his hometown Sunday.(Just In)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
January 18, 2005... SYDNEY, Australia -- CHARLIE BELL, who began working for McDonald's in Australia when he was 15 and who advanced to become the U.S.-based chain's chief executive before resigning last November for health reasons, died here in his hometown...

Milford, Conn.--during the last two months of 2004, Subway franchisees added 471 new restaurants to the chain, including some 271 U.S. units and 200 abroad, according to the brand's Milford-based franchisor, Doctor's Associates Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 18, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- During the last two months of 2004, Subway franchisees added 471 new restaurants to the chain, including some 271 U.S. units and 200 abroad, according to the brand's Milford-based franchisor, DOCTOR'S ASSOCIATES INC. That...

Golden, Colo--New World Restaurant Group Inc., parent of Einstein Bros., New York Bagel and other bagel chains, settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit filed by former chief financial officer Jerry Novack, who was fired by the company in 2002.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 18, 2005... GOLDEN, Colo. -- NEW WORLD RESTAURANT GROUP INC., parent of EINSTEIN BROS., NEW YORK BAGEL and other bagel chains, settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit filed by former chief financial officer JERRY NOVACK, who was fired by the company in...

Houston--La Madeleine Bakery, Cafe & Bistro, operator of 62-unit fast-casual restaurants, launched two new locations here, marking the Dallas-based chain's first unit openings in five years.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 18, 2005... HOUSTON -- LA MADELEINE BAKERY, CAFE & BISTRO, operator of 62-unit fast-casual restaurants, launched two new locations here, marking the Dallas-based chain's first unit openings in five years. La Madeleine operates 12 restaurants in the chain's...

Buffets Holdings Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 18, 2005... EAGAN, Minn. -- BUFFETS HOLDINGS INC. reported a second-quarter net loss of $1.4 million for the period ended Dec. 15 on declining sales and charges for the replacement of the company's chief executive, store closures, corporate staff cuts and...

Tampa, Fla.--Nick Vojnovic was named president of 160-unit Beef O'Brady's here, a rapidly expanding family sports pub brand.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
January 18, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- NICK VOJNOVIC was named president of 160-unit BEEF O'BRADY'S here, a rapidly expanding family sports pub brand. Formerly chief operating officer, Vojnovic will oversee franchise development, purchasing and marketing as well as...

El Pollo Loco.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
January 18, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- Appealing to budget-conscious and busy families, flame-grilled-chicken chain EL POLLO LOCO, based here, launched a $3.99 Whole Chicken Deal, available through March 6 with the purchase of any family meal. The deal includes...

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
January 18, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $ 3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close J. Alexander's 6.19 $7.72 Checkers Drive-In Rests. 4.92 14.3 Granite...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp.'s poultry suppliers in the United States and Europe have ceased using human antibiotics as growth promoters in chickens, the company said.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP.'s poultry suppliers in the United States and Europe have ceased using human antibiotics as growth promoters in chickens, the company said. That change comes less than two years after McDonald's began asking...

Atlanta--Heirs of Jerry Garcia, late lead guitarist and singer of the Grateful Dead, are suing Atlanta-based Raving Brands Inc., operator and franchisor of 187 fast-casual Moe's Southwest Grill units, and its founder, Martin Sprock, for alleged trademark and copyright infringement.(Just In)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2005... ATLANTA -- Heirs of JERRY GARCIA, late lead guitarist and singer of the Grateful Dead, are suing Atlanta-based RAVING BRANDS INC., operator and franchisor of 187 fast-casual MOE'S SOUTHWEST GRILL units, and its founder, MARTIN SPROCK, for...