Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from July 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from July 2005

Denver--Buoyed by recent court rulings in favor of Quiznos Master LLC and its franchising policies, the Denver-based sandwich chain sent a report to its several thousand franchisees that offered explanations to questions about several lawsuits against the company by franchise owners and recent news stories.(Quizno's Franchise Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 29, 2005... DENVER -- Buoyed by recent court rulings in favor of QUIZNOS MASTER LLC and its franchising policies, the Denver-based sandwich chain sent a report to its several thousand franchisees that offered explanations to questions about several...

Chicago--Levy Family Partners, the investment arm of Chicago-based Levy Restaurants, opened its first franchised branch of the Guatemalan-based Pollo Campero quick-service chicken chain and its first in the Chicago market.(Brief Article)
July 29, 2005... CHICAGO -- LEVY FAMILY PARTNERS, the investment arm of Chicago-based LEVY RESTAURANTS, opened its first franchised branch of the Guatemalan-based POLLO CAMPERO quick-service chicken chain and its first in the Chicago market. Levy bought the...

Washington--the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a vote of 263 to 165 and sent to the Senate a bill that would allow national industry trade groups to sell group health insurance.(Brief Article)
July 29, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES passed by a vote of 263 to 165 and sent to the Senate a bill that would allow national industry trade groups to sell group health insurance. The SMALL BUSINESS FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005 seeks to...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International late yesterday reported a 1.2-percent decline in second-quarter net income to $70.8 million on a 4.6-percent rise in revenues to $951.0 million.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
July 29, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL late yesterday reported a 1.2-percent decline in second-quarter net income to $70.8 million on a 4.6-percent rise in revenues to $951.0 million. Results for the three months ended July 3 were impaired by...

Starbucks Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
July 29, 2005... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. posted a 29-percent jump in second-quarter earnings to $125.6 million on a 22-percent increase in revenues to $1.6 billion. The net profit for the period ended July 3 equaled 31 cents per diluted share, compared...

Applebee's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 29, 2005... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC. reported a slight dip in second quarter earnings as a 9-percent increase in revenues was offset by a 13-percent jump in cost of sales. For the quarter ended June 26, the operator or...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 29, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. change close Top Gainers BJ's Restaurants 11.13 $24.16 IHOP 9.69 43.70 Starbucks...

Tokyo--Longreach Group, an investment firm based in Tokyo and Hong Kong, said it has become the second-largest shareholder in McDonald's Holdings Co. (Japan) after acquiring a 24.98-percent stake from the family of Den Fujita, the late founder and one-time leader of the the Japanese McDonald's chain.(JUST IN)
July 28, 2005... TOKYO -- LONGREACH GROUP, an investment firm based in Tokyo and Hong Kong, said it has become the second-largest shareholder in MCDONALD'S HOLDINGS CO. (JAPAN) after acquiring a 24.98-percent stake from the family of DEN FUJITA, the late...

Dayton, Ohio--Papa John's International sold nine units in Ohio to regional franchisee Central Ohio Restaurants Inc., an 18-unit Papa John's Pizza operator.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 28, 2005... DAYTON, Ohio -- PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL sold nine units in Ohio to regional franchisee CENTRAL OHIO RESTAURANTS INC., an 18-unit Papa John's Pizza operator. The nine locations previously were operated by THREE S DEVELOPMENT CO. of...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp. said Wednesday it had signed a two-year marketing deal with DreamWorks Animation SKG and would launch the pact's first tie-in with the scheduled 2007 release of "Shrek 3.".(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 28, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. said Wednesday it had signed a two-year marketing deal with DreamWorks Animation SKG and would launch the pact's first tie-in with the scheduled 2007 release of "Shrek 3." The non-exclusive agreement allows...

Carlsbad, Calif.--Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill launched an integrated marketing campaign to spark sales after a disappointing second quarter.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 28, 2005... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- RUBIO'S FRESH MEXICAN GRILL launched an integrated marketing campaign to spark sales after a disappointing second quarter. Ad and PR programs are designed to focus on the "legendary flavor" of the fast-casual chain's food...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 28, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 3,165 restaurants, including 1,020 Carl's Jr. units and 2,029 Hardee's, reported same-store-sales increases of 1.3 percent for Carl's Jr. and 0.4 percent for Hardee's for...

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 28, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC., operator or franchisor of about 334 Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar restaurants, recorded a 49-percent surge in second-quarter earnings on company revenues that rose 22 percent from a year earlier. For...

Los Angeles--Restaurant industry veteran John Kaufman of JSK Management has joined uWink Inc., based here, as a consultant to develop the new uWink Media Bistro, a restaurant and digital-entertainment concept conceived by Nolan Bushnell, founder and former owner of Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater and Atari.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
July 28, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- Restaurant industry veteran JOHN KAUFMAN of JSK MANAGEMENT has joined UWINK INC., based here, as a consultant to develop the new uWink Media Bistro, a restaurant and digital-entertainment concept conceived by NOLAN BUSHNELL,...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 28, 2005... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. change close Top Gainers Diedrich Coffee 6.36 $5.35 J. Alexander's 5.09 9.49...

Minneapolis--Dinnerhouse chain operator Buca Inc. sued two of its former executives, alleging that they received kickbacks from a vendor, used company money for family vacations and entered into unfavorable contracts with firms in which the two had undisclosed financial interests, the company said late Monday.(JUST IN)
July 27, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- Dinnerhouse chain operator BUCA INC. sued two of its former executives, alleging that they received kickbacks from a vendor, used company money for family vacations and entered into unfavorable contracts with firms in which the...

Desperes, Mo.--Sweet Traditions Llc, a Krispy Kreme franchisee with about 25 stores in the Chicago and St. Louis areas, is suing franchisor Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. over issues related to recent sales slumps.(JUST IN)
July 27, 2005... DESPERES, Mo. -- SWEET TRADITIONS LLC, a Krispy Kreme franchisee with about 25 stores in the Chicago and St. Louis areas, is suing franchisor KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. over issues related to recent sales slumps. Sweet Traditions, based...

Boston--Burger King Corp.'s co-owner and two other private equity firms are in talks to buy Dunkin' Brands Inc., franchisor of the Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's brands, a Boston Globe report said.(Bain Capital Inc., Thomas H. Lee Partners, Carlyle Group L.P.)(Brief Article)
July 27, 2005... BOSTON -- Burger King Corp.'s co-owner and two other private equity firms are in talks to buy DUNKIN' BRANDS INC., franchisor of the Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's brands, a Boston Globe report said. Burger King co-owner BAIN...

St. Louis--Former stock analyst Clive Munro was sentenced here Tuesday to 21 months in prison for attempting to extort $300,000 from CKE Restaurants Inc., parent of the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. chains, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.(JUST IN)
July 27, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- Former stock analyst CLIVE MUNRO was sentenced here Tuesday to 21 months in prison for attempting to extort $300,000 from CKE RESTAURANTS INC., parent of the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. chains, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. In...

Tarentum, Pa.,--Longtime Dairy Queen franchise Geoff Baker debuted the chain's first DQ Treatworks, at a location here, the Minneapolis-based franchisor said.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 27, 2005... TARENTUM, Pa., -- Longtime DAIRY QUEEN franchise GEOFF BAKER debuted the chain's first DQ TREATWORKS, at a location here, the Minneapolis-based franchisor said. A second TreatWorks, whose dual-brand format features the full line of Dairy...

Rubio's Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
July 27, 2005... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- RUBIO'S RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of more than 150 Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill fast-casual units, reported a 13-percent drop in second-quarter earnings to $909,000 on higher ad spending and general and...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 27, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Buca 17.04 $6.25 Main Street Rest. Group 7.66 4.50 Benihana ...

Cincinnati--A cash-flow crisis while planning a new restaurant has forced Nat Comisar, owner of the 74-year-old Maisonette here, to abruptly close the downtown fine-dining institution earlier than planned, he said.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 26, 2005... CINCINNATI -- A cash-flow crisis while planning a new restaurant has forced NAT COMISAR, owner of the 74-year-old MAISONETTE here, to abruptly close the downtown fine-dining institution earlier than planned, he said. The third-generation...

Myrtle Beach, S.C.--Food Concepts International Holdings Inc. said the first East Coast Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy location opened here as the chain's 25th unit overall.(South Carolina)(Brief Article)
July 26, 2005... MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- FOOD CONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC. said the first East Coast ABUELO'S MEXICAN FOOD EMBASSY location opened here as the chain's 25th unit overall. The 16-year-old brand, which debuted in Amarillo, Texas, also...

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks.(opens new store)(Brief Article)
July 26, 2005... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- ISLANDS FINE BURGERS & DRINKS, based here, opened its 50th location July 19 in West Covina, Calif. In the next year, the company expects to launch about seven additional stores, including a location at the Ala Moana center...

Miami--Burger King, the industry's No. 2 burger chain, is unveiling nationwide its new Chicken Fries, seasoned all-white-meat chicken strips formed to look like French fries and sold with a choice of four sauces--barbecue, honey mustard, sweat and sour, and ranch.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 26, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING, the industry's No. 2 burger chain, is unveiling nationwide its new Chicken Fries, seasoned all-white-meat chicken strips formed to look like French fries and sold with a choice of four sauces--barbecue, honey mustard,...

St. Louis--Hardee's on Monday rolled out a new Grilled Pork Chop Biscuit breakfast item, extending the chain's Made From Scratch Buttermilk Biscuit sandwich line.(Hardee's Enterprises)(Brief Article)
July 26, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- HARDEE'S on Monday rolled out a new Grilled Pork Chop Biscuit breakfast item, extending the chain's Made From Scratch Buttermilk Biscuit sandwich line. The $2.69 item, also available in a $4.09 combination meal with hash rounds...

Rare Hospitality International Inc.(stock repurchasing)(Brief Article)
July 26, 2005... ATLANTA -- RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL INC. said its board of directors had authorized the repurchase of $30 million worth of the company's common stock through May 1, 2007, in addition to a $29 million authorization through that date...

Benihana Inc.(sales and earnings)(Brief Article)
July 26, 2005... MIAMI -- BENIHANA INC., operator of 72 Japanese and sushi restaurants, reported a systemwide, same-store sales increase of 9 percent for its fiscal 2006 first quarter ended July 17. Total restaurant sales for the period jumped 13.5 percent to...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 26, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Benihana 18.27 $17.74 Good Times Restaurants 6.81 5.00 Cosi ...

Los Altos, Calif.--American Restaurant Group Inc., parent of the Stuart Anderson's Black Angus/Cattle Co. dinnerhouse chains, said it had exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and is rebranding nearly all of its 87 restaurants to Black Angus Steakhouse.(JUST IN)
July 25, 2005... LOS ALTOS, Calif. -- AMERICAN RESTAURANT GROUP INC., parent of the Stuart Anderson's Black Angus/Cattle Co. dinnerhouse chains, said it had exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and is rebranding nearly all of its 87 restaurants to...

Boston--Knowfat! Lifestyle Grille, a two-in-one fast-casual restaurant and nutrition center concept, based here, said new franchisee Jeremy Lappin of Beacon Hill, Mass., had agreed to open the brand's fourth Boston-area location this summer.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 25, 2005... BOSTON -- KNOWFAT! LIFESTYLE GRILLE, a two-in-one fast-casual restaurant and nutrition center concept, based here, said new franchisee JEREMYLAPPIN of Beacon Hill, Mass., had agreed to open the brand's fourth Boston-area location this summer....

Wendy's.(MARKETING MATTERS)(low-fat- strawberry-flavored yogurt with granola introduced)(Brief Article)
July 25, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- U.S. branches of WENDY'S introduced a low-fat- strawberry-flavored yogurt with granola. The suggested price is $1.29 for the 6.85-ounce cup. Wendy's said it had decided to offer yogurt as a separate menu item because of the...

Piola.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 25, 2005... TREVISO, Italy -- Marking its 20th anniversary, PIOLA, a 14-unit chain based here that has U.S. branches in Miami and New York, is offering a limited-time, eight-item "World Pizza Menu" through the summer. Its African variety is topped with...

Dallas--The Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., is introducing nationwide the Cheesy Twisted Crust Pizza, a variation on its Twisted Crust pizza that was launched as a limited-time offering in 2001 with an estimated $70 million marketing budget.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 25, 2005... DALLAS -- The PIZZAHUT, a subsidiary of YUM! BRANDS INC., is introducing nationwide the Cheesy Twisted Crust Pizza, a variation on its Twisted Crust pizza that was launched as a limited-time offering in 2001 with an estimated $70 million...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 25, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 1,230 casual-dining restaurants, posted lower second-quarter earnings after a $7.6 million asset impairment charge, on a 14-percent increase in revenues. Outback's net income...

Cincinnati -- Frisch's Restaurants Inc., operator or franchisor of 146 full-service family-style restaurants under the Frisch's Big Boy and Golden Corral brands, named WM.(WM. Matthew Carpenter )(Brief Article)
July 25, 2005... CINCINNATI -- FRISCH'S RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 146 full-service family-style restaurants under the Frisch's Big Boy and Golden Corral brands, named WM. MATTHEW CARPENTER chief operating officer, replacing PAUL F....

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 25, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Morgan's Foods 18.64 $3.50 Good Times Rests. 4.96 4.68...

Canton, Mass.--Dunkin' Donuts expects franchisees to open 70 new stores in the Jacksonville, Fla., market over the next five years, according to published reports.(JUST IN)
July 22, 2005... CANTON, Mass. -- DUNKIN' DONUTS expects franchisees to open 70 new stores in the Jacksonville, Fla., market over the next five years, according to published reports. Three to five of the units would open by year-end. Dunkin' Donuts, based...

Denver--QDoba Mexican Grill, based here, plans to open its second airport location this fall, in the Cincinnati/Kentucky International Airport.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 22, 2005... DENVER -- QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL, based here, plans to open its second airport location this fall, in the Cincinnati/Kentucky International Airport. The 230-unit, Denver-based chain, a subsidiary of JACK IN THE BOX INC. of San Diego, debuted its...

Irvine, Calif.--Claim Jumper Restaurants is preparing to open its first unit in the Midwest, in the Chicago area.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 22, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- CLAIM JUMPER RESTAURANTS is preparing to open its first unit in the Midwest, in the Chicago area. Currently under construction, it would debut this fall as the first of several in the that market. Irvine-based Claim Jumper...

Boulder, Colo.--Nick-N-Willy's World Famous Take-N-Bake Pizza, based here, debuted the first of 50 outlets planned for the Houston area.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 22, 2005... BOULDER, Colo. -- NICK-N-WILLY'S WORLD FAMOUS TAKE-N-BAKE PIZZA, based here, debuted the first of 50 outlets planned for the Houston area. It is operated by franchisees CLAIRE and ARTHUR DAVILA. The Nick-N-Willy's chain, which features dough...

Milford, Conn.--Subway will sever ties with ad agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners of San Francisco within two months and use McCarthy Mambro Bertino of Boston exclusively for creative duties, the sandwich chain said Thursday.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 22, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY will sever ties with ad agency GOODBY, SILVERSTEIN & PARTNERS of San Francisco within two months and use MCCARTHY MAMBRO BERTINO of Boston exclusively for creative duties, the sandwich chain said Thursday. Goodby,...

McDonald's Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
July 22, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. reported a 10-percent drop in net earnings for the second quarter ended June 30 on a onetime tax expense of 9 cents per share resulting from the company's decision to repatriate about $3.2 billion in...

Rare Hospitality International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 22, 2005... ATLANTA -- RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL INC., operator or franchisor of 282 steakhouses under three brands, reported a 4-percent increase in second-quarter profits on sales that rose nearly 15 percent. The Atlanta-based company earned $13.8...

Ryan's Restaurant Group Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 22, 2005... GREER, S.C. -- RYAN'S RESTAURANT GROUP INC., posting lower earnings for the fifth consecutive quarter, reported net income of $6.3 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter ended June 29, compared with $14.2 million, or...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 22, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Buca 5.84 $5.80 Benihana 3.95 15.00 Host...

Phoenix--Yovana's, a new quick-service concept by TCBY Systems of Salt Lake City, opened here Saturday, featuring premium yogurt prepared in the store each day.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2005... PHOENIX -- YOVANA'S, a new quick-service concept by TCBY SYSTEMS of Salt Lake City, opened here Saturday, featuring premium yogurt prepared in the store each day. Yovana's offers meals as well as yogurt parfaits, yogurt smoothies and frozen...

New York--Rocco Dispirito, the former chef-restaurateur and reality TV star turned radio talk show host, is said to be planning a new restaurant in Manhattan's Flatiron District, according to published reports.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2005... NEW YORK -- ROCCO DISPIRITO, the former chef-restaurateur and reality TV star turned radio talk show host, is said to be planning a new restaurant in Manhattan's Flatiron District, according to published reports. DiSpirito, best known for his...

Louisville, Ky.--Long John Silver's, the 1,230-plus-unit subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., based here, launched Popcorn Shrimp as a limited-time promotion through Aug. 28.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- LONG JOHN SILVER'S, the 1,230-plus-unit subsidiary of YUM! BRANDS INC., based here, launched Popcorn Shrimp as a limited-time promotion through Aug. 28. The shrimp are available in a $1.99 Snack Box, which features a...

Sacramento, Calif.--former Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce chief executive STELLA PREMO was named executive director of the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2005... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Former Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce chief executive STELLA PREMO was named executive director of the CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION. Premo, who was selected after a nationwide...

San Francisco--Jamba Juice, the smoothie bar chain based here, hired as chief financial officer Don Breen, who formerly held that same position at the Wendy's International-owned Baja Fresh Mexican Grill fast-casual chain.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2005... SAN FRANCISCO -- JAMBA JUICE, the smoothie bar chain based here, hired as chief financial officer DON BREEN, who formerly held that same position at the Wendy's International-owned Baja Fresh Mexican Grill fast-casual chain. He succeeds JOE...

Tully's Coffee Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
July 21, 2005... SEATTLE, Wash. -- TULLY'S COFFEE CORP., posting a wider annual loss than a year earlier, said same-store sales at company-owned coffee bars were down 2 percent for the fiscal year ended April 3, but gains in the company's wholesale,...

Cosi Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2005... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- COSI INC., operator of 92 fast-casual sandwich and salad restaurants, said comparable-store sales jumped 6.4 percent for the second quarter ended July 4. Total sales increased 5.5 percent to $30.6 million, versus $29...

The Cheesecake Factory Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2005... CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC. reported a 32-percent surge in its second-quarter profit on revenues that rose 23 percent from year-earlier levels and an "improved" commodity cost environment versus the year before, the...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 21, 2005... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Main Street Rest. Group 8.47 $4.10 Grill Concepts 7.00 4.28 Smith & Wollensky ...

Carpinteria, Calif.--CKE Restaurants Inc., parent of the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. brands, said William P. Foley had resigned as chairman of the board and as a director and was succeeded by vice chairman Byron Allumbaugh, the former chairman and chief executive of Ralphs Grocery Co.(JUST IN)
July 20, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., parent of the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. brands, said WILLIAM P. FOLEY had resigned as chairman of the board and as a director and was succeeded by vice chairman BYRON ALLUMBAUGH, the former chairman...

Denver--Qdoba Mexican Grill, the chain of more than 280 fast-casual restaurants, based here, signed Jack in the Box franchisee John Lin of Q Central Development LLC to a pact calling for him to open an undetermined number of Qdoba units in Irvine, Newport Beach and Long Beach, Calif., starting in early 2006.(JUST IN)
July 20, 2005... DENVER -- QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL, the chain of more than 280 fast-casual restaurants, based here, signed Jack in the Box franchisee JOHN LIN of Q CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT LLC to a pact calling for him to open an undetermined number of Qdoba units in...

Portland, Ore.--McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants Inc., operator or franchisor of 56 upscale restaurants, based here, opened an M&S Grill in Kansas City, Mo., marking the chain's second restaurant there.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 20, 2005... PORTLAND, Ore. -- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 56 upscale restaurants, based here, opened an M&S GRILL in Kansas City, Mo., marking the chain's second restaurant there. The new, more casual M&S...

Atlanta--Church's Chicken, based here, is set to launch its spicy bone-in chicken and chicken tenders on July 15 at all of its 1,234 locations nationwide.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 20, 2005... ATLANTA -- CHURCH'S CHICKEN, based here, is set to launch its spicy bone-in chicken and chicken tenders on July 15 at all of its 1,234 locations nationwide. The rollout comes after an 11-week test at 100 company- and franchisee-owned...

McDonald's Corp.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 20, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. confirmed reports that its new Premium Chicken Sandwiches, already available in Miami, Los Angeles and at some New York locations, will be launched nationwide with television commercials on Aug. 2. The...

El Pollo Loco.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 20, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- EL POLLO LOCO, the 325-unit chain, launched the new Fuego Chile Orange flavor for its signature marinated, grilled chicken. The flavor is available with bone-in chicken and in such items as the new Fuego Grilled Burrito and...

IHOP Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 20, 2005... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., which franchises a system of 1,207 restaurants in 48 states and Canada, reported a 0.9-percent increase in systemwide same-store sales for the second quarter ended June 30. The Glendale-based company said...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 20, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. change close Top Gainers Ultimate Franchise Sys. 16.67 $7.00 Cosi 6.96 8.61...

Denver--Burger King franchisee Ocedon Cos. purchased two BK units from franchisee Soja Inc., based in Pueblo, Colo.(JUST IN)
July 19, 2005... DENVER -- Burger King franchisee OCEDON COS. purchased two BK units from franchisee SOJA INC., based in Pueblo, Colo. Terms were not disclosed. Ocedon said the restaurants, one located in Pueblo and the other in Canon City, Colo., would be...

Washington--the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the U.S.-Canadian border can reopen for beef trade.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the U.S.-Canadian border can reopen for beef trade. The ruling overturned a decision by U.S. District Court JUDGE RICHARD CEBULL in Billings, Mont., who in March had...

Taco Bueno.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2005... DALLAS -- TACO BUENO, the Dallas-based quick-service chain, rolled out the Southwest Spinach-Artichoke Dip as part of its MexiDips & Chips Plus selection. The new item, which is available for a limited time, comes with crispy tortilla chips,...

Vancouver, Wash.--Papa Murphy's International, parent of the 850-unit Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake pizza chain, named JOHN BARR chief executive to succeed company cofounder Terry Collins, who remains chairman and a shareholder.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2005... VANCOUVER, Wash. -- PAPA MURPHY'S INTERNATIONAL, parent of the 850-unit Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake pizza chain, named JOHN BARR chief executive to succeed company cofounder TERRY COLLINS, who remains chairman and a shareholder. The largely...

St. Helena, Calif.--Hospitality veteran Charles Henning was named managing director of the Culinary Institute Of America's Greystone campus here in the Napa Valley.(Brief Article)
July 19, 2005... ST. HELENA, Calif. -- Hospitality veteran CHARLES HENNING was named managing director of the CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA's Greystone campus here in the Napa Valley. Henning takes over the managing director duties from MARK ERICKSON, who...

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC., operator or franchisor of 335 Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar restaurants, raised its second-quarter earnings-per-share expectations by 5 cents and said sales for the period ended June 26 rose 22...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 19, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Host America 38.13 $14.02 Buca 11.83 6.05 Ark...

Starbucks Coffee Co.(Brief Article)
July 18, 2005... AUGUSTA, Ga. -- STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. is scheduled to open a freestanding coffeehouse here Saturday featuring a patio and drive-thru in a converted McDonald's restaurant near a highway off-ramp. Apart from those amenities, which are not new...

Chicago--Bryant Keil, Potbelly Sandwich Works' chief executive, indicated in published reports that the company is preparing to file for an initial public stock offering.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2005... CHICAGO -- BRYANT KEIL, POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS' chief executive, indicated in published reports that the company is preparing to file for an initial public stock offering. He was quoted by Crain's Chicago Business as saying that an IPO could...

Scottsdale, Ariz.--Kokopelli Franchise Co. LLC, based here, named Brad Miller to the newly created position of director of new business development.(Brief Article)
July 18, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- KOKOPELLI FRANCHISE CO. LLC, based here, named BRAD MILLER to the newly created position of director of new business development. The company said it "needed to fill this position immediately to meet the needs of their...

White Castle.(White Castle System Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- WHITE CASTLE, the 393-unit burger chain based here, debuted for a limited time the French Onion Cheeseburger. The burger features French onion cheese and a creamy French onion sauce "that gives this sandwich a unique...

McDonald's Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
July 18, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. reported Friday that sales at all McDonald's units worldwide increased 6.2 percent for the four weeks ended June 30, and 6.3 percent for the second quarter, also ended June 30. The company, which operates...

Miami--Burger King Corp. refinanced existing debt with a new $1.15 billion bank loan, ending the financial involvement of former parent company Diageo plc of London.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
July 18, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. refinanced existing debt with a new $1.15 billion bank loan, ending the financial involvement of former parent company DIAGEO PLC of London. Although Diageo sold BK for $2.26 billion in December 2002 to a private...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
July 18, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Host America 26.40 $10.15 Lone Star Steakhouse 6.20 30.68 McDonald's...

Denver--Landry's Restaurants Inc. opened the newly remodeled Downtown Aquarium here, including a new seafood restaurant and bar, a ballroom and more than 1 million gallons of exhibit space.(Brief Article)
July 15, 2005... DENVER -- LANDRY'S RESTAURANTS INC. opened the newly remodeled DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM here, including a new seafood restaurant and bar, a ballroom and more than 1 million gallons of exhibit space. Houston-based Landry's purchased the bankrupt,...

Scottsdale, Ariz.--Creative Eateries Corp., based here, acquired Restaurant Companies International, or RCI, for 30.8 million shares of the corporation's restricted common stock.(Brief Article)
July 15, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- CREATIVE EATERIES CORP., based here, acquired RESTAURANT COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL, or RCI, for 30.8 million shares of the corporation's restricted common stock. RCI is a franchise development company and managing member...

San Antonio--Fuddruckers Inc. signed a development agreement with current franchisee Rick Windrum that calls for him to open three units in Omaha, Neb., and two locations in Des Moines, Iowa.(JUST IN)
July 15, 2005... SAN ANTONIO -- FUDDRUCKERS INC. signed a development agreement with current franchisee RICK WINDRUM that calls for him to open three units in Omaha, Neb., and two locations in Des Moines, Iowa. The first unit would open in September....

Decatur, Ga.--Huddle House Inc., based here, named Tom Cossuto to the vacant position of chief financial officer.(Georgia)(Brief Article)
July 15, 2005... DECATUR, Ga. -- HUDDLE HOUSE INC., based here, named TOM COSSUTO to the vacant position of chief financial officer. Most recently, Cossuto was senior vice president of finance for the Americas division of InterContinental Hotels Group. He...

Springfield, Mass.--Local Dairy Queen operator Mark Cowles broke the Guinness World's Record for the largest frozen treat in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Dairy Queen's Blizzard.(Brief Article)
July 15, 2005... SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Local DAIRY QUEEN operator MARK COWLES broke the Guinness World's Record for the largest frozen treat in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Dairy Queen's Blizzard. Cowles created a 22-foot, 8,224.85 pound Blizzard,...

Louisville, Ky.--Shares of Yum! Brands Inc. closed down $1.86, or 3.6 percent, Thursday at $49.85 after the company reported increased second-quarter profits late Wednesday but tempered its earnings forecast for the third and fourth quarters.(Kentucky)
July 15, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Shares of YUM! BRANDS INC. closed down $1.86, or 3.6 percent, Thursday at $49.85 after the company reported increased second-quarter profits late Wednesday but tempered its earnings forecast for the third and fourth...