Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from June 2004

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from June 2004

Tim Hortons, operator and franchisor of 2,587 doughnut specialty bakery-cafe outlets, is nearing the completion of its conversion of 42 recently acquired Bess Eaton doughnut shops in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, the company said.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... DUBLIN, Ohio -- TIM HORTONS, operator and franchisor of 2,587 doughnut specialty bakery-cafe outlets, is nearing the completion of its conversion of 42 recently acquired Bess Eaton doughnut shops in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and...

Subway Restaurants said its first sandwich shop to open in the Caribbean island nation of Grenada had made its debut.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY RESTAURANTS said its first sandwich shop to open in the Caribbean island nation of Grenada had made its debut. The branch, franchised by DAVID COELHO and GLENN FORBES, is in St. George's, Grenada's capital. Subway...

Sonic Corp., parent of 2,826 drive-in units, posted a 18-percent increase in net income to $19.1 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ended May 31, versus $16.2 million, or 27 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP., parent of 2,826 drive-in units, posted a 18-percent increase in net income to $19.1 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ended May 31, versus $16.2 million, or 27 cents a share, in the year-ago...

Meritage Hospitality Group Inc., the only publicly traded Wendy's franchisee and the first O'Charley's franchisee, reported a 14-percent increase in second-quarter sales to $13.5 million, and a 37-percent rise in operating income.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- MERITAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP INC., the only publicly traded Wendy's franchisee and the first O'Charley's franchisee, reported a 14-percent increase in second-quarter sales to $13.5 million, and a 37-percent rise in...

Golden Corral's systemwide sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 increased 8.5 percent, versus year-earlier results, the company said.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... RALEIGH, N.C. -- GOLDEN CORRAL's systemwide sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 increased 8.5 percent, versus year-earlier results, the company said. Total sales for the 24 weeks ended June 16 hit a record $621.7 million, compared with...

Starbucks Coffee Co. is introducing a new line of low-calorie ice-blended beverages today.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. is introducing a new line of low-calorie ice-blended beverages today. The Coffee Frappuccino Light line includes a regular-size 16-ounce drink that, without whipped cream, contains 150 calories and only 1 gram...

The Taco Bell Corp. division of Yum! Brands Inc., is launching the chain's Big Bell Value Menu by giving away thousands of gallons of gas across the country.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... IRVINE, Calif. -- The TACO BELL CORP. division of YUM! BRANDS INC., is launching the chain's Big Bell Value Menu by giving away thousands of gallons of gas across the country. The new menu features seven items priced at $1.29 each or less. On...

Qdoba Mexican Grill, parent of more than 140 fast-casual restaurants, named Mike Speck to the newly created post of vice president of human resources and training.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... DENVER -- QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL, parent of more than 140 fast-casual restaurants, named MIKE SPECK to the newly created post of vice president of human resources and training. Before joining the Denver-based, JACK IN THE BOX INC.-owned chain,...

Wendy's International Inc. named Jonathan Catherwood treasurer, effective July 1, replacing John F. Brownley.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2004... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. named JONATHAN CATHERWOOD treasurer, effective July 1, replacing JOHN F. BROWNLEY. Brownley will continue with the company as senior vice president in charge of Wendy's bakery in Zanesville, Ohio....

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
June 30, 2004... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Back Yard Burgers 10.92 $5.79 Diedrich Coffee 7.30 5.00...

Noodles & Company, owner of about 90 fast-casual noodle restaurants, confirmed that it may make an initial public offering of stock as early as next year.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... BOULDER, Colo. -- NOODLES & COMPANY, owner of about 90 fast-casual noodle restaurants, confirmed that it may make an initial public offering of stock as early as next year. The company, whose first franchised outlet is scheduled to open in...

Eatza Pizza Inc., Scottsdale-based operator and franchisor of 22 pizzerias, said the chain's second location in the Portland, Ore., area would open July 6.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- EATZA PIZZA INC., Scottsdale-based operator and franchisor of 22 pizzerias, said the chain's second location in the Portland, Ore., area would open July 6. The outlet was built under a new area development deal with MARC...

Roma Corp Inc., parent of 251-unit Tony Roma's, signed an agreement with Drumard Trading Ltd. to develop restaurants in Ireland.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... DALLAS -- ROMA CORP INC., parent of 251-unit Tony Roma's, signed an agreement with DRUMARD TRADING LTD. to develop restaurants in Ireland. The first is to be in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Shells Seafood Restaurants Inc., operator of 26 casual-dining eateries in Florida, said a group of outside investors had acquired a "significant ownership stake" in the company.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... TAMPA, Fla. -- SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS INC., operator of 26 casual-dining eateries in Florida, said a group of outside investors had acquired a "significant ownership stake" in the company. GCM SHELLS SEAFOOD PARTNERS LLC and TRINAD...

Camille's Franchise System Inc., parent of 40 Camille's Sidewalk Cafes, named Steve Greene to the fast-casual chain's newly created post of marketing director.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... TULSA, Okla. -- CAMILLE'S FRANCHISE SYSTEM INC., parent of 40 Camille's Sidewalk Cafes, named STEVE GREENE to the fast-casual chain's newly created post of marketing director. Greene owns ZMG, an agency in Cape Gerardo, Mo. Camille's founder...

Brinker International Inc., the 1,450-unit casual-dining parent of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, named Valerie Davisson to the newly created post of senior vice president of human resources.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONALINC., the 1,450-unit casual-dining parent of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, named VALERIE DAVISSON to the newly created post of senior vice president of human resources. Most recently, she was...

Johnson & Wales University here promoted John Bowen from executive vice president to president, replacing John Yena, who became chairman of the board of directors of the institution, which specializes in hospitality management education.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY here promoted JOHN BOWEN from executive vice president to president, replacing JOHN YENA, who became chairman of the board of directors of the institution, which specializes in hospitality...

Denny's broke new TV spots featuring restaurant employees to promote the return of the $4.99 "Three Complete Breakfasts" as a limited-time offer.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S broke new TV spots featuring restaurant employees to promote the return of the $4.99 "Three Complete Breakfasts" as a limited-time offer. In a 30-second spot from PUBLICIS IN MID AMERICA of Dallas, a 10-year...

El Torito, the 128-unit dinnerhouse chain, launched specials from the Mexican state of Oaxaca through Aug. 24.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2004... LONG BEACH, Calif. -- EL TORITO, the 128-unit dinnerhouse chain, launched specials from the Mexican state of Oaxaca through Aug. 24. Among the items, priced from $8.99 to $13.99, are Tamal Oaxaqueno, a chicken tamale wrapped in a banana leaf...

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
June 29, 2004... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Nathan's Famous 3.45 $6.29 Lone Star Steakhouse 1.62 26.96...

The Rhode Island Senate unanimously passed a ban on smoking in workplaces, including restaurants, bars, malls, healthcare facilities, schools and public-transportation waiting areas.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2004... PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Senate unanimously passed a ban on smoking in workplaces, including restaurants, bars, malls, healthcare facilities, schools and public-transportation waiting areas. The state House of Representatives...

Chi-Chi's Inc. filed a motion with the U.S.(Just In)(U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2004... IRVINE, Calif. -- CHI-CHI'S INC. filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to establish sales procedures related to the company's proposed designation rights agreement with KIMCO REALTYCORP., a shopping center...

Landry's Restaurants Inc., owner of 290 casual-dining units, settled a lawsuit Thursday brought by former owners of the company's Saltgrass Steakhouse Restaurant chain, which Landry's bought in 2002.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2004... HOUSTON -- LANDRY'S RESTAURANTS INC., owner of 290 casual-dining units, settled a lawsuit Thursday brought by former owners of the company's SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANT chain, which Landry's bought in 2002. METRONATIONAL CORP. sued...

Schlotzsky's Inc., parent of 537 units, retained the services of Trinity Capital LLC, an investment-banking firm, to provide advice on restructuring and corporate finance.(Just In)
June 28, 2004... AUSTIN, Texas -- SCHLOTZSKY'S INC., parent of 537 units, retained the services of TRINITY CAPITAL LLC, an investment-banking firm, to provide advice on restructuring and corporate finance. Schlotzsky's also appointed recently named chief...

A spokesman for Yum! Brands Inc., parent of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, was quoted in published reports as saying that KFC had no plans to expand to Tibet, but had not received a letter purportedly sent by the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader and a vegetarian for almost 40 years, asking that the chain not develop there.(Just In)
June 28, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A spokesman for YUM! BRANDS INC., parent of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, was quoted in published reports as saying that KFC had no plans to expand to Tibet, but had not received a letter purportedly sent by the DALAI LAMA,...

Elmer's Restaurants Inc. reported a 3-percent increase in net income to $294,600 on a 3.9-percent rise in revenues to $7.9 million for the fourth quarter ended March 29.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2004... PORTLAND, Ore. -- ELMER'S RESTAURANTS INC. reported a 3-percent increase in net income to $294,600 on a 3.9-percent rise in revenues to $7.9 million for the fourth quarter ended March 29. The company operates 10 and franchises 22 namesake...

Gary Langstaff, who became chief marketing officer for 2,766-unit Papa John's Pizza last December, departed from the mostly franchised chain, Papa John's International Inc. said Friday.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- GARY LANGSTAFF, who became chief marketing officer for 2,766-unit Papa John's Pizza last December, departed from the mostly franchised chain, PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL INC. said Friday. During an outside firm's search for a...

William E. "Eddie" Hall resigned as concept president for the 215-unit O'Charley's casual-dining chain to pursue other business opportunities, O'Charley's Inc. said Friday as it disclosed that president and chief operating officer Steven J. Hislop was assuming Hall's duties.(Executive Suite)
June 28, 2004... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- WILLIAM E. "EDDIE" HALL resigned as concept president for the 215-unit O'Charley's casual-dining chain to pursue other business opportunities, O'CHARLEY'S INC. said Friday as it disclosed that president and chief operating...

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
June 28, 2004... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close AFC Enterprises 4.76 $22.00 Ryan's Family 4.14 16.62...

HMSHost Corp. said it would remain an operator at McCarran International Airport here through at least 2018, after having been granted a 10-year extension of its food-and-beverage contract with the airport authority.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... LAS VEGAS -- HMSHOST CORP. said it would remain an operator at MCCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT here through at least 2018, after having been granted a 10-year extension of its food-and-beverage contract with the airport authority. As part of...

Gino's East Restaurant Corp., parent of 12 pizzerias, added at its flagship unit here two touch-screen kiosks that allow customers to place mail orders for frozen pizzas.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... CHICAGO -- GINO'S EAST RESTAURANT CORP., parent of 12 pizzerias, added at its flagship unit here two touch-screen kiosks that allow customers to place mail orders for frozen pizzas. Customers can select select the 3 Pizza Pack, $69.95, or the...

Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... EMERYVILLE, Calif. -- PEET'S COFFEE & TEA INC. opened four new coffeehouses this month and is slated to add a fifth unit this weekend, the company said. The chain of 81 outlets said three of the new units are in Northern California, in...

Panera Bread Co.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO. reported a decline of 0.9 percent in systemwide same-store sales for the four weeks ended June 12. Same-store sales fell 0.1 percent at company-owned restaurants and 1.3 percent at franchised bakery-cafes, the...

Nathan's Famous Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... WESTBURY, N.Y. -- NATHAN'S FAMOUS INC. reported a profit of $57,000, or 1 cent per diluted share, from continuing operations for the fourth quarter ended March 28, versus a loss of $2.1 million, or 37 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenues...

Wendy's International promoted Judy Hollis to senior vice president of supply chain management.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL promoted JUDY HOLLIS to senior vice president of supply chain management. Before joining Wendy's in 1999 as vice president, she was vice president of supply chain management for Yum! Brands' predecessor...

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... ATLANTA-- POPEYES CHICKEN & BISCUITS, operator and franchisor of 1,805 outlets, said 300 of them this month would begin testing several zero-carbohydrate menu items. The new Popeyes Naked Chicken offering is bone-in chicken that is marinated,...

Denny's Corp. is slated to launch a themed kids meal and gift-with-purchase program.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S CORP. is slated to launch a themed kids meal and gift-with-purchase program featuring an official movie poster from WARNER BROS. PICTURES' new "A Cinderella Story," starring HILARY DUFF. The $4.99 Happily Ever...

Mama Fu's, the five-unit fast-casual division of Atlanta-based Raving Brands, added three new entrees to its menu.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... ATLANTA -- MAMA FU'S, the five-unit fast-casual division of Atlanta-based RAVING BRANDS, added three new entrees to its menu. They are Thai Green Bean with Almond; Thai Cashew Stir Fry; and Korean Cashew, featuring Korean pepper sauce with...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
June 25, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Buffalo Wild Wings 7.54 $27.96 Checkers Drive-In...

American Hospitality Concepts Inc., the bankrupt parent company of the Ground Round casual-dining chain, filed a court motion to sell its franchise assets and rights to a cooperative formed by the chain's franchisees.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2004... BRAINTREE, Mass. -- AMERICAN HOSPITALITY CONCEPTS INC., the bankrupt parent company of the GROUND ROUND casual-dining chain, filed a court motion to sell its franchise assets and rights to a cooperative formed by the chain's franchisees. The...

Shareholders of 18-unit Family Steak Houses of Florida Inc., based here, which formerly was the sole franchisee of the Ryan's Family Steak House chain, approved a name change to Eaco Corp., president Edward Alexander said at the company's annual meeting.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2004... NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. -- Shareholders of 18-unit FAMILY STEAK HOUSES OF FLORIDA INC., based here, which formerly was the sole franchisee of the Ryan's Family Steak House chain, approved a name change to EACO CORP., president EDWARD ALEXANDER...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2004... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., which on Tuesday reversed a year-earlier first-quarter loss of $5.8 million by posting earnings of $11.7 million and a 8.5-percent rise in revenues to $455.3 million for the three months ended May...

Grill Concepts Inc., 23-unit parent of The Grill on the Alley and Daily Grill chains, hired Philip Gay as chief financial officer and executive vice president, replacing Daryl E. Ansel who left to pursue other interests.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2004... LOS ANGELES -- GRILL CONCEPTS INC., 23-unit parent of The Grill on the Alley and Daily Grill chains, hired PHILIP GAY as chief financial officer and executive vice president, replacing DARYL E. ANSEL who left to pursue other interests. Gay...

A Jamba Juice chain spokeswoman dismissed speculation that its chief executive, PAUL CLAYTON, who was president of Burger King North America in the late 1990s, was a candidate to replace Brad Blum as BK's chief executive officer.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2004... MIAMI -- A Jamba Juice chain spokeswoman dismissed speculation that its chief executive, PAUL CLAYTON, who was president of Burger King North America in the late 1990s, was a candidate to replace Brad Blum as BK's chief executive officer....

Subway restaurants launched a Kids' Pak meal promotion featuring four toys based on Kids' WB! animated show "Static Shock" and a separate premium for children from 18 months old through preschool age.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2004... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY restaurants launched a Kids' Pak meal promotion featuring four toys based on KIDS' WB! animated show "Static Shock" and a separate premium for children from 18 months old through preschool age. Toys include a bendable...

McDonald's Corp. unveiled at the Cannes International Advertising Festival several Olympics-theme ads that feature Ronald McDonald participating in sports events.(Marketing Matters)
June 24, 2004... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. unveiled at the Cannes International Advertising Festival several Olympics-theme ads that feature Ronald McDonald participating in sports events. The TV ads, created by LEO BURNETT WORLDWIDE, show the...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close CKE Restaurants 19.98 $13.45 J. Alexander's 3.89 7.75 Luby's ...

A new drunk-driving law that goes into effect in July will allow restaurant customers in Colorado to take home unfinished bottles of wine.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... DENVER -- A new drunk-driving law that goes into effect in July will allow restaurant customers in Colorado to take home unfinished bottles of wine. The COLORADO RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION successfully lobbied the state Legislature to include a...

A group representing Florida tomato pickers seeking higher wages returned a $110,000 check from Yum! Brands Inc., saying the group would continue to boycott Yum's Taco Bell chain.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A group representing Florida tomato pickers seeking higher wages returned a $110,000 check from YUM! BRANDS INC., saying the group would continue to boycott Yum's TACO BELL chain. Chain officials declined to comment, but...

Michigan Restaurant Association.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... LANSING, Mich. -- Astate Senate committee is hearing testimony, after a 16-month delay, on a bill to ban smoking in restaurants that derive more than 30 percent of their income from food. A spokeswoman for the MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION...

The board for School Administrative District 9 here voted to forbid its foodservice department from purchasing irradiated beef.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... FARMINGTON, Maine -- The board for SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT 9 here voted to forbid its foodservice department from purchasing irradiated beef. The 10-1 vote rescinded action the board took last November when it approved the use of...

Darden Restaurants Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. reported a 10.7-percent rise in fourth-quarter sales to $1.36 billion, driven by 19 net new Olive Garden and 10 new Smokey Bones restaurants and an extra week in the period ended May 30. The sales...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., parent of Hardee's and Carl's Jr., posted a fourth straight quarter of same-store sales increases for the chains, of 11.9 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively, while reporting net profit of $11.7...

Foodservice marketer and distributor Sysco Corp. of Houston purchased overseas distributor International Food Group Inc.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... HOUSTON -- Foodservice marketer and distributor SYSCO CORP. of Houston purchased overseas distributor INTERNATIONAL FOOD GROUP INC. Terms were not disclosed. IFG, based in Plant City, Fla., supplies quick-service chains in the Caribbean,...

Quiznos Sub.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... DENVER -- QUIZNOS SUB, parent the 3,100-unit sandwich chain, debuted a line called Craveable Salads that includes the Roadhouse Ranch, Honey Mustard Chicken and Roman Chicken items. They range from $4.69 to $5.49, and four have fewer than 10...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Nathan's Famous 6.15 $6.04 Host America ...

A Dow Jones news report said Advertising Age on Monday had quoted unnamed executives as saying that Burger King Corp.'s owners have been seeking a replacement for BK chief executive Brad Blum.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... CHICAGO -- A Dow Jones news report said Advertising Age on Monday had quoted unnamed executives as saying that BURGER KING CORP.'s owners have been seeking a replacement for BK chief executive BRAD BLUM, the former Darden Restaurants vice...

Gov. Mitt Romney signed into law a bill outlawing smoking in Massachusetts workplaces, including in restaurants, bars and clubs.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... BOSTON -- GOV. MITT ROMNEY signed into law a bill outlawing smoking in Massachusetts workplaces, including in restaurants, bars and clubs. The law, which takes effect July 5, exempts some private clubs and fraternal organizations....

Restaurant industry veteran Al Lapin Jr., co-founder of International House of Pancakes, died last Wednesday of cancer.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... LOS ANGELES -- Restaurant industry veteran ALLAPIN JR., cofounder of INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, died last Wednesday of cancer, according to The Associated Press. He was 76. Lapin opened the first IHOP unit with his younger brother,...

The Starbucks Coffee International arm of Starbucks Coffee Co. acquired the chain's 35 licensed coffeehouses in Singapore from Bonvests Holdings Ltd.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... SEATTLE -- The STARBUCKS COFFEE INTERNATIONAL arm of STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. acquired the chain's 35 licensed coffeehouses in Singapore from BONVESTS HOLDINGS LTD. Terms of the cash purchase, slated to close this month, were not disclosed. "This...

Quality Restaurant Ventures Inc., parent of Sobik's Subs and Westshore Pizza, signed an agreement with Craig Melton to open up to 200 famous Uncle Al's Hot Dogs.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... HEATHROW, Fla. -- QUALITY RESTAURANT VENTURES INC., parent of Sobik's Subs and Westshore Pizza, signed an agreement with CRAIG MELTON to open up to 200 FAMOUS UNCLE AL'S HOT DOGS across the U.S. Southeast. Melton, as territorial director, is...

Sonic Corp.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... OKLAHOMACITY -- SONIC CORP., parent of more than 2,800 drive-in restaurants, agreed to acquire 22 locations in Colorado from a franchisee. Terms of the deal, expected to close in July, were not disclosed. "We expect the transaction to add...

CBRL Group Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC. expects fourth-quarter earnings per share to lag analysts' expectations because of weakened sales at its Cracker Barrel Old Country Store chain. Midquarter same-store restaurant sales at Cracker Barrel units...

McDonald's Corp. teamed up with AT&T wireless to debut a text messaging promotion tied with the 2004 Olympic Games.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. teamed up with AT&T WIRELESS to debut a text messaging promotion tied with the 2004 Olympic Games, marking the largest such U.S. promotion in the United States, company officials said. More than 250 million...

Bruegger's Enterprises Inc.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... BURLINGTON, Vt. -- BRUEGGER'S ENTERPRISES INC., parent of 250 bagel specialty bakery-cafes, added Honey Wheat Stone Hearth Bread to an expanded menu that was launched last November. The bread, made from a blend of whole-wheat and white flour,...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Smith & Wollensky 5.32 $6.53 Luby's 2.39 6.43 Star Buffet ...

National Restaurant Association.(Just In)
June 21, 2004... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION praised the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of a bill that would enable foodservice operators to accelerate depreciation on building improvements from the current 39 years to 15 years....

The Michigan Restaurant Association officially has thanked state Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema for leading an effort that resulted in defeating a proposed liquor tax increase that the MRA claimed would have resulted in a loss of 1,700 hospitality jobs.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... LANSING, Mich. -- The MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION officially has thanked state Senate Majority Leader KEN SIKKEMA for leading an effort that resulted in defeating a proposed liquor tax increase that the MRA claimed would have resulted in...

Mcdonald's Corp. landed the No. 1 spot in Fortune magazine's list of the "50 best companies for minorities".(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... NEWYORK -- MCDONALD'S CORP. landed the No. 1 spot in FORTUNE magazine's list of the "50 best companies for minorities." In addition to having the highest minority-employee retention rate, Fortune said, McDonald's received top marks for...

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC., parent of the the chain of more than 260 restaurants, issued restricted-stock grants to approximately 50 management-level employees as a long-term equity and performance incentive tactic, the company...

The 300-unit Baja Fresh Mexican Grill arm of Wendy's International Inc. said the chain plans to launch its first CD promotion on July 13, when it will sell "Food For Thought" by Carlos Santana to benefit a children's charity.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... THOUSANDS OAKS, Calif. -- The 300-unit BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL arm of WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. said the chain plans to launch its first CD promotion on July 13, when it will sell "Food For Thought" by CARLOS SANTANA to benefit a children's...

Taco Bell on Friday said it had signed a three year deal to become the "Official Quick Service Restaurant" of Major League Baseball.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... IRVINE, Calif. -- TACO BELL on Friday said it had signed a three year deal to become the "Official Quick Service Restaurant" of MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL. The deal gives Taco Bell exclusive rights to ballpark signage and advertising during the...

Luby's Inc.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... SAN ANTONIO -- LUBY'S INC., parent of 139 cafeterias, introduced three new summer items to its Classic Combos menu, which comprises an entree, two side dishes and a roll. The items are a Grilled Fajita KaBob, a Blackened Chicken Breast and a...

Straw Hat Pizza Cooperative.(Executive Suites)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... SAN RAMON, Calif. -- STRAW HAT PIZZA COOPERATIVE, parent of nearly 50 Straw Hat Pizza units in California and Nevada, hired ALLEN STREGE for the newly created post of northern area director to help facilitate expansion. Straw Hat, which...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Benihana 2.55 15.28 Panera Bread 2.12 36.83 Good Times...

The board of 537-unit Schlotzsky's Inc. on Thursday removed senior management of the sandwich chain and elected a new interim chief executive.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 18, 2004... AUSTIN, Texas -- The board of 537-unit SCHLOTZSKY'S INC. on Thursday removed senior management of the sandwich chain and elected a new interim chief executive. In a special meeting Schlotzsky's seven-member board fired JOHN WOOLEY as...

Fired Up Inc., parent of Johnny Carino's Italian restaurants, said it had agreed to purchase three Johnny Carino's restaurants from Sandia Food Group, in Abilene, Amarillo, and Midland, Texas.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 18, 2004... AUSTIN, Texas -- FIRED UP INC., parent of Johnny Carino's Italian restaurants, said it had agreed to purchase three Johnny Carino's restaurants from SANDIA FOOD GROUP, in Abilene, Amarillo, and Midland, Texas. The ownership of the three...

Yum! Brands Inc. parent of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC, said domestic blended same-store sales at company-owned units had increased 2 percent for the second quarter ended June 12.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 18, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC., parent of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC, said domestic blended same-store sales at company-owned units had increased 2 percent for the second quarter ended June 12. U.S. same-store sales rose 5 percent at...

Subway and its agency, Fallon Worldwide, have produced TV ads addressing childhood obesity, but the networks won't run them partly because there are no clear guidelines for advertising about obesity and children, according to a Dow Jones News Service report.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 18, 2004... NEW YORK -- SUB WAY and its agency, FALLON WORLDWIDE, have produced TV ads addressing childhood obesity, but the networks won't run them partly because there are no clear guidelines for advertising about obesity and children, according to a...

Denny's Corp., operator and franchisor of nearly 1,700 family-dining units, said it is set to launch on June 28 D-Zone, a new children's menu and program with "healthy" menu items, for children 10 and under.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
June 18, 2004... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S CORP., operator and franchisor of nearly 1,700 family-dining units, said it is set to launch on June 28 D-Zone, a new children's menu and program with "healthy" menu items, for children 10 and under. The menu...

Pizza Inn Inc., the 400-unit operator.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 18, 2004... THE COLONY, Texas -- PIZZA INN INC., the 400-unit operator, said B. KEITH CLARK would be resigning as senior vice president for corporate development and general counsel, effective July 7.

Damon's Grill, parent of 130 casual-dining restaurants, said it had appointed Carl T. Howard to the post of chief operating officer, replacing John Trainer, vice president of operations, who left the company last year.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
June 18, 2004... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- DAMON'S GRILL, parent of 130 casual-dining restaurants, said it had appointed CARL T. HOWARD to the post of chief operating officer, replacing JOHN TRAINER, vice president of operations, who left the company last year....

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 18, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Mexican Restaurants 6.31 $6.89 Diedrich Coffee 5.89 4.64 Smith &...

Jack in the Box Inc. will expand its new JBX-brand fast-casual concept by converting an unspecified number of Jack in the Box outlets in Boise, Idaho, and Bakersfield, Calif., by the end of 2004, the company confirmed Wednesday.(Just In)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC. will expand its new JBX-brand fast-casual concept by converting an unspecified number of Jack in the Box outlets in Boise, Idaho, and Bakersfield, Calif., by the end of 2004, the company confirmed Wednesday....