Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from June 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from June 2005

Jefferson Parish, La.--a former customer of an Applebee's restaurant here has filed a lawsuit against the chain, alleging she found a human fingertip in her take-out salad a year ago and that the experience made her violently ill.(case between Applebee's International Inc., Michael Darnell)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2005... JEFFERSON PARISH, La. -- A former customer of an APPLEBEE'S restaurant here has filed a lawsuit against the chain, alleging she found a human fingertip in her take-out salad a year ago and that the experience made her violently ill. An...

Winston-Salem, N.C.--Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., based here, told regulators on Monday that the company had once again extended the deadline for negotiating a "success fee" with New York-based turnaround firm Kroll Zolfo Cooper LLC, which Krispy Kreme had hired in January to help the ailing doughnut store operator and franchisor.(JUST IN)
June 30, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC., based here, told regulators on Monday that the company had once again extended the deadline for negotiating a "success fee" with New York-based turnaround firm KROLL ZOLFO COOPER LLC, which...

Glendale, Ariz.--CEC Entertainment Inc. of Irving, Texas, opened its 500th Chuck E. Cheese's entertainment center-restaurant here Wednesday.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2005... GLENDALE, Ariz. -- CEC ENTERTAINMENT INC. of Irving, Texas, opened its 500th CHUCK E. CHEESE'S entertainment center-restaurant here Wednesday. The 12,060-square-foot unit seats 440 and is owned and operated by the chain's largest franchisee,...

Madison, Ga.--Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchen, the 97-unit Mexican cafe brand operated by Avado Brands here, is rolling a $9.95 tortilla entree called carnitas systemwide on July 4, according to marketing and strategic planning senior vice president Bob Hogan.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2005... MADISON, Ga. -- DON PABLO'S MEXICAN KITCHEN, the 97-unit Mexican cafe brand operated by AVADO BRANDS here, is rolling a $9.95 tortilla entree called carnitas systemwide on July 4, according to marketing and strategic planning senior vice...

Sonic Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2005... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP., operator and franchisor of 2,826 drive-in restaurants, posted 19-percent-higher earnings for the third quarter, while revenues climbed 15 percent. Sonic reported net income of $422.7 million, or 35 cents per...

Grand Rapids, Mich.--Meritage Hospitality Group Inc., operator of 48 franchised Wendy's units and three franchised O'Charley's restaurants, reported a sharp plunge in second-quarter earnings as sales at its Wendy's units declined and expenses for the opening of additional O'Charley's restaurants increased.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
June 30, 2005... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- MERITAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP INC., operator of 48 franchised WENDY'S units and three franchised O'CHARLEY'S restaurants, reported a sharp plunge in second-quarter earnings as sales at its Wendy's units declined and...

CBRL Group Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2005... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUPI NC. said comparable-restaurant sales for the four weeks ended June 24 at its Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores climbed 3.3 percent, with a 4-percent-higher average check. Cracker Barrel comparable-store retail...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 30, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Meritage Hosp. Group 12.80 $5.64 Cosi 3.90 6.93 J. Alexander's ...

New York--Jacobson Partners, a private equity firm based here, agreed to sell Taco Bueno to another New York-based investment company, Palladium Equity Partners LLC.(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... NEW YORK -- JACOBSON PARTNERS, a private equity firm based here, agreed to sell TACO BUENO to another New York-based investment company, PALLADIUM EQUITY PARTNERS LLC. Palladium said it would purchase TB CORP., the parent of the Carrollton,...

Downers Grove, Ill.--Heartland Food Corp., a 220-unit Burger King franchisee based here, purchased seven stores in the central Illinois market from Drury Management Inc. and Drury-Illinois Inc.(Heartland Food Corp. purchased Drury Management Inc. and Drury-Illinois Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- HEARTLAND FOOD CORP., a 220-unit BURGER KING franchisee based here, purchased seven stores in the central Illinois market from DRURY MANAGEMENT INC. and DRURY-ILLINOIS INC. The company paid an undisclosed amount for the...

Philadelphia--Restaurateur Stephen Starr is donating $15,000 to $20,000 worth of his time and services to act as the exclusive caterer to the backstage area at the Live 8 concert on July 2 here.(JU)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... PHILADELPHIA -- Restaurateur STEPHEN STARR is donating $15,000 to $20,000 worth of his time and services to act as the exclusive caterer to the backstage area at the Live 8 concert on July 2 here. He plans to "recreate" two of his...

Denny's Inc.(Denny's Inc. appointed Peter Gibbons)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S INC. here named PETER GIBBONS product development vice president, filling a post formerly held by senior director of product development and executive chef TIM SOUFAN. Most recently, Gibbons served as senior vice...

Chick-Fil-A.(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... ATLANTA -- CHICK-FIL-A, based here, added to its breakfast lineup Cafe Blends Coffee and Cinnamon Clusters after testing the items for 38 months at units in Maryland. The coffee line is available in three flavors: Coffeehouse Light, Bistro...

Miami--after years of speculation about a pending initial public offering of Burger King Corp., the company's chief executive, Greg Brenneman, said the chain could make an IPO as early as next year now that it has returned to growth after years of decline, according to published reports.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
June 29, 2005... MIAMI -- After years of speculation about a pending initial public offering of BURGER KING CORP., the company's chief executive, GREG BRENNEMAN, said the chain could make an IPO as early as next year now that it has returned to growth after...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., operator and franchisor of 3,165 restaurants under the Carl's Jr., Hardee's and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill brands, reported a 52-percent spike in its first-quarter profits versus the same period...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 29, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Denny's 8.55 $5.08 Rubio's Restaurants 5.63 10.44 Granite City ...

Winston-Salem, N.C.--as reported last week, five Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. executives resigned and one retired after the embattled company's special committee of independent directors decided they should be discharged.(JUST IN)
June 28, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- As reported last week, five KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. executives resigned and one retired after the embattled company's special committee of independent directors decided they should be discharged. Although a company...

Kolkata, India--KFC opened its eighth quick-service unit in India on June 23, and company officials said it expects to debut an additional four restaurants in the country by year-end.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... KOLKATA, India -- KFC opened its eighth quick-service unit in India on June 23, and company officials said it expects to debut an additional four restaurants in the country by year-end. The new unit, which is located here, is the latest...

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.--Arby's LLC and Arby's Franchise Association, or AFA, signed an agreement to execute a new management system to align the chain's "marketing organization with brand leadership.".(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- ARBY'S LLC and ARBY'S FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION, or A FA, signed an agreement to execute a new management system to align the chain's "marketing organization with brand leadership." MATT JOHNSON, chairman of AFA and...

Columbus, Ohio--Air Chef, a private aviation in-flight caterer based here, has teamed up with J/R Catering of Oakland, Calif., to provide meals and concierge services for flyers in the San Francisco Bay area.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- AIR CHEF, a private aviation in-flight caterer based here, has teamed up with J/R CATERING of Oakland, Calif., to provide meals and concierge services for flyers in the San Francisco Bay area. The newly formed partnership,...

Austin, Texas--Fuddruckers Inc., the 223-unit burger chain based here, named Scott Nietschmann president.(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... AUSTIN, Texas -- FUDDRUCKERS INC., the 223-unit burger chain based here, named SCOTT NIETSCHMANN president. Nietschmann most recently was chief operating officer of Chili's Grill & Bar, a division of Brinker International Inc. in Dallas. He...

McDonald's Corp.(coplain agaisnt the advertising)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... SHANGHAI, China -- ATV spot for MCDONALD'S CORP. that aired here earlier in June was pulled after complaints that its depiction of a man begging for a discount was inappropriate, according to an Associated Press report. The TV spot was...

St. Louis, Mo.--Hardee's plans to break a TV spot titled "Cow Shake" to promote the chain's new Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts, priced at $2.49.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Hardee's Enterprises)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- HARDEE'S plans to break a TV spot titled "Cow Shake" to promote the chain's new Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts, priced at $2.49. The spot, set to break in some markets in about a week, was created by MENDELSOHN/ZIEN...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Star Buffet 8.39 $7.75 Luby's 5.19 11.75 Buca...

Louisville, Ky.--Yum! Brands Inc., parent of KFC and other brands, teamed up with Moscow-based Rostik Restaurants Ltd., or RRL, owner of Russia's largest chicken chain with 80 units, to develop some 300 co-branded Rostik's/KFC restaurants over the next five years in Russia and surrounding regions.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC., parent of KFC and other brands, teamed up with Moscow-based ROSTIK RESTAURANTS LTD., or RRL, owner of Russia's largest chicken chain with 80 units, to develop some 300 co-branded Rostik's / KFC restaurants...

Washington--the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that tests have confirmed a cow that previously had tested negative for mad cow disease following an initial test last November had tested positive for the lethal brain-wasting disease upon a third retesting.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE said Friday that tests have confirmed a cow that previously had tested negative for mad cow disease following an initial test last November had tested positive for the lethal brain-wasting...

Dallas--three Texas restaurant legends were to inducted Sunday into the Texas Restaurant Association Hall of Honor during the Southwest Foodservice Expo here.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... DALLAS -- Three Texas restaurant legends were to inducted Sunday into the TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION Hall of Honor during the Southwest Foodservice Expo here. PEGGY SCOTT of SCOTT'S DRIVE-IN in Wichita Falls; ANTHONY DUNCAN of HUDSON'S...

Rosemont, Ill.--Technomic Information Services' restaurant industry analysts forecasted the brightest outlook for restaurant sales since 1999 at a one-day conference here.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... ROSEMONT, Ill. -- TECHNOMIC INFORMATION SERVICES' restaurant industry analysts forecasted the brightest outlook for restaurant sales since 1999 at a one-day conference here. Technomic analysts expect restaurant sales to increase 6.2 percent...

Orlando, Fla.--Olive Garden, a 563-unit subsidiary of Darden Restaurants Inc., is set to debut four new dishes on July 4.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... ORLANDO, Fla. -- OLIVE GARDEN, a 563-unit subsidiary of DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC., is set to debut four new dishes on July 4. They are Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Grilled Chicken Spiedini, Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta and Five Cheese Ziti al Forno....

Milford, Conn.--Subway, based here, named Steve Safier to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief administrative officer of the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust, which develops marketing campaigns to grow the brand.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY, based here, named STEVE SAFIER to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief administrative officer of the SUBWAY FRANCHISEE ADVERTISING FUND TRUST, which develops marketing campaigns to grow the...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 27, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Denny's 6.98 $4.75 J. Alexander's 2.94 8.75 Max & Erma's ...

Cleveland--a discrimination lawsuit against OakBrook, Ill.-based McDonald's Corp., filed in 1998 by a former restaurant manager infected with the HIV virus, is being retried in court here.(JUST IN)
June 24, 2005... CLEVELAND -- A discrimination lawsuit against OakBrook, Ill.-based MCDONALD'S CORP., filed in 1998 by a former restaurant manager infected with the HIV virus, is being retried in court here. RUSSELL RICH, 41, of Akron initially won a $5...

Dublin, Ohio--Highfields Capital Management said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it increased its stake in Wendy's International to 7.3 percent.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- HIGHFIELDS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT said in a SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION filing that it increased its stake in WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL to 7.3 percent. The Boston-based hedge fund and its affiliates now own 8.4 million shares...

Camden, S.C.--Old South restaurant here, an independent buffet operation blamed for what may be the state's largest outbreak of salmonella poisoning, is being sued by several of the more than 300 guests who became ill after eating there in late May.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... CAMDEN, S.C. -- OLD SOUTH restaurant here, an independent buffet operation blamed for what may be the state's largest outbreak of salmonella poisoning, is being sued by several of the more than 300 guests who became ill after eating there in...

Tulsa, Okla.--Camille's Sidewalk Cafe, a 65-unit fast-casual chain based here, entered a $1.1 million agreement with Vantage Points Restaurants LLC, one of its largest franchisees, to open at least 100 restaurants in Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.(JUST IN)
June 24, 2005... TULSA, Okla. -- CAMILLE'S SIDEWALK CAFE, a 65-unit fast-casual chain based here, entered a $1.1 million agreement with VANTAGE POINTS RESTAURANTS LLC, one of its largest franchisees, to open at least 100 restaurants in Arkansas, Missouri and...

Kittery, Maine--Terry Gagner, owner of 17 Weathervane Seafood Restaurants throughout the Northeast, has opened a new concept here, a fast-casual seafood outlet called Weathervane's Original Shack.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... KITTERY, Maine -- TERRY GAGNER, owner of 17 Weathervane Seafood Restaurants throughout the Northeast, has opened a new concept here, a fast-casual seafood outlet called WEATHERVANE'S ORIGINAL SHACK. The restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches...

Nathan's Famous Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... WESTBURY, N.Y.-- NATHAN'S FAMOUS INC., which operates and franchises 361 restaurants, more than doubled its fourth-quarter income from continuing operations, while revenues increased 22 percent. Nathan's Famous reported income from continuing...

Bruegger's Enterprises Inc.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... BURLINGTON, Vt. -- BRUEGGER'S ENTERPRISES INC., based here, launched a line of iced coffees Monday to commemorate the start of summer. The iced coffees, which are a first for the 245-unit bakery-cafe chain, are available in three...

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
June 24, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. change close Top Gainers Benihana 3.64 $14.81 Sonic 3.59 32.62 Famous Dave's ...

Las Vegas--Acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer signed on to create a food market and wine shop for Club Renaissance, a luxury condominium project under construction in downtown Las Vegas.(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... LAS VEGAS -- Acclaimed chef CHARLIE PALMER signed on to create a food market and wine shop for Club Renaissance, a luxury condominium project under construction in downtown Las Vegas. The market also will offer dine-in service as well as...

Memphis, Tenn.--Lenny's Sub Shops signed an area agreement with Houston-based CLM Franchise Consultants to open 80 restaurants in the Texas counties of Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery over the next several years.(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- LENNY'S SUB SHOPS signed an area agreement with Houston-based CLM FRANCHISE CONSULTANTS to open 80 restaurants in the Texas counties of Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery over the next several years. CLM Franchise Consultants...

Toronto--The Firkin Group of Pubs here said its 41-unit neighborhood tavern brand, Firkin, will open six franchised restaurants in the United States by year-end, in Miami, Washington, D.C., South Riding and Virginia Beach, Va., northwest Indiana and San Antonio.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... TORONTO -- THE FIRKIN GROUP OF PUBS here said its 41-unit neighborhood tavern brand, Firkin, will open six franchised restaurants in the United States by year-end, in Miami, Washington, D.C., South Riding and Virginia Beach, Va., northwest...

Carpinteria, Calif.--Carl's Jr. Wednesday launched a new Western Bacon Charbroiled Chicken Sandwich, featuring a grilled chicken breast filet topped with bacon, American cheese, onion rings and barbecue sauce for a suggested price of $3.99.(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CARL'S JR. Wednesday launched a new Western Bacon Charbroiled Chicken Sandwich, featuring a grilled chicken breast filet topped with bacon, American cheese, onion rings and barbecue sauce for a suggested price of $3.99....

IHOP.(marketing)(Funnel Cake Carnival)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP, based here, on June 27 will launch its Funnel Cake Carnival, offering the fried dough treat with various fruit, sugar and whipped cream toppings at participating restaurants throughout the 1,198-unit chain. The...

Irvine, Calif.--Diedrich Coffee Inc., parent of Gloria Jean's, Diedrich Coffee and Coffee People coffeehouse brands based here, reported a net income of $15.6 million, or $2.91 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 9, compared with a loss of $69,000, or $0.01 per share, for the same period the previous year.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
June 23, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- DIEDRICH COFFEE INC., parent of Gloria Jean's, Diedrich Coffee and Coffee People coffeehouse brands based here, reported a net income of $15.6 million, or $2.91 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 9, compared with...

Greenwood Village, Colo.--Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc., which owns and franchises more than 250 Red Robin units, named Katherine Scherping chief financial officer, replacing James McClosky, who will continue to serve as a senior vice president with additional duties beyond finance.(appointment)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC., which owns and franchises more than 250 Red Robin units, named KATHERINE SCHERPING chief financial officer, replacing JAMES MCCLOSKY, who will continue to serve as a senior vice...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's vice chairman and chief executive Jim Skinner was elected to the board of directors of Walgreen Co., the Deerfield, Ill.-based 4,805-unit drugstore chain.(appointment)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S vice chairman and chief executive JIM SKINNER was elected to the board of directors of Walgreen Co., the Deerfield, Ill.-based 4,805-unit drugstore chain. The appointment is effective July 1, Walgreen's said in a...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Illustration)
June 23, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Good Times Restaurants 5.56 $4.75 Diedrich Coffee 4.08 5.10 Smith & Wollensky ...

Timonium, Md.--Grotech Capital Group here, the venture capital firm that led the acquisition of Captain D's from Dallas-based Lone Star Funds on Jan. 5, reportedly is in talks to buy the 7,603-unit Dunkin' Brands chain pending success of the French distillery giant Pernod Ricard's bid to take over Dunkin's London-based parent Allied Domecq.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... TIMONIUM, Md. -- GROTECH CAPITAL GROUP here, the venture capital firm that led the acquisition of Captain D's from Dallas-based Lone Star Funds on Jan. 5, reportedly is in talks to buy the 7,603-unit DUNKIN' BRANDS chain pending success of...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.(resignations)(investigations)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Five KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS executives have resigned and one has retired after a special committee of independent directors for the approximately 400-unit doughnut chain decided that they should be discharged. The...

Suwanee, Ga.--William A. "Bill" Coban, senior vice president and general manager of Schwan's Bakery Inc.'s foodservice division, died here June 2 of unknown causes.(Obituary)
June 22, 2005... SUWANEE, Ga. -- WILLIAM A. "BILL" COBAN, senior vice president and general manager of SCHWAN'S BAKERY INC.'s foodservice division, died here June 2 of unknown causes. He was 47. Coban, who served in the foodservice industry for 24 years, is...

Spartanburg, S.C.--Denny's Inc., the 1,584-unit family-dining chain based here, named Enrique N. Mayor--Mora to the newly created position of vice president of planning and analysis.(appointment)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S INC., the 1,584-unit family-dining chain based here, named ENRIQUE N. MAYO R--MORA to the newly created position of vice president of planning and analysis. He was previously vice president of finance at Gap Inc....

Atlanta--Blimpie International Inc., a 1,600-unit sandwich-shop chain based here, named John Campbell vice president of global development.(appointment)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... ATLANTA -- BLIMPIE INTERNATIONAL INC., a 1,600-unit sandwich-shop chain based here, named JOHN CAMPBELL vice president of global development. Campbell, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant franchising business, most recently worked as vice...

Minneapolis--Famous Dave's of America completed a plan to repurchase up to one million shares of its common stock.(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA completed a plan to repurchase up to one million shares of its common stock. The company funded the repurchase from its working capital and cash flow, according to JEFFREY DAHLBERG, board chairman. "We...

Plano, Texas--Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses added three kebob skewer entrees to their menus, available for a limited time through July 17.(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... PLANO, Texas -- PONDEROSA and BONANZA STEAKHOUSES added three kebob skewer entrees to their menus, available for a limited time through July 17. Customers can choose from steak, chicken or shrimp kebobs served over roasted vegetables with a...

Not Your Average Joe's.(menu launch)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... DARTMOUTH, Mass. -- NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE'S, an 11-unit casual-dining chain based here, debuted a berry-inspired menu that will be available through July 13. The menu will feature locally grown summer strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Illustration)
June 22, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Host America 4.11 $3.04 Champps Entertainment 4.02 7.50 Main Street Rest. Group...

Fairport, N.Y.--Constellation Brands Inc., known as the world's largest winemaker, and its three partners, Brown-Forman Corp., Lion Capital and The Blackstone Group, decided not to offer a bid as a group to purchase Dunkin' Brands parent Allied Domecq, Constellation Brands officials announced.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... FAIRPORT, N.Y. -- CONSTELLATION BRANDS INC., known as the world's largest winemaker, and its three partners, BROWN-FORMAN CORP., LION CAPITAL and THE BLACKSTONE GROUP, decided not to offer a bid as a group to purchase DUNKIN' BRANDS parent...

Tallahassee, Fla.--beginning July 1, Florida restaurant patrons purchasing full-course meals will be allowed to take home unfinished bottles of wine from operators that offer the service.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Beginning July 1, Florida restaurant patrons purchasing full-course meals will be allowed to take home unfinished bottles of wine from operators that offer the service. Signed by Fla. GOV. JEB BUSH on June 17, SB 1114 had...

Carpinteria, Calif.--La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill, a more-than-100-unit subsidiary of CKE Restaurants Inc., based here, signed four franchise agreements to open at least 19 restaurants in Texas, Missouri and Florida.(JUST IN)
June 21, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- LA SALSA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL, a more-than-100-unit subsidiary of CKE RESTAURANTS INC., based here, signed four franchise agreements to open at least 19 restaurants in Texas, Missouri and Florida. The franchisees include...

Denver--Qdoba Mexican Grill, based here, signed a franchise agreement with Madalex LLC to expand the brand throughout New York State.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... DENVER -- QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL, based here, signed a franchise agreement with MADALEX LLC to expand the brand throughout New York State. The first unit is expected to open in September in Queens County. Madalex is run by president SCOTT...

Darden Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC., owner and operator of 1,381 casual-dining restaurants, reported a 59-percent increase in fourth-quarter profits on revenues that jumped 2.6 percent for the period ended May 29. For the most recently...

Baton Rouge, La.--the 27-unit Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers here hired Kathleen Wood as president and chief operating officer.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... BATON ROUGE, La. -- The 27-unit RAISING CANE'S CHICKEN FINGERS here hired KATHLEEN WOOD as president and chief operating officer. Founder TODD GRAVES, who held those titles previously, remains chief executive. Wood co-founded and most...

Miami--the Subway sandwich chain's franchisee-owned purchasing cooperative for electronic gift and loyalty card services, or the Independent Purchasing Cooperative Inc. of Miami, has selected Chockstone Inc. as its partner vendor, cooperative officials reported. Subway, with headquarters in Milford, Conn., has approximately 23,500 units worldwide.(SUPPLIER NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... MIAMI--The SUBWAY sandwich chain's franchisee-owned purchasing cooperative for electronic gift and loyalty card services, or the INDEPENDENT PURCHASING COOPERATIVE INC. of Miami, has selected CHOCKSTONE INC. as its partner vendor, cooperative...

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
June 21, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. change close Top Gainers J. Alexander's 7.25 $8.88 Diedrich Coffee 5.56 4.75...

Dallas--Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., said it had inked a deal to have its name attached to a new soccer stadium and complex in Fresno, Texas, built for FC Dallas, the city's major league soccer team.(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... DALLAS -- PIZZAHUT, a subsidiary of YUM! BRANDS INC., said it had inked a deal to have its name attached to a new soccer stadium and complex in Fresno, Texas, built for FC Dallas, the city's major league soccer team. The site, including a...

McDonald's Corp.(JUST IN)
June 20, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP., based here, is expanding its test of automated DVD rental machines by installing them in 185 restaurants in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and another 172 units in Houston. One year ago the world's...

Burger King Corp.(to open outlet in China)(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP., based here, is expected to open its first outlet on mainland China in Shanghai at the end of June, published reports said. The chain's current presence in China is limited to a franchisee-owned restaurant at the...

Dallas--The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES, opened Iraq's first Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits restaurant on May 27.(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... DALLAS -- The ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE, or AAFES, opened Iraq's first POPEYES CHICKEN AND BISCUITS restaurant on May 27. The unit is one of four Popeyes outlets that AAFES plans to open this summer, said BUTCH FREED, director of food...

Carlsbad, Calif.--Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, the chain of more than 150 fast-casual restaurants, named Gerry Lene-Weaver vice president of people services, a newly created position.(California)(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- RUBIO'S FRESH MEXICAN GRILL, the chain of more than 150 fast-casual restaurants, named GERRY LENE-WEAVER vice president of people services, a newly created position. Previously, Leneweaver operated a consulting firm, AGL...

Tampa, Fla.--Outback Steakhouse Inc., whose owned and franchised system of 1,215 restaurants includes the 893 namesake chain and 178-unit Carrabba's Italian Grills, has retained former chief financial officer Robert Merritt indefinitely on a $50,000-a-month consulting fee basis until the hiring and orientation of a replacement is completed.(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC., whose owned and franchised system of 1,215 restaurants includes the 893 namesake chain and 178-unit Carrabba's Italian Grills, has retained former chief financial officer ROBERT MERRITT indefinitely on...

Bradenton, Fla.--First Watch Restaurants Inc. here, operator of 52 breakfast, brunch and lunch units in nine states, named 13-year company veteran and Culinary Institute of America alumnus Kevin Hall brand director.(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... BRADENTON, Fla. -- FIRSTWATCH RESTAURANTS INC. here, operator of 52 breakfast, brunch and lunch units in nine states, named 13-year company veteran and Culinary Institute of America alumnus KEVIN HALL brand director, a newly created post,...

Max & Erma's Restaurants Inc.(sales)(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- MAX & ERMA'S RESTAURANTS INC., owner and operator of 78 Max & Erma's casual dinnerhouses, posted a second-quarter loss after booking a $1.45 million asset impairment charge for the planned closure of two restaurants and the...

White Castle.(White Castle System Inc. to add an energy drink)(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- WHITE CASTLE, based here, said it would be the first quick-service restaurant to add an energy drink to its menu to reinforce " the 24-hour philosophy of the company." For a limited time this summer the 395-unit burger chain...

Stockwatch.(restaurant shares)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 20, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Back Yard Burgers 4.39 $5.57 J. Alexander's 3.50 8.28 Buffalo Wild Wings ...

Reston, Va.--Contractor Gate Gourmet, based here, is facing government allegations of mismanagement in its Amtrak foodservice account.(Virginia)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... RESTON, Va. -- Contractor GATE GOURMET, based here, is facing government allegations of mismanagement in its Amtrak foodservice account. A probe by the GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE, the investigative arm of Congress, said Amtrak lost $245...

Buena Park, Calif.--Knott's Berry Farm and the T.G.I. Friday's division of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide of Carrollton, Texas, plan to open a newly designed T.G.I. Friday's at the theme park here on June 25.(California)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... BUENA PARK, Calif. -- KNOTT'S BERRY FARM and the T.G.I. FRIDAY'S division of CARLSON RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE of Carrollton, Texas, plan to open a newly designed T.G.I. Friday's at the theme park here on June 25. The 7,200-square-foot restaurant...

Columbus, Ohio--Two Burger King restaurants here reported that some toys and posters from its "Star Wars" movie promotion were stolen in recent days.(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Two BURGER KING restaurants here reported that some toys and posters from its "Star Wars" movie promotion were stolen in recent days. Thieves pried open in-restaurant display cases to get to the toys, according to published...

Boulder, Colo.--Noodles & Company, the 110-unit fast-casual chain based here, hired industry veteran Keith Kinsey as chief financial officer.(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... BOULDER, Colo. -- NOODLES & COMPANY, the 110-unit fast-casual chain based here, hired industry veteran KEITH KINSEY as chief financial officer. Kinsey, who assumes his new position in July, is leaving Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill,...

Chicago--The Women's Foodservice Forum, based here, hired consultant Patti Venetucci as executive director.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... CHICAGO -- The WOMEN'S FOODSERVICE FORUM, based here, hired consultant PATTI VENETUCCI as executive director. Venetucci is a former McDonald's Corp. executive whose firm, PDQ Associates Inc. in Downers Grove, Ill., offers consulting for the...

Yum! Brands Inc.(sales)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC.'s same-store sales for company-owned restaurants rose 6 percent in the United States for the four weeks ended June 11, with increases of 7 percent at Taco Bell and 12 percent at KFC, while results were flat...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. earlier this week delayed filing financial results for its fiscal year 2006 first quarter ended May 1, but said it expects to report a loss for the period as sales fell 17 percent from the...

McDonald's Corp.(MARKETING MATTERS)(selling outdoor play equipment)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP., based here, has begun selling a line of branded bikes, skateboards, scooters, videos and other outdoor play equipment. The line, which the chain plans to expand next year, is dubbed "McKids" and being...

Stockwatch.(restaurants)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 17, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Cosi 11.74 $7.14 Luby's 6.04 11.42 J. Alexander's ...