Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from March 2003

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from March 2003

Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., said he plans to send a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld asking him to void Paris-based Sodexho Alliance's $881 million foodservice contract with the U.S. Marine Corps. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Rep. JACK KINGSTON, R-Ga., said he plans to send a letter to Defense Secretary DONALD RUMSFELD asking him to void Paris-based SODEXHO ALLIANCE's $881 million foodservice contract with the U.S. MARINE CORPS. Kingston told the AFX...

To combat disappointing financial results and continued store closures, Schlotzsky's Inc. launched a host of new menu and design changes, dubbed "Concept 2005." (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... AUSTIN, Texas -- To combat disappointing financial results and continued store closures, SCHLOTZSKY'S INC. launched a host of new menu and design changes, dubbed "Concept 2005." Citing the economy and dampened consumer confidence,...

The state of Minnesota filed felony tax-evasion charges against Atlanta-based Le Petit Bistro, which operates two food-court restaurants there. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The state of Minnesota filed felony tax-evasion charges against Atlanta-based LE PETIT BISTRO, which operates two food-court restaurants there. The 80-unit chain is charged with avoiding paying about $100, 000 in Minnesota...

Following at least six months of contentious debate, Mayor Martin Chavez signed a restaurant smoking ban into law, according to the Albuquerque Journal. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Following at least six months of contentious debate, Mayor MARTIN CHAVEZ signed a restaurant smoking ban into law, according to the Albuquerque Journal. The ordinance was approved by the City Council this month by a 7-1...

Aramark promoted Andrew Main to president of its Business Services division. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK promoted ANDREW MAIN to president of its Business Services division. Main, who was executive vice president of the division, replaced JAMES MCMANUS, who left to become CEO of a Boston-based dry cleaning firm. Main...

Chili's Grill & Bar, a subsidiary of Brinker International Inc., is testing a dozen Asian-inspired dishes in a number of units. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... DALLAS -- CHILI 'S GRILL & BAR, a subsidiary of BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC., is testing a dozen Asian-inspired dishes in a number of units. Garnering high customer approval, according to a two-year service veteran at a test location, are the...

Starbucks Coffee Co. and the Seattle Mariners signed a four-year pact making Starbucks the official coffee of the ball club and its Safeco Field. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. and the SEATTLE MARINERS signed a four-year pact making Starbucks the official coffee of the ball club and its Safeco Field. The deal provides the coffee chain with signage in right field, rotational signs...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 31, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Famous Dave's of Amer. 5.92 $4.49 Ruby Tuesday 5.27 19.98 Buca ...

McDonald's Corp., amid rumors that it is eyeing another round of layoffs and delays to restaurant remodelings, is said to be exploring a sale of its nonburger chains, including Boston Market, Chipotle and Donatos Pizzeria. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 28, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill.--MCDONALD'S CORP., amid rumors that it is eyeing another round of layoffs and delays to restaurant remodelings, is said to be exploring a sale of its nonburger chains, including Boston Market, Chipotle and Donatos Pizzeria....

Andre Lacroix, president of Burger King International and overseer of the nearly 2,700 BK units outside North America, is preparing to leave Burger King Corp. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 28, 2003... PARIS--ANDRE LACROIX, president of BURGER KING INTERNATIONAL and overseer of the nearly 2,700 BK units outside North America, is preparing to leave BURGER KING CORP. to become chairman of French theme park operator EURO DISNEY, a French...

A federal jury here acquitted Tyson Foods and three managers of conspiring to hire illegal immigrants to work in its plants. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 28, 2003... CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--A federal jury here acquitted TYSON FOODS and three managers of conspiring to hire illegal immigrants to work in its plants. The not-guilty verdict followed a four-year probe in which U.S. BORDER PATROL agents posed as...

In what would be the first federal revision of overtime rules in more than 50 years, new definitions of white- and blue-collar workers were proposed by the Labor Department. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 28, 2003... WASHINGTON--In what would be the first federal revision of overtime rules in more than 50 years, new definitions of white-and blue-collar workers were proposed by the LABOR DEPARTMENT Thursday that would mandate overtime or a salary hike for...

Yum! Brands Inc.(sales)(Brief Article)
March 28, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky.--YUM! BRANDS INC. said estimated U.S. systemwide same-store sales fell 1 percent at Yum-owned outlets for the four-weeks ended March 22. The dip reflected flat same-store sales at Taco Bell and declines of 2 percent at both...

Triarc Cos. Inc.(fourth quarter income)(Brief Article)
March 28, 2003... NEW YORK--TRIARC COS. INC., parent of the Arby's chain, reported income from continuing operations for its fourth quarter of $1.4 million, or 6 cents per diluted share, vs. $1.6 million, or 7 cents a share, in the previous fourth quarter. Net...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 28, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Famous Dave's of Amer. 5.98 $4.24 Chicago Pizza & Brewery 3.72 7.22 CKE...

The Legislature passed a statewide smoking ban for New York workplaces Wednesday and it was signed into law within hours by Gov. George Pataki. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Legislature passed a statewide smoking ban for New York workplaces Wednesday and it was signed into law within hours by Gov. GEORGE PATAKI. The statute, which takes effect July 24, exempts only private homes, personal but...

CKE Restaurants Inc. chairman William Foley announced he would reduce his compensation, terminate his employment contract and forego his bonus for the fiscal year ended in January. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC. chairman WILLIAM FOLEY announced he would reduce his compensation, terminate his employment contract and forego his bonus for the fiscal year ended in January, in keeping with his scaled-back...

Talk of the town restaurants, parent of casual-seafood brand Fish Bones, reached an out-of-court settlement of trademark-infringement litigation. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- TALK OF THE TOWN RESTAURANTS, parent of casual-seafood brand Fish Bones, reached an out-of-court settlement of trademark-infringement litigation it filed against six-unit BONEFISH GRILL and its growth partner, OUTBACK...

The Olive Group, a Boston-based family of restaurants founded by chef Todd English, is slated to open its first West Coast restaurant. (Just In).(Fish Clubto open in the Seattle Marriott Waterfront Hotel )(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... SEATTLE -- THE OLIVE GROUP, a Boston-based family of restaurants founded by chef TODD ENGLISH, is slated to open its first West Coast restaurant in the Seattle Marriott Waterfront Hotel April 17. The company said Fish Club will offer fresh...

Dozens of restaurants here and in such other German cities as Hamburg, Munich and Bonn are boycotting the sale of Coca-Cola, Marlboro cigarettes, whiskey and other American goods to protest the U.S.-led war against Iraq. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... BERLIN -- Dozens of restaurants here and in such other German cities as Hamburg, Munich and Bonn are boycotting the sale of Coca-Cola, Marlboro cigarettes, whiskey and other American goods to protest the U.S.-led war against Iraq, according...

Mina Group, the management company created by former Aqua Development Corp. chef Michael Mina, is scheduled to open the 130-seat Arcadia. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... SAN JOSE, Calif. -- MINA GROUP, the management company created by former AQUA DEVELOPMENT CORP. chef MICHAEL MINA, is scheduled to open the 130-seat Arcadia April 29 in the new San Jose Marriott next to McHenry Convention Center. Under a...

Yum! Brands Inc.'s nonprofit arm donated $500,000 to help launch the Muhammed Ali Center for the advancement of humanity worldwide. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC.'s nonprofit arm donated $500,000 to help launch the MUHAMMED ALI CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF HUMANITY WORLDWIDE. Plans call for the Louisville-based center to be an international cultural and educational...

City Fresh Foods of Dorchester, Mass., said it hired Peter Mikedis as its new chief operating officer. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... BOSTON -- CITY FRESH FOODS of Dorchester, Mass., said it hired PETER MIKEDIS as its new chief operating officer, replacing RAPHAELRAMIREZ, who left for "personal reasons." City Fresh prepares more than 3,000 home-style meals each day for...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 27, 2003... STOCKWATCH (share over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close CKE Restaurants 5.39 $4.69 Famous Dave's of Amer. 5.15 4.00 Checkers...

Prairie Pasta Inc., newly formed by six-unit Applebee's franchisee Todd Porter. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 26, 2003... AUSTIN, Texas -- PRAIRIE PASTA INC., newly formed by six-unit Applebee's franchisee TODD PORTER and four-store Papa John's franchisee WILLIAM NADON, signed a 10-unit deal to become a franchisee of thc Johnny Carino's County Italian chain, its...

Starbucks Corp. will open its first freestanding coffeehouse in Arkansas May 1. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 26, 2003... LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- STARBUCKS CORP. will open its first freestanding coffeehouse in Arkansas May 1, the Associated Press reported. The chain likely will open six to eight units in Little Rock over the next three years and is looking to open...

Barry Switzer closed his three-unit Barry's Chicken Ranch chain. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 26, 2003... NORMAN, Okla. -- Ex-football coach BARRY SWITZER closed his three-unit BARRY'S CHICKEN RANCH chain, which he had launched in September 1999 with partner SCOOTER YATES. The 65-year-old former head of the University of Oklahoma and Dallas...

Golden Corral co-founder and chairman James H. Maynard and to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary. (Just In).(new award set up )
March 26, 2003... CHICAGO -- In honor of GOLDEN CORRAL co-founder and chairman JAMES H. MAYNARD and to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary, a group of his associates pledged $250,000 to the NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION to...

California Pizza Kitchen Inc. (Financial Briefs).(first quarter financial performance)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- Citing higher-than-anticipated labor costs, CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN INC. cut its first-quarter earnings-per-share estimate to 20 cents to 22 cents, from 22 cents to 24 cents. Wall Street analysts' consensus was 23 cents,...

Avado Brands Inc. (Financial Briefs).(gets revolving credit facility)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2003... MADISON, Ga. -- Multichain operator AVADO BRANDS INC. entered into a new $39 million revolving credit facility and a $20 million sale-leaseback deal, which enabled it to retire the outstanding obligations under its $75 million credit facility...

Fast-food hot dog chain Wienerschnitzel plans to roll out a Southwest Smokey Sausage at its 350 franchised units for a 90-day run beginning April 1. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
March 26, 2003... NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Fast-food hot dog chain WIENERSCHNITZEL plans to roll out a Southwest Smokey Sausage at its 350 franchised units for a 90-day run beginning April 1. The sausage, $2.29, will come with shredded cheddar cheese, roasted...

T.G.I. Friday's, the nearly 800-unit chain owned by Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., is partnering with Ohio Art Co., makers of the Etch A Sketch toy. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
March 26, 2003... DALLAS -- T.G.L FRIDAY'S, the nearly 800-unit chain owned by CARLSON RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE INC., is partnering with OHIO ART CO., makers of the Etch A Sketch toy, as part of a new kids-menu promotion. Children under 12 will be given a...

Stock Watch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 26, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Tues. change close Ark Restaurant 9.71 $7.24 Sonic 9.48 26.32 Buca ...

Terrance Brennan's Seafood and Chop House. (Just In).(judge dismisses lawsuit seeking to bar chef from using his name on New Orleans restaurant)
March 25, 2003... NEW YORK -- A federal District Court judge here dismissed a lawsuit filed by the owners of Brennan's restaurant in New Orleans seeking to bar New York chef-owner TERRANCE BRENNAN from using his name on his latest restaurant; Terrance...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. signed Dallas-based Mandes Restaurant Group LLC. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 25, 2003... GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC. signed Dallas-based MANDES RESTAURANT GROUP LLC to an eight-unit franchise deal. It calls for Mandes to open eight Red Robin casual-dining restaurants in the Dallas area, with the...

Charlie Trotter signed an agreement with Kerzner International Resorts. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 25, 2003... CHICAGO -- Renowned chef-restaurateur CHARLIE TROTTER signed an agreement with KERZNER INTERNATIONAL RESORTS of Plantation, Fla, to bring his Chicago flagship Charlie Trotter's to the new One&Only Palmilla luxury resort in Los Cabos, Mexico....

Eateries Inc. (Financial Briefs).(fourth-quarter earnings and revenues)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2003... OKLAHOMA CITY -- EATERIES INC. reported a fourth-quarter loss of $6.4 million, after $8.5 million in charges for the disposition of assets. Eateries earned $430,000 in the previous fourth quarter. Fourth-quarter revenues fell 7.3 percent to...

AFC Enterprises Inc. (Financial Briefs).(restating earnings for 2001 and first three quarters of 2002)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2003... ATLANTA -- AFC ENTERPRISES INC. said it will restate earnings for 2001 and the first three quarters of 2002 as a result of a reevaluation of its accounting policies but for no reason attributable to fraud or misconduct and in no way that...

IHOP Corp. (Financial Briefs).(issues dividend)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2003... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., after considering several financial alternatives, has decided to distribute cash to shareholders in the form of an initial dividend of 25 cents a share. The 1,103-unit family-dining chain said it plans to...

Sonic Corp. (Financial Briefs).(second-quarter revenues and earnings)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2003... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP. posted a 12-percent rise in earnings for the second quarter ended Feb. 28, to $8 million, vs. $7.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Second-quarter revenue increased 11 percent to $90.4 million. Systemwide...

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar hired Mark L. Miller. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
March 25, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL & BAR hired MARK L. MILLER as its first director of research and development. He joins the 200-plus-unit chain from Applebee's International, where he was senior research and development manager.

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 25, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Smith & Wollensky 1.95 $4.18 Meritage Hospitality Group 1.86 4.37 Friendly Ice...

Kahala Corp. (Just In).(plans to become private)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2003... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- KAHALA CORP., franchisor of the 270-unit Ranch*1, Surf City Squeeze, Frullati Cafe & Bakery and Rollerz chains, said it plans to begin submitting paperwork to securities regulators to become a private company this week....

Norman Vanaken, chef and owner of Norman's, is partnering with the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. (Just In).
March 24, 2003... CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- NORMAN VANAKEN, chef and owner of NORMAN'S, is partnering with the RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES to open a branch of his namesake restaurant at the Florida resort The project, which is slated to open in July, will...

A former waitress pleaded guilty in Onondaga County, N.Y., to stealing almost $20,000 by manipulating a restaurant's point-of-service system. (Just In).(Sherwood Inn's former waitress Melissa Lafleur )(Brief Article)
March 24, 2003... SKANEATELES, N.Y. -- A former waitress pleaded guilty in Onondaga County, N.Y., to stealing almost $20,000 by manipulating a restaurant's point-of-service system, the Associated Press reported. For more than a year, MELISSA LAFLEUR reportedly...

ARAMARK said it will begin providing food concessions. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 24, 2003... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK said it will begin providing food concessions, retail merchandise, catering and premium services at Houston's new 69,500-seat Reliant Stadium, home to the Houston Texans and RodeoHouston. Aramark currently provides...

Max & Erma's Restaurants Inc. (Financial Briefs).(first quarter profits up)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2003... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- MAX & ERMA'S RESTAURANTS INC. reported first-quarter net income 11 percent higher than last year on revenues 11 percent higher. Net income ofr the 16-week quarter ended Feb. 16 was $907,844; revenues were $49.2 million. The...

Carrols Corp. (Financial Briefs).(net profits down)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2003... SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Privately held CARROLS CORP. said net profit for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 was $2.4 million, vs. a loss of $4.7 million in the year-earlier period. However, Carrols said total revenues fell 3.3 percent in the quarter...

Panda Express. (Marketing Matters).(Festival of Shrimp limitedtime promotion)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2003... SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. -- Chinese quick-service segment leader PANDA EXPRESS is repeating its annual Festival of Shrimp limitedtime promotion from March 23 to June 14, this year adding six new shrimp entrees and allowing customers to add...

Burger King Corp. (Marketing Matters).(Italian chicken sandwich back for limited time)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2003... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. is bringing back its Italian chicken sandwich at participating units from March 24 to April 13. The sandwich contains a crispy chicken patty topped with mozzarella and marinara sauce on a hoagie-style, sesame-seed...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 24, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Panera Bread 7.43 $32.23 P.F. Chang's China Bistro 7.20 39.88 CEC Entertainment ...

Avado Brands Inc. (Just In).(closed)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- AVADO BRANDS INC. shuttered the headquarters of its 65-unit Hops Restaurant, Bar and Brewery chain here and replaced Hops' executive team in a major consolidation of management functions, which were transferred to Avado's home...

A National Labor Relations Board judge ruled in favor of seven former chefs at a Benihana franchise unit in downtown Anchorage who argued they were unfairly fired. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 21, 2003... ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD judge ruled in favor of seven former chefs at a BENIHANA franchise unit in downtown Anchorage who argued they were unfairly fired. Six of the chefs walked off the job in December 2001 to...

Sbarro Inc. (Just In).(closed all six of its units in Spain after its franchisee there declared bankruptcy)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2003... NEW YORK -- SBARRO INC. closed all six of its units in Spain after its franchisee there declared bankruptcy in mid-February, citing high rental costs, according to the Financial Times of London. A group of Belgian investors led by NODARI...

Darden Restaurants Inc. (Financial Briefs).
March 21, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. reported a 7-percent decline in net income for the third quarter ended Feb. 23, to $61.8 million, or 35 cents per diluted share, versus year-ago earnings of $662 million, or 36 cents a share. Darden...

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
March 21, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS INC. posted a fourth-quarter loss of $9.7 million after charges of $10.8 million related to asset write-downs and store closings. The company, which operates and franchises 398 Checkers and 386...

McDonald's Corp. is considering scrapping its "We love to see you smile" tagline. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
March 21, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. is considering scrapping its "We love to see you smile" tagline. Chief marketing officer LARRY LIGHT plans to meet soon with the chain's global and domestic ad agencies to develop anew ad campaign and...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 21, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Thurs. change close Peet's Coffee & Tea 2.78 $16.29 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 2.11 33.80 Chicago...

Burger King Corp. (Just In).(chairman John Dasburg to resign)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. said chairman JOHN DASBURG, 60, is stepping down effective March 31 to become chairman and chief executive of DHL AIRWAYS, the Barrington, Ill.-based provider of air cargo services with a fleet of 40 planes. BK said...

US Airways. (Just In).(offering passengers the option of purchasing deli-style meals on some flights)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- US AIRWAYS began offering to passengers the option of purchasing deli-style meals on some flights as part of a two-week test. The service, catered by LSG SKY CHEFS and featuring menu items from the EINSTEIN BROS. bagel-cafe...

Papa John's International Inc. (Just In).(franchisee Bahama Papa Ltd. opens chain's first unit in the Bahamas)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL INC. said a franchisee, BAHAMA PAPA LTD., opened the chain's first unit in the Bahamas. The chain of more than 2,933 pizza shops includes corporate-owned and franchised branches in Mexico,...

Del Taco Inc. (Just In).(franchisee Ejaz H. Chaudry opened his second unit in Vancouver, Washington)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... VANCOUVER, Wash. -- DEL TACO franchisee EJAZ H. CHAUDRY opened his second unit here. The Vancouver restaurant is the first of five new units planned by Chaudry for the area. According to HELEN TRENT, director of franchise sales at Lake...

Applebee's International Inc. (Executive Suite).(hired Sam Rothschild as vice president of franchise operations)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC. hired SAM ROTHSCHILD as vice president of franchise operations, replacing DAVE GOEBEL, who in December was promoted to executive vice president of operations. Prior to joining the...

Carlson Cos. Inc. (Executive Suite).(Carlson Restaurants Worldwide promoted Juanita Nanez to vice president of diversity)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... DALLAS -- CARLSON RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE, parent of T.G.I. Friday's Inc. and Pick Up Stix, promoted JUANITA NANEZ to the newly created post of vice president of diversity. Nanez, who most recently held the position of executive director of...

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group. (Marketing Matters).(to launch advertising campaign focusing on golf)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... NEW YORK -- SMITH & WOLLENSKY RESTAURANT GROUP, as part of the opening of its Dallas restaurant and the planned opening of a Houston location in October, is launching an advertising campaign focusing on golf March 24. The campaign, initially...

Schlotzsky's Inc. (Marketing Matters).(introduced a new Tuscan Turkey sandwich)(Brief Article)
March 20, 2003... AUSTIN, Texas -- SCHLOTZSKY'S INC. added a new Tuscan Turkey sandwich to its sub-menu of lighter offerings. With only 7 grams of fat, the new $4.99 sandwich includes turkey artichoke-lemon pesto, romaine lettuce and tomatoes on toasted...

Stockwatch.(stock prices of restaurant companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 20, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. change Wed. close Top Gainers Buca 10.45 $6.13 Smith & Wollensky 6.32 4.04 Dave & Buster's 2.87 ...

French wine. (Just In).(legislation introduced in Texas House of triple state taxes on imported French wine)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2003... AUSTIN, Texas -- Legislation has been introduced in the Texas House to triple state taxes on imported French wine in retaliation for France's opposition to U.S. policy on Iraq. The proposal, introduced by REP. WAYNE CHRISTIAN, R-Center, would...

Pennant Foods Corp. (Just In).(acquired by Brockway Moran & Partners)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2003... KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- PENNANT FOODS CORP., operator of 51 franchised Wendy's units in Southern California and another 38 Wendy's in its home market here under the Southeast Food Services umbrella, was acquired Tuesday by Boca Raton, Fla.-based...

Yum! Brands Inc. (Just In).(to buy Pizza Hut units)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- LAVAN HAWKINS, a former Burger King franchisee, has agreed to sell for an undisclosed price his company's 89 Pizza Hut units in Michigan to that chain's parent, YUM! BRANDS INC., according to media reports. The sale by...

Burritoville Systems. (Just In).(immigrant workers to collect unpaid overtime wages)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2003... NEW YORK -- More than 100 immigrant workers employed by the 15-unit BURRITOVILLE chain will be able to collect about $500,000 in unpaid overtime wages, according to New York state Attorney General ELIOT SPITZER. Many of the employees had been...

New Zealand's Parliament. (Just In).(introduced revised legislation calling for a ban on smoking in all restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2003... WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Revised legislation introduced in New Zealand's Parliament Tuesday calls for a ban on smoking in all restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos. Seeking consistency, the health committee abandoned a compromise that would...

Mccormick & Schmick. (Just In).(to open its first international location in Tokyo)
March 19, 2003... PORTLAND, Ore. -- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S is slated to open its first international location April 10 in Tokyo. The unit will be run by 12-unit MARUHA RESTAURANT SYSTEMS CO. LTD. Avado Brands sold the upscale seafood chain, which now has 40...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (Financial Briefs).(reports a 32% decline in earnings)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2003... WINSTON SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. reported a 32-percent decline in earnings to $5.6 million for the fourth quarter ended Feb. 2, reflecting a $9.1 million pretax charge related to a February arbitration judgement of $7.9...

Worldwide Restaurant Concepts Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
March 19, 2003... SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS INC. reported a more-than-doubled net profit for the third quarter ended Feb. 2, mainly from continued same-store sales growth at its KFCs and Sizzlers in Australia and a favorable...

Stockwatch.(stock prices of restaurant companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 19, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. change close Top Gainers Red Robin Gour. Burgers 8.06 $12.74 Diedrich Coffee 4.96 3.60 McDonald's...

Sodexho Alliance "categorically" denied a Monday morning report on the Paris-based satellite-and Web-transmitted Europe 1 radio channel claiming Sodexho had lost a $1 billion contract with the U.S. Marine Corps. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... PARIS -- Contract segment leader SODEXHO ALLIANCE "categorically" denied a Monday morning report on the Paris-based satellite-and Web-transmitted EUROPE 1 radio channel claiming Sodexho had lost a $1 billion contract with the U.S. MARINE...

Tastee-Freez, franchisor of more than 225 quick-service dessert outlets, said Eastern Petroleum Corp. purchased franchise rights. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... UTICA, Mich. -- TASTEE-FREEZ, franchisor of more than 225 quick-service dessert outlets, said EASTERN PETROLEUM CORP. purchased franchise rights to the brand for Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Eastern Petroleum markets motor...

Anne Veneman and Mark McClellan, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, are slated to speak at the three-day Food Safety Summit. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Agriculture Secretary ANNE VENEMAN and MARK MCCLELLAN, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, are slated to speak at the three-day FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT beginning today here. Conference sessions, to focus on food safety...

Wheatstone Restaurant Group LLC, a four-unit Houlihan's franchisee, unveiled a new menu at its restaurants. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... CHANHASSEN, Minn. -- WHEATSTONE RESTAURANT GROUP LLC, a four-unit HOULIHAN'S franchisee, unveiled a new menu at its restaurants. Wheatstone said the menu brings back Houlihan's Homemade Baked Potato Soup and Down Home Pot Roast dinner...

Michael Mina, formerly of the Aqua Group, is negotiating to open a restaurant backed by tennis star Andre Agassi. (Just In).(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Noted chef MICHAEL MINA, formerly of the Aqua Group, is negotiating to open a restaurant backed by tennis star ANDRE AGASSI in the Westin St. Francis Hotel here later this year, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The...

James Beard Foundation. (Just In).(Chefs are nominated for awards)(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... NEW YORK -- The JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION nominated chefs Mario Batali of Babbo, Tom Colicchio of Gramercy Tavern, Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar & Grill and Eric Ripert of Le Bemardin, all in New York, and Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa in Beverly...

Jamba Juice. (Executive Suite).(Lynne MacFarlane becomes vice president of human resources)(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- JAMBA JUICE hired LYNNE Y. MACFARLANE as vice president of human resources. Before joining the chain of more than 350 juice-and-smoothie bars, she was vice president of human resources for The Limited Inc. retail chain.

Burger King Corp. (Marketing Matters).(SpongeBob SquarePants characters are featured in a promotion)(Brief Article)
March 18, 2003... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. launched its second promotion featuring characters from the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoons on Nickelodeon. The five-week promotion includes eight different toys based on six characters from the popular series....