Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from March 2004

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from March 2004

Yum! Brands Inc. recommended that its shareholders vote against five proposals, including instituting a smoking ban at all domestic company-owned units and embracing certain employment practices in Northern Ireland as well as issuing reports on animal welfare, genetically modified foods and sustainability, at the company 's May 20 annual meeting.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC. recommended that its shareholders vote against five proposals, including instituting a smoking ban at all domestic company-owned units and embracing certain employment practices in Northern Ireland as well...

Cosi Inc., parent of a chain of 88 fast-casual sandwich shops, garnered a deal.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... NEW YORK -- COSI INC., parent of a chain of 88 fast-casual sandwich shops, garnered a deal to develop in-store restaurants with FEDERATED DEPARTMENT STORES INC., parent company of Macy's department stores, among others. According to the...

California Pizza Kitchen Inc. said same-store sales for the first quarter ended March 28 jumped 6.2 percent, boosting revenue and the company's earnings outlook.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... LOS ANGELES -- CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN INC. said same-store sales for the first quarter ended March 28 jumped 6.2 percent, boosting revenue and the company's earnings outlook. First-quarter revenues reached $98.6 million, versus $82.9...

McDonald's Corp. said Lynn Crump-Caine, executive vice president of worldwide systems and operations, announced her retirement.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. said LYNN CRUMP-CAINE, executive vice president of worldwide systems and operations, announced her retirement. No departure date has been set, according to a spokeswoman. Crump-Caine, whose responsibilities...

The 13-unit Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse named Brent Harman as president and CEO.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... DALLAS -- The 13-unit SONNY BRYAN'S SMOKEHOUSE named BRENT HARMAN as president and CEO. Most recently, Harman was vice president of operations.

Subway debuted four new salads ranging in price from $3.79 to $5.29.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUB WAY debuted four new salads ranging in price from $3.79 to $5.29. Among the new options are a Mediterranean Chicken Salad and a Garden Fresh Salad as well as two "Atkins-friendly" choices. The "Atkins-friendly"...

Burger King launched at its 350 Canadian restaurants more healthful alternatives for its kids' meals.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... MIAMI -- BURGER KING launched at its 350 Canadian restaurants more healthful alternatives for its kids' meals, including a veggie burger meal combo as well as the option to substitute for no extra charge a side salad for fries, and milk or...

Hardee's, operator and franchisor of 2,100 quick-service units, debuted a third low-carbohydrate item on its menu.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... ST. LOUIS -- HARDEE'S, operator and franchisor of 2,100 quick-service units, debuted a third low-carbohydrate item on its menu. Priced at $3.99, the new charbroiled chicken club sandwich is wrapped in lettuce leaves. Hardee's, a division of...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 31, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Max & Erma's Rest. 7.59 $17.00 Back Yard Burgers 5.45 8.70 Host...

Strong restaurant sales during the first two and a half months of 2004 will force analysts to ratchet up growth rates for the industry in this year.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... PHOENIX -- Strong restaurant sales during the first two and a half months of 2004 will force analysts to ratchet up growth rates for the industry in this year, according to DENNIS LOMBARDI, executive vice president of TECHNOMIC INC. in...

Police detectives are investigating an allegation made by a prospective Hooters employee who claims she was videotaped without her consent while disrobing in the dressing room of the still-under-construction unit here.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... WEST COVINA, Calif. -- Police detectives are investigating an allegation made by a prospective HOOTERS employee who claims she was videotaped without her consent while disrobing in the dressing room of the still-under-construction unit here....

Over the next several weeks, the City Council here is slated to begin posting results showing the laboratory-measured amounts of nicotine found in three separate air samples taken from nonsmoking sections of restaurants.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. -- Over the next several weeks, the CITY COUNCIL here is slated to begin posting results showing the laboratory-measured amounts of nicotine found in three separate air samples taken from nonsmoking sections of...

Cosi Inc., in an effort to ramp up growth, said it completed its franchise offering circular, which made it eligible to offer franchises in 32 states.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... NEW YORK -- COSI INC., in an effort to ramp up growth, said it completed its franchise offering circular, which made it eligible to offer franchises in 32 states. The fast-casual chain operates more than 80 company-owned stores in 11 states.

One year after smoking was outlawed in all hospitality establishments, the restaurant industry in New York City is thriving, according to a study by the city.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... NEW YORK -- One year after smoking was outlawed in all hospitality establishments, the restaurant industry in New York City is thriving, according to a study by the city. From April 2003 to January 2004, the city earned $17.4 million in tax...

The Ritz-Carlton and Eric Ripert, chef and co-owner of Le Bernardin in New York, signed a deal to open two dining venues at the resort here.(Just In)(Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Bahamas)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... GRAND CAYMAN, Bahamas -- The RITZ--CARLTON and ERIC RIPERT, chef and co-owner of Le Bernardin in New York, signed a deal to open two dining venues at the resort here. Afine-dining unit and a more casual, alfresco grill location will carry...

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Inc., parent of a chain of more than 85 steakhouses, hired Kirstin Brown-Erwin to the newly created post of marketing manager.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... METAIRIE, La. -- RUTH'S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE INC., parent of a chain of more than 85 steakhouses, hired KIRSTIN BROWNE ERWIN to the newly created post of marketing manager. She will act as a conduit between the home office and the company's...

Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants, parent of the Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's chains, tapped Robert Rodriguez as brand officer for Togo's, replacing Mark Richardson.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 30, 2004... RANDOLPH, Mass. -- ALLIED DOMECQ QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS, parent of the Dunkin'Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's chains, tapped ROBERT RODRIGUEZ as brand officer for Togo's, replacing MARK RICHARDSON. Most recently, Rodriguez was a senior...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 30, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close CKERestaurants 7.89 $9.71 Checkers Drive-In Rest. 5.97 11.71...

A San Diego Superior Court judge denied a motion filed by worldwide restaurant concepts, family tree produce and FT produce to dismiss a class-action lawsuit filed against them by Kristin Sue Rust.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego Superior Court judge denied a motion filed by WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS, FAMILY TREE PRODUCE and FT PRODUCE to dismiss a class-action lawsuit filed against them by KRISTIN SUE RUST. The lawsuit alleges that the...

House of blues entertainment, buoyed by $110 million in financing and credit, said it would ramp up expansion this year of its 35,000-square-foot namesake music and dining complexes.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... LOS ANGELES -- HOUSE OF BLUES ENTERTAINMENT, buoyed by $110 million in financing and credit, said it would ramp up expansion this year of its 35,000-square-foot namesake music and dining complexes, according to GREG TROJAN, president and CEO....

Seventy-five concessionaires, hoteliers and tourism industry representatives recently gathered at Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area here to discuss ways to increase tourism following a drought that has plagued the area for the past two years.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... PAGE, Ariz. -- Seventy-five concessionaires, hoteliers and tourism industry representatives recently gathered at Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area here to discuss ways to increase tourism following a drought that has...

McCormick & Schmick slated an April 6 opening for its first location here at the Omni San Diego Hotel.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK slated an April 6 opening for its first location here at the Omni San Diego Hotel. The restaurant marks the Portland, Ore.-based company's fourth of 10 planned unit openings in 2004 and brings its total to 46...

New World Restaurant Group Inc., parent of the Einstein Bros. and Noah's Bagels chains, cited the "growing popularity of low-carbohydrate diets" in part for a fiscal 2003 same-store sales drop of 3.5 percent.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... GOLDEN, Colo. -- NEW WORLD RESTAURANT GROUP INC., parent of the Einstein Bros. and Noah's Bagels chains, cited the "growing popularity of low-carbohydrate diets" in part for a fiscal 2003 same-store sales drop of 3.5 percent. The company...

Burger King Corp. named James McLaughlin vice president of training.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. named JAMES MCLAUGHLIN vice president of training. The burger chain said he also would develop "programs and schedules for the company that encompass change and learning management" and "determine future training...

Family-dining chain Huddle House broke aTV spot promoting its new Salad Sensations line and plans to begin airing a spot later this month celebrating its 40th anniversary.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... DECATUR, Ga. -- Family-dining chain HUDDLE HOUSE broke a TV spot promoting its new Salad Sensations line and plans to begin airing a spot later this month celebrating its 40th anniversary. SCENE 3 PRODUCTIONS of Nashville, Tenn., produced the...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 29, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Max & Erma's Rest. 7.12 $15.80 Rubio's Restaurants 3.52 6.74 Pizza...

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 419-5 to reauthorize the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs as part of a $16 billion package that covers a variety of child nutrition programs.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES voted 419-5 to reauthorize the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs as part of a $16 billion package that covers a variety of child nutrition programs. The Child Nutrition Improvement...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is expanding to upstate New York through an agreement with a franchise partner, Ridgefield, Conn.-based Swan Concepts Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS is expanding to upstate New York through an agreement with a franchise partner, Ridgefield, Conn.-based SWAN CONCEPTS INC. Swan Concepts will build five Red Robins over the next five years...

Famous Dave's of America Inc., operator and franchisor of a chain of 92 barbecue restaurants, signed a deal with Southland, Mich.-based Buckeye BBQ LLC.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... MINNEAPOLIS -- FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA INC., operator and franchisor of a chain of 92 barbecue restaurants, signed a deal with Southland, Mich.-based BUCKEYE BBQ LLC to add four units in the Cleveland area over the next five years. The deal...

Subway, franchisor of a chain of more than 23,000 quick-service sandwich shops in 73 countries, opened its first restaurant in Chile in the capital city of Santiago.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY, franchisor of a chain of more than 23,000 quick-service sandwich shops in 73 countries, opened its first restaurant in Chile in the capital city of Santiago. The restaurant is owned and operated by Subway franchisees...

McDonald's Corp. said it plans to demolish the site that houses its "Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's," a tourist destination here.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... CHICAGO -- MCDONALD'S CORP. said it plans to demolish the site that houses its "Rock'n'Roll McDonald's," a tourist destination here. The company did not explain its reason for the decision, but reportedly plans to replace the unit with a...

Yum! Brands Inc. said sales in China, its largest Asian market, no longer are being hurt by the avian-flu outbreak, while sales in smaller Asian markets have stabilized and are recovering.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC. said sales in China, its largest Asian market, no longer are being hurt by the avian-flu outbreak, while sales in smaller Asian markets have stabilized and are recovering. However, due to the lag time in...

El Pollo Loco Inc. booked 21-percent-higher earnings on 20-percent-greater revenues for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2003.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... IRVINE, Calif. -- EL POLLO LOCO INC. booked 21-percent-higher earnings on 20-percent-greater revenues for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2003. The company reported net income of $1.2 million, versus $1 million in the year-earlier period....

Sonic Corp. notched 23-percent-higher second-quarter earnings on 24-percent-greater revenues.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP. notched 23-percent-higher second-quarter earnings on 24-percent-greater revenues. Sonic reported net income for the period ended Feb. 29 of $9.8 million, or 24 cents per diluted share, versus $8.0 million, or 20...

Lufthansa said it would be the first airline to offer a complete, low-carbohydrate meal when it introduces in July a new menu in business class on flights between Los Angeles and Germany.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... EAST MEADOW, N.Y. -- LUFTHANSA said it would be the first airline to offer a complete, low-carbohydrate meal when it introduces in July a new menu in business class on flights between Los Angeles and Germany. The low-carb menu, which will be...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 26, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Cosi 12.20 $5.61 Good Times Rest. 4.75 3.09 Back Yard Burgers 4.30 ...

Emory University hired Gaithersburg, Md.-based Sodexho as its new food management firm.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... ATLANTA -- EMORY UNIVERSITY hired Gaithersburg, Md.-based SODEXHO as its new food management firm. On June 1 Sodexho will take over the $12 million operation, which includes residence hall dining, a cash food court and catering at the...

Quick-service chain Carl's Jr., a division of CKE Restaurants Inc., began switching March 24 its six-item premium burger line, known as the "Six Dollar Burger," to 100-percent Angus beef patties.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- Quick-service chain CARL'S JR., a division of CKE RESTAURANTS INC., began switching March 24 its six-item premium burger line, known as the "Six Dollar Burger," to 100-percent Angus beef patties. The 1,003-unit chain...

Head West Enterprises, franchisor of a chain of 42 Westshore Pizza units based here, signed a contract with O'Hara Foods to open a location in Apopka, Fla.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... TAMPA, Fla. -- HEAD WEST ENTERPRISES, franchisor of a chain of 42 WESTSHORE PIZZA units based here, signed a contract with O'HARA FOODS to open a location in Apopka, Fla. The new unit, which is slated to open June 1, is the first of four...

Burger King Corp. "brought back" co-founder Dave Edgerton, 76, to help improve the Whopper so that it "tastes more like the original," according to USA Today.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. "brought back" co-founder DAVE EDGERTON, 76, to help improve the Whopper so that it "tastes more like the original," according to USA To day. BK officials did not return phone calls by presstime, but upgrades...

Aramark promoted Gary Crompton to executive vice president for its Business Services division.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK promoted GARY CROMPTON to executive vice president for its Business Services division. Crompton, a 13-year veteran of the company, was the division's Northeastern regional vice president.

Pick Upstix, operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 95 fast-casual Asian units, hired Paul Balzer as director of supply chain management.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- PICK UPSTIX, operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 95 fast-casual Asian units, hired PAUL BALZER as director of supply chain management. He reports to JOHN ALLEGRETTO, vice president of supply chain...

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group said it would take an added charge related to a pending legal settlement, reducing its previously released fourth quarter and full-year 2003 financial results.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... NEW YORK -- SMITH & WOLLENSKY RESTAURANT GROUP said it would take an added charge related to a pending legal settlement, reducing its previously released fourth quarter and full-year 2003 financial results. The steakhouse operator said it had...

Church's Chicken said Wednesday it chose The Cartel Group of San Antonio as agency of record, in what is believed to be the first time a quick-service chain has picked a multi-cultural shop as its flagship agency.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... ATLANTA -- CHURCH'S CHICKEN said Wednesday it chose THE CARTEL GROUP of San Antonio as agency of record, in what is believed to be the first time a quick-service chain has picked a multicultural shop as its flagship agency. "Our goal was to...

Levy Restaurants will debut April 2 a host of small-portion offerings at its sports accounts nationwide.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... CHICAGO -- LEVY RESTAURANTS will debut April 2 a host of small-portion offerings at its sports accounts nationwide. "Big portions are out, but mini foods with big flavors are in," said JOHN MCLEAN, Levy's chef de cuisine. Some of the new mini...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 25, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Diedrich Coffee 5.96 $3.38 Smith & Wollensky 5.11 7.20 Max & Erma's...

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Worldwide Restaurant Concepts will be allowed to sue Wichita, Kan.-based Excel Corp., for E. coli contamination in beef products allegedly supplied by Excel to a Milwaukee franchisee of WRC's Sizzler chain in 2000.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2004... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. SUPREME COURT ruled that WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS will be allowed to sue Wichita, Kan.-based EXCEL CORP., for E. coli contamination in beef products allegedly supplied by Excel to a Milwaukee franchisee of WRC's...

Mercury Partners LLC, a real-estate merchant bank based here, said its real-estate private equity affiliate, Mercury Ventures LLC, signed a deal with CiCi's Pizza.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2004... GREENWICH, Conn. -- MERCURY PARTNERS LLC, a real-estate merchant bank based here, said its real-estate private equity affiliate, MERCURY VENTURES LLC, signed a deal with CICI'S PIZZA to develop up to 14 locations in the Cincinnati area for...

The National Restaurant Association tapped Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton, to deliver the keynote address at its 2004 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show here in May.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2004... CHICAGO -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION tapped MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, former U.S. Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton, to deliver the keynote address at its 2004 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show here in May. Albright is the...

Friendly Ice Cream Corp. is thinking young, asking kids 8 to 12 years old to help develop new products.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2004... WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORP. is thinking young, asking kids 8 to 12 years old to help develop new products. The chain launched a "Fab 50" contest in several Northeast markets to enlist 50 kids to help it decide what food will...

Despite increased revenue and same-store sales, Domino's Pizza Inc. reported an 8-percent decline in net income for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 28 2003, on higher interest expenses.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2004... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Despite increased revenue and same-store sales, DOMINO'S PIZZA INC. reported an 8-percent decline in net income for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 28 2003, on higher interest expenses. The 7,427-unit pizza chain earned...

Harrison McCain, co-founder and founding chairman of McCain Foods Ltd., died March 18 at the Lahey Clinic here.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
March 24, 2004... BOSTON -- HARRISON MCCAIN, co-founder and founding chairman of MCCAIN FOODS LT D., died March 18 at the Lahey Clinic here. He was 76 years old. McCain had been in declining health for some time, according to company officials. The foodservice...

The Black Rose brewpub here set a new record for the world's largest fish-and-chips serving.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
March 24, 2004... BOSTON -- The BLACK ROSE brewpub here set a new record for the world's largest fish-and-chips serving, according to ICELANDIC USA INC., a manufacturer of frozen seafood. The serving weighed in at 77.75 pounds, including 34.21 pounds of...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 24, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Good Times Rest. 5.33 $3.16 P.F. Ching's China Bistro 4.00 ...

Full moon BBQ, a Birmingham, Ala.-based chain of four barbecue restaurants, said Our House LLC agreed to open units with celebrity athletes.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... BALTIMORE -- FULL MOON BBQ, a Birmingham, Ala.-based chain of four barbecue restaurants, said OUR HOUSE LLC agreed to open units with celebrity athletes. Our House signed its first deal with Baltimore Ravens linebacker RAY LEWIS to open Ray...

Outback Steakhouse Inc. said its contractual obligation to the heirs of deceased Bonefish Grill co-founder Chris Parker would be about $10 million.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. said its contractual obligation to the heirs of deceased BONEFISH GRILL co-founder CHRIS PARKER would be about $10 million, according to a securities filing. That sum represents an estimate of the value...

Apple American Group, the largest Applebee's franchisee, acquired 13 Pittsburgh-area Applebee's from B.T. Woodlipp Inc., raising Apple American's total unit count to 100.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... SAN FRANCISCO -- APPLE AMERICAN GROUP, the largest Applebee's franchisee, acquired 13 Pittsburgh-area Applebee's from B.T. WOODLIPP INC., raising Apple American's total unit count to 100. GREG FLYNN, chairman and CEO of San Francisco-based...

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza opened its 800th unit, in the Chicago market.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... VANCOUVER, Wash. -- PAPA MURPHY'S TAKE 'N' BAKE PIZZA opened its 800th unit, in the Chicago market. The location features the Vancouver-based chain's latest prototype design, with new graphics, colors, sampling ovens and a counter system that...

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and The Coca-Cola Co. unveiled a newly enhanced and expanded Web site designed to help foodservice operators improve their recruitment, retention and training practices.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... CHICAGO -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION and THE COCA COLA CO. unveiled a newly enhanced and expanded Web site designed to help foodservice operators improve their recruitment, retention and training practices....

Morton's, the 64-unit steakhouse chain, named Kevin Weinert senior vice president of operations, Mark Leach Western region vice president of operations, and Chris Artinian Eastern region vice president of operations.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... CHICAGO -- MORTON'S, the 64-unit steakhouse chain, named KEVIN WEINERT senior vice president of operations, MARK LEACH Western region vice president of operations, and CHRIS ARTINIAN Eastern region vice president of operations. Weinert was...

Zao Noodle Bar, a six-unit chain, promoted operations VP Matthew Baizer to president and chief executive, replacing Adam Willner, who resigned to pursue other interests.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... SAN FRANCISCO -- ZAO NOODLE BAR, a six-unit chain, promoted operations VP MATTHEW BAIZER to president and chief executive, replacing ADAM WILLNER, who resigned to pursue other interests. Wilner, who founded Zao in 1996, will remain on its...

Blimpie International Inc., franchisor of nearly 1,600 quick-service sandwich units, is preparing to debut a limited-time "Taste of San Francisco" promotion featuring four Grilled Sourdough Cafe sandwiches.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... ATLANTA -- BLIMPIE INTERNATIONAL INC., franchisor of nearly 1,600 quick-service sandwich units, is preparing to debut a limited-time "Taste of San Francisco" promotion featuring four Grilled Sourdough Cafe sandwiches. The new items, available...

KFC restaurants in Atlanta and New York are distributing CD-ROM beverage lids containing the songs "Protect My Heart," by Kellis; "Frontin'," by Pharrell Williams; and N.E.R.D.'s "Break Out".(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- KFC restaurants in Atlanta and New York are distributing CD-ROM beverage lids containing the songs "Protect My Heart," by Kellis; "Frontin'," by Pharrell Williams; and N.E.R.D.'s "Break Out." The lids cost 99 cents with...

Mexican Restaurants Inc. posted a net loss of $1.9 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 28 after a charge for the closure of three restaurants and the write-down of three other units that will be closed in 2004.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... HOUSTON -- MEXICAN RESTAURANTS INC. posted a net loss of $1.9 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 28 after a charge for the closure of three restaurants and the write-down of three other units that will be closed in 2004. The company,...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
March 23, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Max & Erma's 5.68 $15.64 Worldwide Rest. Concepts 4.95 3.18...

Burger King's U.S. restaurants, long plagued by the BK brand's negative trends, for February generated a 4.4-percent increase in same-store sales.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... MIAMI -- BURGER KING's U.S. restaurants, long plagued by the BK brand's negative trends, for February generated a 4.4-percent increase in same-store sales, Dow Jones reported, quoting data apparently distributed to franchisees but not...

Krispy Kreme veteran Bob Hodges and real estate broker Bobby Hulslander formed Southern Slice Inc. here.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... CLEMMONS, N.C. -- Krispy Kreme veteran BOB HODGES and real estate broker BOBBY HULSLANDER formed SOUTHERN SLICE INC. here, and it signed a 20-unit development deal with Jacksonville, Fla.-based LOOP RESTAURANT GROUP. The partners have a...

Quick-service chain Fat Burger plans to add two company-operated and 20 franchised stores by year-end.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Quick-service chain FAT BURGER plans to add two company-operated and 20 franchised stores by year-end, including units in new markets in the South and East, director of franchise relations MICHELLE WILKINS said....

Both sides in a Pierce County workplace smoking ban controversy intend to take their cases to state voters through ballot initiatives.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Both sides in a Pierce County workplace smoking ban controversy intend to take their cases to state voters through ballot initiatives, documents filed with Washington's secretary of state and statements by those groups...

A North Carolina appeals court is being asked to settle the validity of a precedent-setting jury decision.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... DURHAM, N.C. -- A North Carolina appeals court is being asked to settle the validity of a precedent-setting jury decision that found a local Mexican restaurant, TORERO'S II, liable for allowing an alcohol impaired customer to leave its...

Parkhurst Dining Services, the contract arm of Eat'N Park Hospitality Group, intends to expand its $46 million business into eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and double the size of its Ohio market within the next two years.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... PITTSBURGH -- PARKHURST DINING SERVICES, the contract arm of EAT'N PARK HOSPITALITY GROUP, intends to expand its $46 million business into eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and double the size of its Ohio market within the...

Max & Erma's Restaurants Inc. blamed higher interest expense for a 1.9-percent decline in first-quarter net income.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- MAX & ERMA'S RESTAURANTS INC. blamed higher interest expense for a 1.9-percent decline in first-quarter net income, despite a 4.4-percent increase in operating profit for the 16-week period ended Feb. 15. Net profit was...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 22, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Smith & Wollensky 5.93 $7.14 Luby's 3.90 ...

Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed the so-called "obesity bill" passed by the Wisconsin Legislature, nullifying its attempt to shield restaurants and food firms from liability for plaintiffs' weight problems.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... MADISON, Wis.-- Gov. JIM DOYLE vetoed the so-called "obesity bill" passed by the Wisconsin Legislature, nullifying its attempt to shield restaurants and food firms from liability for plaintiffs' weight problems. The measure was one of several...

Kellogg, Brown and Root, the Halliburton Co. foodservice contractor responsible for feeding troops in Iraq, will not be paid some $300 million until Defense Department auditors clear the company of remaining allegations that it overbilled the government.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... WASHINGTON -- KELLOGG, BROWN AND ROOT, the HALLIBURTON CO. foodservice contractor responsible for feeding troops in Iraq, will not be paid some $300 million until DEFENSE DEPARTMENT auditors clear the company of remaining allegations that it...

Mr. Pita, a 39-unit regional sandwich chain based here, said it is seeking cash to expand outside of Michigan and is talking to potential partners.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... DETROIT -- MR. PITA, a 39-unit regional sandwich chain based here, said it is seeking cash to expand outside of Michigan and is talking to potential partners. A BIG BOY INTERNATIONAL representative said the Warren, Mich.-based chain had held...

McDonald's Corp. detailed plans to upgrade its Happy Meals by offering lower-fat choices and redesigned packaging.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. detailed plans to upgrade its Happy Meals by offering lower-fat choices and redesigned packaging. The chain's U.S. restaurants soon would feature such options as 1-percent-fat milk and Apple Dippers;...

Craig S. Miller was named president and chief executive of 85-unit Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc. here, replacing William L. Hyde Jr., who resigned last November.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... METAIRIE, La. -- CRAIG S. MILLER was named president and chief executive of 85-unit RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC. here, replacing William L. Hyde Jr., who resigned last November. Miller most recently was president and chief executive of...

Gerald Deitchle, the nine-year veteran of The Cheesecake Factory Inc. who resigned as its president this week, was named president of Johnny Carino's Country Italian, the 109-unit casual-dining chain whose parent company plans to go public.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... SPICEWOOD, Texas -- GERALD DEITCHLE, the nine-year veteran of The Cheesecake Factory Inc. who resigned as its president this week, was named president of JOHNNY CARINO'S COUNTRY ITALIAN, the 109-unit casual-dining chain whose parent company...

Aramark's Sports and Entertainment division named 22-year division veteran Gilbert "Gib" Johnson to the newly created post of vice president of retention and new business development for national parks, for its Parks and Resorts subdivision.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK's SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT division named 22-year division veteran GILBERT "GIB" JOHNSON to the newly created post of vice president of retention and new business development for national parks, for its Parks and...

CBRL Group Inc. said same-store restaurant sales at its Cracker Barrel Old Country Store chain were up about 5.5 percent from a year ago as of the middle of its current third quarter, which began Jan. 31.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC. said same-store restaurant sales at its Cracker Barrel Old Country Store chain were up about 5.5 percent from a year ago as of the middle of its current third quarter, which began Jan. 31. The increase...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 19, 2004... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Ark Restaurants 3.67 $14.96 Rubio's Restaurants 2.15 6.65...

Bear Rock Cafe, the 29-unit fast-casual chain based here, signed development deals with two groups for three restaurants each in Southern California and the Phoenix market.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 18, 2004... CARY, N.C. -- BEAR ROCK CAFE, the 29-unit fast-casual chain based here, signed development deals with two groups for three restaurants each in Southern California and the Phoenix market. Cypress, Calif.-based STEVE and WENDE SJOSTROM agreed...

Legislation proposed here could allow California restaurateurs to require servers to share tips with back-of-the-house employees.(Just In)(Brief Article)
March 18, 2004... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Legislation proposed here could allow California restaurateurs to require servers to share tips with back-of-the-house employees. SB 1511, by Sen. DEDE ALPERT, D-San Diego, would permit mandatory tip pooling "among all...