Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from November 2001

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from November 2001

Fagan Capital Inc. (Just In).(Interested in Quizno's shares)(Brief Article)
November 30, 2001... IRVING, Texas -- FAGAN CAPITAL INC. said it received a letter from a special committee of directors at Denver-based QUIZNO'S CORP. that suggested the committee was "was interested in pursuing" Fagan's newly proposed $9.50-per-share offer for...

Royce Ring. (Just In).(Starts restaurant development group)(Brief Article)
November 30, 2001... DALLAS -- ROYCE RING resigned as senior vice president of the emerging-brands division of T.G.I. Friday's parent CARLSON RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE to start a restaurant development and marketing company called TRIPLE R GROUP, or RRR. His partner...

Applebee's International. (Just In).(Starbucks and Outback Steakhouse same-store sales)(Brief Article)
November 30, 2001... Three major chain operators -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL, OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. and STARBUCKS CORP. -- Thursday disclosed year-over-year same-store sales results for November. Overland Park, Kan.-based Applebee's said comparable-unit sales...

McDonald's. (Just In).(Launches McCafe coffee house)(Brief Article)
November 30, 2001... MANILA -- MCDONALD'S, looking to grab market share from fast-food leader JOLLIBEE FOODS here, launched its first MCCAFE coffee unit in the Philippines, according to Reuters. It said GEORGE YANG, chairman of McDoanld's Philippine partner...

Worldwide Restaurant Concepts Inc. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 30, 2001... CULVER CITY, Calif. -- In a filing Tuesday with the SEC, WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS INC., formerly SIZZLER INTERNATIONAL, said its primary liability carrier from May 1997 through May 1999 was declared insolvent this month and subject to...

McDonald's Corp. (Just In).(Two debt issues)(Brief Article)
November 30, 2001... OAKBROOK, Ill. -- Taking advantage of the current low-interest-rate climate, MCDONALD'S CORP. is redeeming two debt issues that are not scheduled to mature until Sept. 30, 2036, and Jan. 2, 2037. The bonds, carrying a 7.5 percent rate, will...

Stock Watch. (charge over $3).(Brief Article)
November 30, 2001... STOCK WATCH (charge over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change Close Smith & Wollensky 8.43 $3.60 Bob Evans Farms 7.24 23.12 Schlotzairy's Inc. ...

Quzno's Corp. (JUST IN).(William Fagan makes buyout offer)(Brief Article)
November 29, 2001... DENVER -- A minority shareholder of QUIZNO'S CORP. has offered to buy the company for $15 a share, nearly twine the price a management-led group has proposed to take the sandwich chain private. WILLIAM FAGAN, president of Irving, Texas-based...

McDonald's Corp. (JUST IN).(loses cases versus McChina Wok Away)(Brief Article)
November 29, 2001... LONDON -- A judge here ruled Tuesday that the two-unit MCCHINA WOK AWAY chain keep its name despite claims of trademark infringement by plaintiff MCDONALD'S CORP. The burger chain had blocked McChina owner FRANK YUEN from registering that...

Eateries Inc. (JUST IN).(wins case versus J.R. Simplot Co.)(Brief Article)
November 29, 2001... OKLAHOMA CITY -- The U.S. District Court here awarded $6.55 million plus legal costs to EATERIES INC., a 74-unit casual-dining chain operator, in its lawsuit against J.R. SIMPLOT CO., over salmonella linked to a chile relleno product served...

RomaCorp Inc. (JUST IN).(plans new locations in Trinidad and Tobago)(Brief Article)
November 29, 2001... DALLAS -- ROMACORP INC. signed an development agreement for the nation of Trinidad and Tobago. JOE PIRES, principal of the franchise partner group, said it plans to open two TONY ROMA'S restaurants by next August. The casual-dining rib chain...

Au Bar. (JUST IN).(former employees accused of theft)(Brief Article)
November 29, 2001... NEW YORK -- Collecting money for drinks and not ringing up the charges allegedly gainered 12 former bartenders and other employees of AU BAR here about $5 million, according to papers filed in the Manhattan Supreme Count by Au Bar owner...

New World Restaurant Group Inc. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(stock delisted from NASDAQ)(Brief Article)
November 29, 2001... EATONTOWN, N. J. -- The common stock of NEW WORLD RESTAURANT GROUP INC., which owns the Einstein Bros., Noah's New York Bagels, Manhattan Bagel and Chesapeake Bagel Bakery brands, has been delisted form the NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET. It is now...

Worldwide Restaurant Concepts Inc. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
November 29, 2001... LOS ANGELES -- WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS INC., parent of SIZZLER, reported a 15-percent year-to-year rise in second-quarter earnings to $355,000. Six-month profits fell 36 percent to $2 million as first-half revenue rose 11 percent to...

StockWatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
November 29, 2001... STOCKWATCH (charge over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Wed. change Close O'Charley's 6.68 $19.33 Smith & Wollenaky 4.40 3.32 Garden...

Southern California McDonalds. (JUST IN).(Reported to be planning an "everyday McValue menu")(Brief Article)
November 28, 2001... LOS ANGELES--An unspecified number of Southern California MCDONALD'S units early next year will debut an. "EVERYDAY MCVALUE MENU" of 20 items priced at 99 cents or less, Dow Jones reported. The menn will include eight entrees, including a...

Peter Luger SteakHouse. (JUST IN).(Brief Article)
November 28, 2001... NEW YORK -- SOL FORMAN, owner of the famed PETER LUGER STEAKHOUSE in Brooklyn, died. He was 98. Together with his brother and sister, Forman operated a metalware business, which made trays, pitchers, coffeepots and giftware. In 1950 he...

JJU Inc. (JUST IN).(Will develop 17 Florida units for Tijuana Flats)(Brief Article)
November 28, 2001... MAITLAND, Fla. -- Burrito specialist TIJUANA FLATS signed Boca Raton, Fla.-based JJU INC. to a three-year expansion deal to develop 17 Florida units in Broward Miami-Dade, and Plam Beach counties, the franchisor said. Led by onetime LongHom...

The New York Stock Exchange. (JUST IN).(Banned outside food deliveries for security reasons)(Brief Article)
November 28, 2001... NEW YORK -- The NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE banned outside food deliveries for security reasons, The New York. Times reported. NYSE officials would not comment on the new rule, which is expected to have a severe impact on local delis and...

Long John Silvers. (JUST IN).(Faces class-action suit for overtime violations)(Brief Article)
November 28, 2001... NASHVILLE, Tenn--A former LONG JOHN SILVERS manager filed a class-action lawsuit here claiming the 1,200-unit chain operator deliberately violated federal labor law by improperly exempting some managers from overtime pay. In his suit in U.S....

Mrs. Fields' Original Cookies. (JUST IN).(Brief Article)
November 28, 2001... SALT LAKE CITY -- MRS. FIELDS' ORIGINAL COOKIES are coming to Switzerland and Japan through two master franchise agreements disclosed this week by MRS. FIELDS FAMOUS BRANDS. The Mrs. Fields' Original subsidiary of Famous Brands signed...

StockWatch.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 28, 2001... STOCK WATCH (charge over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Tues. change Close Lendry's Seafood 7.83 S19.41 Flanigan Eats. 6.52 4.90 Luby's...

Jean-Louis Palladin. (Just in).(chef died from lung cancer)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
November 27, 2001... McLEAN, Va. -- Following a long battle with lung cancer, renowned chef JEAN-LOUIS PALLADIN died Sunday. He was 55. Bom in a small town in the southwestern region of Gascony in France, Palladin attended culinaty school in Toulouse. At the age...

Brinker International. (Just in).(founder Norman Brinker undergoing cancer treatment)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... DALLAS -- Legendary casual-dining impresario NORMAN BRINKER, founder of the STEAK AND ALE chain and BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, has been undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston since September for a squamous cell carcinoma...

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe. (Just in).(to branch out in Dallas-Fort Worth)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... TULSA, Okla. -- CAMILLE'S SIDEWALK CAFE, a 20-unit sandwich-salad-bakery chain based here, signed a 21-unit development agreement for the Dallas-Fort Worth area with WATERSIDE FRANCHISES LP of Dallas. Camille's currently has strip-center and...

La-Van Hawkins. (Just in).(to open new restaurant and piano bar)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... DETROIT -- LA-VAN HAWKINS, the former Burger King franchisee who relinquished his BK holdings after settling a legal dispute with the franchisor over his expansion plans, intends to open a high-end restaurant and piano bar' here early next...

Wingstop Restaurants Inc. (Just in).(opening two more stores in San Antonio)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... SAN ANTONIO -- WINGSTOP RESTAURANTS INC. said it will open two more franchised units on Wednesday, bringing its total here to four. The Dallas-based chicken-wings chain has a total of 38 units in 13 states.

Steak N Shake Co. (Financial briefs).(fiscal year ended Sept. 26)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... INDIANAPOLIS -- STEAK N SHAKE CO., which operates and franchises 388 namesake restaurants, reported a 17-percent rise in profits, to $21.8 million, for the fiscal year ended Sept. 26. Fourth-quarter earnings were $5.8 million, nearly 2.7...

Panera Bread Co. (Financial Briefs).(sales figures ending Nov. 3)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- PANERA BREAD CO. said its systemwide same-store sales rose 5.9 percent in the four weeks ended Nov. 3 and were up 5.6 percent year-to-date. Sales in the four-week period grew 6 percent at Panera-owned bakery-cafes and...

Eateries Inc. (Eexcutive suite).(promoted James M. Burke)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... EDMOND, Okla. -- EATERIES INC. promoted JAMES M. BURKE to president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. Burke, who has served as the multichain company's chief operating officer since 1987, succeeds VINCENT F. ORZA JR, who...

Buca Inc. (Executive suite).(promoted Steve York)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUCA INC. promoted STEVE YORK to divisional vice president of operations. Most recently York was a managing "paisano" partner at the company's Sacramento location, where he trained 30 managers and four managing partners. The...

Stock watch.(Brief Article)
November 27, 2001... Stock Watch (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Champpa Ent. Inc. 6.29 $9.30 Smith & Wollenaky 5.12 3.49 Chicago...

Commander's Palace. (JUST IN).(executive chef Jamie Shannon dies)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2001... NEW ORLEANS -- COMMANDER'S PALACE executive chef JAMIE SHANNON, who succeeded Emeril Lagasse in that post in 1990, died Friday in Houston, where he had been undergoing cancer treatment. He was 40. A 17-year veteran of the famed New Orleans...

Tom Ridge. (JUST IN).(suggests single agency for food safety)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2001... WASHINGTON -- White House director of homeland security TOM RIDGE said the federal government should consider creating a single U.S. agency to monitor food safety. Ridge's proposal to explore the feasibility of merging food-safety...

McDonald's Co. Japan Ltd. (JUST IN).(second case of mad cow disease discovered)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2001... TOKYO -- Confirming a second case of "mad cow" disease since Japan's first instance of the fatal brain-wasting disorder was discovered in September on a farm near Tokyo, authorities here said the government will slaughter and bum 5,100 cows...

Firehouse Subs. (JUST IN).(offers employees store ownership)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2001... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- FIREHOUSE SUBS said it is offering employees a chance at restaurant ownership through company-funded loans and loan guarantees. Under its "Firehouse Subs American Dream Ownership Program," the 40-unit sandwich chain...

Captain D's Seafood. (JUST IN).(introduces smaller restaurant prototype)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2001... RAINBOW CITY, Ala. -- CAPTAIN D'S SEAFOOD debuted a downsized prototype here in a bid to accelerate franchising for in-line shopping center sites and smaller lots. The 800-square-foot model seats 33 to 42 people, vs. a standard unit's 128...

CBRL Group Inc. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 26, 2001... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC., parent of the 440-unit Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and 91-unit Logan's Roadhouse chains, reported a 16-percent rise in first-quarter earnings, to $19.6 million, on a 6-percent increase in revenues, to...

Chicago Pizza & Brewery Inc. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 26, 2001... HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- CHICAGO PIZZA & BREWERY INC., operator of the 28-unit BJ'S PIZZA & GRILL chain, posted a 10-percent increase in third-quarter earnings, to $863,000, on record quarterly revenue of $16.6 million, a 12-percent gain....

Interfoods of America Inc. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 26, 2001... MIAMI -- INTERFOODS OF AMERICA INC., the largest POPEYES CHICKEN & BISCUITS franchisee, posted net income of $1.0 million for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, vs. $381,134 in fiscal 2000. Reflecting the company's acquisitions of 108 Popeyes...

Stock Watch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
November 26, 2001... STOCK WATCH Top Gainers Pct. 11/21 change Close Chicago Pizza & Brew'y 4.55 $5.29 Famous Dave's of Amer. 4.35 7.43 Champps Entertainment ...

Domino's pizza international inc., a subsidiary of ann arbor-based domino's pizza llc, said it purchased the majority equity interest. (JUST IN).(Dutch Pizza Beheer B.V.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 21, 2001... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA INTERNATIONAL INC., a subsidiary of Ann Arbor-based DOMINO'S PIZZA LLC, said it purchased the majority equity interest in DUTCH PIZZA BEHEER B.V., headquartered in Raamsdonksveer, Netherlands, which operates...

Dunkin' donuts said it will invest $40 million to open nearlly 170 new canadian franchises over the next fiver years. (JUST IN).(Brief Article)
November 21, 2001... MONTREAL -- DUNKIN' DONUTS said it will invest $40 million to open nearly 170 new Canadian franchises over the next five years and renovate its 175 existing units in Quebec. New and current franchisees in Quebec will invest $20 million in the...

Panera bread co. told securities regulators monday that president and chief operating officer Richard C. Postle resigned those posts oct. 7 to enter a joint venture agreement. (JUST IN).(Brief Article)
November 21, 2001... RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- PANERA BREAD CO. told securities regulators Monday that president and chief operating officer RICHARD C. POSTLE resigned those posts Oct. 7 to enter a joint-venture agreement with the 330-unit bakery-cafe chain to...

Seattle coffee co. signed a five-year deal with rtg business enterprises lp here to develop 13 seattle's best coffee. (JUST IN).(Brief Article)
November 21, 2001... AUSTIN, Texas -- SEATTLE COFFEE CO. signed a five-year deal with RTG BUSINESS ENTERPRISES LP here to develop 13 SEATTLE'S BEST COFFEE cafes in Austin and another three in Waco, Texas. The 142-unit Seattle Coffee group, owned by Atlanta-based...

The restaurant co. operator and franchisor of the 498-unit perkins restaurant and bakery chain. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(Brief Article)
November 21, 2001... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- THE RESTAURANT CO., operator and franchisor of the 498-unit PERKINS RESTAURANT AND BAKERY chain, Tuesday said third-quarter revenues fell nearly 15 percent to $76.1 million, though nine-month revenues rose slightly to $253...

The michigan restaurant association expanded its board to 47 members by adding three new directors. (EXECUTIVE SUITE).(Brief Article)
November 21, 2001... LANSING, Mich. -- The MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION expanded its board to 47 members by adding three new directors: C. RONALD DUFINA, founder and president of Mackinac Island Hospitality Inc.; BARRIE BOROVSKY, vice president of food,...

Stockwatch.(top gainers and decliners at close on Tuedsay)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)(Illustration)
November 21, 2001... STOCKWATCH (charge over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Tues. change Close Ruby Tuesday 7.25 $19.68 Morton's Restaurant Group 6.00 13.25...

CKE Restaurants Inc., parent of the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. burger chains, said it would create a new subsidiary to acquire multichain operator and franchisor Santa Barbara Restaurant Group for CKE stock. (Just in).(Cost savings from elimination of franchise royalties)
November 20, 2001... SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., parent of the HARDEE'S and CARL'S JR. burger chains, said it would create a new subsidiary to acquire multichain operator and franchisor SANTA BARBARA RESTAURANT GROUP for CKE stock. CKE said the...

The National Restaurant Association, in a bid to expand its industry-boosting "Cornerstone Initiative" and lend support to New York City's troubled restaurants. (Just in).(Terrorist attacks' impact on NYC tourism, loss of 13,400 restaurant jobs)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2001... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION, in a bid to expand its industry-boosting "Cornerstone Initiative" and lend support to New York City's troubled restaurants, said it formed a "strategic partnership" with the syndicated radio...

Burger King Corp. agreed to loan an undisclosed sum to its third-largest franchisee, San Ramon, Calif.-based Sydran Services LLC, to upgrade its 264 restaurants with the first phase of the chain's remodeling program. (Just in).(Drive-thru order-confirmation displays and kitchen upgrades)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2001... MIAMI--BURGER KING CORP. agreed to loan an undisclosed sum to its third-largest franchisee, San Ramon, Calif.-based SYDRAN SERVICES LLC, to upgrade its 264 restaurants with the first phase of the chain's remodeling program. Those changes...

Silver diner inc. (Financial briefs).(Reports third-quarter loss of $73,770)
November 20, 2001... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- SILVER DINER INC., which operates 12 namesake restaurants, reported a third-quarter loss of $73,770, compared with a loss of $464,578 in the year-ago period. The nine-month loss was $1.6 million, vs. a same-period loss of...

Sandwich chain TOGO'S chose Hill, Holliday as agency of record for its $10 million account. (Marketing matters).(Togo's expansion into new markets)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2001... RANDOLPH, Mass. -- Sandwich chain TOGO'S chose Hill, Holliday as agency of record for its $10 million account. The agency's San Francisco office will handle brand strategy and creative duties to support Togo's expansion into new markets. The...

Stockwatch.
November 20, 2001... STOCKWATCH Top Gainers Pct. Mon. change Close Diedrich Coffee Co. 20.00 $6.00 Champps Ent. Inc. 4.85 8.86 Buca Inc. ...

People for the ethical treatment of animals. (JUST IN).(targets pizza restaurants)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2001... NORFOLK, Va. -- The group PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS said it sent letters to three major pizza chains -- DOMINO'S, PAPA JOHN'S and LITTLE CAESARS -- demanding that the companies develop animal welfare guidelines, PETA...

Dunkin donuts. (JUST IN).(to open triple-concept sites in North Carolina)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2001... RALEIGH, N.C. -- DUNKIN DONUTS plans to open 107 triple-concept sites incorporating parent company ALLIED DOMECQ's two other brands, BASKIN-ROBBINS and TOGOS, in North Carolina's Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill "Triangle" area, the Charlotte News...

The annual white truffle auction. (JUST IN).
November 19, 2001... ALBA, Italy -- The annual WHITE TRUFFLE AUCTION here raised $50,000 to benefit the families of New York fire fighters who perished in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center. Beverly Hills chef-restaurateur WOLFGANG PUCK, who acquired a...

Starbucks corp. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(earnings)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 19, 2001... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP., whose chain comprises more than 4,700 coffeehouses worldwide, reported a 92-percent annual increase in earnings to $181.2 million for its recently ended fiscal year. The comparison reflects Starbucks' write-downs...

New world restaurant group inc. (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(reports loss)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 19, 2001... EATONTOWN, N.J. -- NEW WORLD RESTAURANT GROUP INC. reported a third-quarter loss of $12.9 million, vs. year-ago quarterly earnings of $1.4 million. The nine-month loss was $37.4 million, vs. $28 million in earnings in last year's first nine...

Stockwatch (shares over $3). (FINANCIAL BRIEFS).(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
November 19, 2001... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Fri. change Close Diedrich Coffee Co. 8.23 $5.00 Krispy Kreme 4.38 40.50 Benihana Inc. ...

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Inc., following a recent proxy battle over alleged mismanagement that unseated founder and CEO jamie coulter from its board of directors, said it expanded the board to eight members by adding three outside directors.(Brief Article)
November 16, 2001... WICHITA, Kan.--LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE & SALOON INC., following a recent proxy battle over alleged mismanagement that unseated founder and CEO JAMIE COULTER from its board of directors, said it expanded the board to eight members by adding three...

John Scanlan vice president of special events for Aramark Leisure Services, died after a battle with cancer.(Obituary)
November 16, 2001... PHILADELPHIA--JOHN SCANLAN, vice president of special events for ARAMARK LEISURE SERVICES, died after a battle with cancer. He was 71. Scanlan was active in the coordination of foodservice at more than a dozen international competitions,...

A Quizno's Corp. shareholder is suing the 1,300-unit sandwich chain operator and its directors, alleging that a management buyout offer of $8.50 a share is inadequate.
November 16, 2001... DENVER--A QUIZNO'S CORP. shareholder is suing the 1,300-unit sandwich chain operator and its directors, alleging that a management buyout offer of $8.50 a share is inadequate. EDWARD suit earlier this week in City and County of Denver. He...

Yorkshire Global Restaurants has launched its first dual-menu drive-in unit featuring the company's A&W and Long John Silver's quick-serve brands.(Brief Article)
November 16, 2001... LEXINGTON, Ky. -- YORKSHIRE GLOBAL RESTAURANTS has launched its first dual-menu drive-in unit featuring the company's A&W and LONG JOHN SILVER'S quick-serve brands. The prototype, in White Plains, Mo., will be followed by two more units that...

Krispy Dreme Doughnuts Inc.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 16, 2001... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. said its third-quarter net earnings rose 68.2 percent to $6.5 million. Revenues in the period ended Oct. 28 increased 28.1 percent to $99.8 million as systemwide sales climbed 37.5 percent to...

Ale House Restaurants elevated former executive vice president of operations Ray Holden to president and chief operating officer and promoted former regional director Dave Reid to operations vice president.
November 16, 2001... JUPITER, Fla. -- ALE HOUSE RESTAURANTS elevated former executive vice president of operations RAY HOLDEN to president and chief operating officer and promoted former regional director DAVE REID to operations vice president. Ale House founder,...

Earthshell Corp. said all McDonald's outlets in the Chicago area have begun using Earthshell's biodegradable containers for Big Macs.
November 16, 2001... SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- EARTHSHELL CORP. said all MCDONALD'S outlets in the Chicago area have begun using Earthshell's biodegradable containers for Big Macs. That increased the number of units using the packaging from 125 to nearly 500....

Burger King Corp. said it will start a loyalty-marketing program early next year with Internet auction site eBAY.
November 16, 2001... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. said it will start a loyalty-marketing program early next year with Internet auction site eBAY. BK will award 1 million purchase points next year that customers can use to bid on rewards posted on eBay and on BK's...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
November 16, 2001... STOCKWATCH Top Gainers Pct. Thurs. change Close Max & Erman's 10.10 $11.88 O'Charley's 9.58 18.30 CKE Restaurants Inc. ...

TRICON GLOBAL RESTAURANTS INC.(Gives hourly employees 401K)(Brief Article)
November 15, 2001... LOU1SVILLE, Ky -- TRICON GLOBAL RESTAURANTS INC., owner and operator of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken, is now offering the same 401(k) retirement plan to hourly employees that is offered to managers. Tricon, which has...

PRANDIUM, INC.(Bankruptcy)(Brief Article)
November 15, 2001... IRVINE, CALIE -- PRANDIUM, INC., owner of the Chi-Chi's, Koo Koo Roo and Hamburger Hamlet chains, Wednesday told securities regulations that a non-restaurant operating subsidiary's capital restructuring negotiations with bond holders could...

EATERIES INC.(Earnings)(Brief Article)
November 15, 2001... EDMOND, OkIa --EATERIES INC., owner of the Garfield's, Garcia's, and Pepperoni Grill chains, reported a net loss of $468,000 on revenues of $23.6 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, vs, a loss of $249,000 on revenues of $21.5 1...

FURR'S RESTAURANT GROUP INC.(Earnings)(Brief Article)
November 15, 2001... RICHARDSON, Tesxas -- FURR'S RESTAURANT GROUP INC., operator of 92 Furr's and Bishop's cafeterias, posted a 28-percent decline in third-quarter earnings to $12 million. The quarter and its year-ago counterpart both included gains on the...

BOB EVANS FARMS INC.(Earnings)(Brief Article)
November 15, 2001... COLUMBUS, Ohio--BOB EVANS FARMS INC. reported a 34 percent rise in second-quarter earnings to $18.8 million, and the company took an after-tax charge of $1 million for the disposal of restaurant assets. The sausage maker and operator of the...

BK'S METRO NEW YORK ASSOCIATION.(Raises funds for victims of Islamic terrorist attacks)(Brief Article)
November 15, 2001... NEW YORK-- More than $60,000 has been raised far by 185 BURGER KING restaurants in the New York area for the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, which was launched to aid the children and spouses of victims of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks....

STOCKWATCH.(Brief Article)
November 15, 2001... STOCKWATCH Top Gainers Pct. Wed. Change Close Bob Evans Farms Inc. 11.65 $23.00 CKE Restaurants Inc. 5.87 7.76 Krispy Kreme 5.46 ...

VINCENT ORZA.
November 14, 2001... PALM DESERT, Calif--VINCENT ORZA, chairman, president and chief executive of multichain operator EATERIES INC of Edmond, Okla, Tuesday declared his candidacy for governor of Oklahoma during the International Foodservice Manufacturers...

STARBUCKS COFFEE CO.
November 14, 2001... SEATTLE--STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. will pay coffee suppliers up to 10 cents more per pound if they comply with their countries' local environmental, wage and workplace safety standards. The incentive will help the suppliers defray costs incurred...

HARD ROCK CAFE INTERNATIONAL.
November 14, 2001... ORLANDO, Fla--HARD ROCK CAFE INTERNATIONAL said it will develop its first urban hotel location in Chicago. The $86 million hotel, slated to open in 2003, will occupy the historic Carbide and Carbon Building on Michigan Avenue. The 385-room,...

BOSTON MARKET.
November 14, 2001... MILWAUKEE--BOSTON MARKET, the 670-unit home-meal replacement chain owned by MCDONALD'S CORP, has launched a seven-restaurant testhere of some 14 new products, including a lowfat chicken saladsandwich, $4.49; crispy potato wedges, $139; and a...

AFC ENTERPRISES INC.
November 14, 2001... ATLANTA--AFC ENTERPRISES INC. plans to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for certain shareholders to sell 7 million shares of their AFC common stock. The selling shareholders will include FREEMAN SPOGLI...

STOCK WATCH.
November 14, 2001... STOCK WATCH Top Gainers Pct. Tues. Change Close Diedich Coffee Co. 33.15 $4.90 Rubio's Resturants 5.28 3.19 Krispy Kreme 4.75 37.92 CKE Resturants...

WARREN LERUTH.
November 13, 2001... DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. -- WARREN LERUTH, the renowned New Orleans chef; restaurnteur and food-science consultant, died at a hospice here alter a long illness. He was 72. In 1998 Leruth was honored by Nation's Restaurant News as the first inductee...

THE GENTLEMAN'S CHOICE STEAKHOUSE.
November 13, 2001... SAN DIEGO -- A customer who was burned at THE GENTLEMAN'S CHOICE STEAKHOUSE here when a waitress was serving her a flaming dessert, will settle her lawsuit against the restaurant for $930,000, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The woman,...