Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from November 2002

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from November 2002

The U.S Bankruptcy Court here accepted Arby's owner Triarc Cos. Inc.'s plan for acquiring Sybra Inc. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 27, 2002... NEW YORK -- The U.S Bankruptcy Court here accepted ARBY'S owner TRIARC COS. INC.'s plan for acquiring SYBRA INC., whose 238 Arby's units make it the chain's second-largest franchisee. San Diego-based Sybra and its parent, ICH CORP., filed for...

McDonald's Corp. evaluating its robotic, jumbo-kiosk vending unit called Tiktok Easy Shop. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 27, 2002... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP., while evaluating its 3-month-old test in Washington, D.C., of a robotic, jumbo-kiosk vending unit called TIKTOK EASY SHOP, said at least some of the chain's burger outlets will begin accepting credit cards...

Brittany Spears. (Just In).(severed all ties to NYLA, the restaurant she launched six months earlier)(Brief Article)
November 27, 2002... NEW YORK -- In the wake of an involuntary bankruptcy filing against the BRITTANY SPEARS-launched NYLA here, noted chef-restaurateur LARRY FORGIONE reportedly has signed on as 6-month-old Nyla's third chef, following the recent closure of his...

The Georgia Hospitality & Travel Association. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
November 27, 2002... ATLANTA -- The GEORGIA HOSPITALITY & TRAVEL ASSOCIATION named as its new president RICK LAYTON, former general manager of the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel here and 1996 Summer Olympia Games food and beverage director Layton, who was GHTA...

Strategic Energy, a division of Pittsburgh-based Great Plains Energy Inc., said it signed an agreement with McDonald's Corp. (Supplier News).(Brief Article)
November 27, 2002... PITTSBURGH -- STRATEGIC ENERGY, a division of Pittsburgh-based GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INC., said it signed an agreement with MCDONALD'S CORP. to supply electricity to all of the burger chain's eligible franchised units in California. The pact...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
November 27, 2002... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Change Close Top Gainers Total Entertainment 5.70 $7.98 Buca 4.07 9.21 Ark...

Less than a week after the Nov. 18 start of Dungeness crab season. (Just In).(crab glut drives down prices)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2002... SAN FRANCISCO -- Less than a week after the Nov. 18 start of Dungeness crab season, fisherman stopped catching the crabs due to a glut that was overwherning processors, driving down menu prices and forcing fleets here to hold an estimated 75...

Jim Mellody, founder of the Beef O'Brady's family sports pub chain. (Just In).(Brief Article)(Obituary)
November 26, 2002... TAMPA, Fla. -- JIM MELLODY, founder of the BEEF O'BRADY'S family sports pub chain, died here Saturday after a battle with cancer. He was 63. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday. A native of Scranton, Pa., Mellody launched Beef...

Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Inc. (Executive Suite).(Barb Westfield new senior vice president of consumer marketing)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2002... BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- WOLFGANG PUCK WORLDWIDE INC. hired BARB WESTFIELD as senior vice president of consumer marketing for all packaged food and consumer products bearing the Wolfgang Puck brand. A 17-year veteran of Salton Inc., where she...

Denny's Corp. (Financial Briefs).(expects gains in fourth-quarter)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2002... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S CORP. expects to record a fourth-quarter gain of about $14 million as the result of a note exchange, according to a filing with securities regulators. In a series of privately negotiated transactions. Denny's...

Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 26, 2002... SAN DIEGO -- GARDEN FRESH RESTAURANT CORP., operator of 95 Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes salad bar-buffet restaurants, reported net income of $1.6 million for the fourth quarter ended Sept 30, vs. a loss of $876,000 in the year-ago...

Services Group of America Inc. (Supplier News).(Marriott Distribution Services acquisition)(Brief Article)
November 26, 2002... SEATTLE -- SERVICES GROUP OF AMERICA INC., the nation's fifth-largest broadline distributor, agreed to buy Marriott International's foodservice arm, MARRIOTT DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, in a deal that privately held Services Group said would boost...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 26, 2002... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Mon. change close CKE Restaurants 11.50 $5.14 Famous Dave's of Amer. 7.14 3.45 Garden Fresh...

Yum! Brands Inc. promoted Peter R. Hearl to president of its Dallas-based Pizza Hut Inc. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... LOUISVILLE, Ky.--YUM! BRANDS INC. promoted PETER R. HEARL to president of its Dallas-based PIZZA HUT INC. division, replacing MICHAEL RAWLINGS, who resigned to spend more time with his family and pursue personal interests, Yum said. Hearl was...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. said it purchased the chain's single-unit markets of Pensacola and Destin, Fla., from a franchisee. Krispy Kreme did not disclose terms of the two-store deal. The company has reacquired other...

Ru San. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... ATLANTA--RU SAN'S, a four-unit Japanese cuisine chain that operates here and in Charlotte, N.C., is developing an exclusive, 30-seat concept called RAN, whose upscale menu will include Kobestyle steaks and high-end seafood creations. Wataru...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. said third-quarter net income jumped 56.3 percent to $10.1 million. Corporate revenues, including franchising royalties and proceeds from distribution, rose 29.4 percent to $129.1 million as...

Famous Dave's of America Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... MINNEAPOLIS--FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA INC. cut its fourth-quarter revenue estimates to $21.5 million, from a range of $22 million to $22.5 million, and said it expects earnings for the period to be "approximately breakeven." The parent of the...

CKE Restaurants Inc. cut its stake in Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... SANTABARBARA, Calif.--CKE RESTAURANTS INC. cut its stake in CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS INC. to 3.6 percent and said it intends to sell its remaining 446,000 shares of the operator and franchisor of 934 Checkers and Rally's drive-thrus,...

Cosi Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... NEW YORK--COSI INC. said it raised $38.9 million in its initial public stock offering. The company priced its offering of 5.55 million common shares at $7 a share on Thursday, and in their first day of trading Friday the share price peaked at...

Rubio's Restaurants Inc. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... CARLSBAD, Calif.--RUBIO'S RESTAURANTS INC. said IRA FILS resigned as chief financial officer and will leave in mid-December to join the 69-unit MIMI'S CAFE casual-dining chain, based in Tustin, Calif, as vice president of finance. Rubio's...

Buca Inc. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... MINNEAPOLIS--BUCA INC., parent of the 91-unit Buca di Beppo and Vinny T's casual-dining chains, chose CRISPIN PORTER & BOGUSKY as its agency of record, replacing incumbent KERKER of Minneapolis. Spending was not disclosed. Crispin has offices...

McDonald's Corp. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
November 25, 2002... OAK BROOK, Ill--MCDONALD'S CORP. is promoting the Disney animated movie "Treasure Planet" with Mighty Kids Meals that containing one of eight toys and a CD-ROM game based on the film. The promotion, including TV ads, runs through Dec. 19 and...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 25, 2002... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Fri. change close Back Yard Burgers 7.69 $4.90 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 5.28 38.90 Buca ...

Burger King Corp. (Just In).(promote $1.79 double cheeseburger for 99 cents)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... MIAMI -- Amid a raging price war with McDonald's, BURGER KING CORP. said it would promote its $1.79 double cheeseburger for 99 cents starting next week and was considering promoting its signature Whopper for 99 cents in January. Despite...

McDonald's Corp. (Just In).(Chipotle unit to open first restaurant in New York City in 2002)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... DENVER -- CHIPOTLE, the 220-unit fast-casual burrito chain that MCDONALD'S CORP. acquired in 1998, plans to open its first restaurant in New York City in 2003, probably by early summer, Chipotle spokesman JIM ADAMS said. "We have no specific...

CBRL Group Inc. (Financial Briefs).(first quarter ended November 1, 2002)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC., parent of 463-unit Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, said net earnings for its first quarter ended Nov. 1 rose 17 percent to $23 million, vs. $19.6 million in the prior-year period. Revenue increased 6.3...

Yum! Brands Inc. (Financial Briefs).(repurchase of more outstanding common stock)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- YUM! BRANDS INC., parent of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, A&W and Long John Silver's, authorized the repurchase of an additional $300 million of its outstanding common stock over a two-year period Since Yum began its...

Cosi Inc. (Financial Briefs).(initial public offering to proceed with only one of four planned underwriters)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... NEW YORK -- Upscale sandwich-shop operator COSI INC. plans to go public today but with only one of four planned underwriters on board WILLIAM BLAIR & CO. LLC will be the sole underwriter of the 51st-casual chain's initial public offering of...

Steak N Shake Co. (Financial Briefs).(fourth-quarter ended September 24, 2002)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... INDIANAPOLIS -- STEAK N SHAKE CO. said fourth-quarter net earnings rose 7.2 percent to $6.2 million as revenue for the period ended Sept. 25 increased 0.86 percent to $110 million. The parent of the 404-unit family-dining chain cited a...

Panera Bread Co. (Financial Briefs).(four weeks ended NOvember 2, 2002)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO. reported that systemwide same-store sales for the four weeks ended Nov. 2 rose 6.2 percent, including a 3.6-percent rise at Panera-owned bakery-cafes and a 7.3-percent jump at franchisees' units. Average...

Landry's Seafood Restaurants. (Marketing Matters).(songwriter's lawsuit)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... HOUSTON -- Ruling that a songwriter can continue his lawsuit against LANDRY'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, a federal judge nonetheless rejected the musician's claim that he was entitled to $3 million from the chain operator because it allegedly used...

Stockwatch.(close on November 21, 2002)(Brief Article)
November 22, 2002... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Thurs. change close CBRL Group 11.02 $26.50 CKE Restaurants 7.14 4.50 Smith & Wollensky 5.47...

McDonald's Corp. (Just In).(Donatos Pizza Inc. closes restaurants in Atlanta market)(Brief Article)
November 21, 2002... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The MCDONALD'S CORP.-owned DONATOS PIZZERIA chain pulled out of the Atlanta market this week after shuttering all 23 units there. "The restaurants didn't meet our performance expectations, and our decision is to focus...

Greater Dallas Restaurant Association, the Hotel & Motel Association and the Dallas Bar Owners Association, intend to lobby against the proposal, which may come up for a vote by year-end. (Just In).(hospitality organizations oppose ban on smoking in restaurants, bars)(Brief Article)
November 21, 2002... DALLAS -- Nine hospitality organizations have united in opposition to a proposed ordinance before the City Council here that would ban smoking in restaurants and possibly bars. The groups, including the GREATER DALLAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION,...

American Express by CFO Research Services. (Just In).(survey results show chief financial officers' outlook on US economy)(Brief Article)
November 21, 2002... NEW YORK -- Nearly 70 percent of 485 chief financial officers polled about the economy said it will either stay flat, act erratically or decline further, according to a study conducted for AMERICAN EXPRESS by CFO RESEARCH SERVICES. The survey...

Charles Morris Mount. (Just In).(restaurant designer)(Obituary)
November 21, 2002... NEW YORK -- Noted restaurant designer CHARLES MORRIS MOUNT, whose designs for more than 250 restaurants included that of the new, 17,500-square-foot Time Square McDonald's here, died of a heart attack Nov. 8. He was 60. The native of...

A federal court heard initial arguments Wednesday in lawsuit against McDonald's Corp. (Just In).(McDonald's Corp. being sued for contributing to youth obesity)(Brief Article)
November 21, 2002... NEW YORK -- A federal court heart initial arguments Wednesday in lawsuit against MCDONALD'S CORP. by the parents of two Bronx children who alleged the chain is responsible for causing youth obesity and related health problems. BRAD LERMAN, a...

Avado Brands Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 21, 2002... MADISON, Ga. -- AVADO BRANDS INC., which had delayed its third-quarter report because of an error in classifying two chain as discontinued operations, posted a third-quarter loss of $1.9 million, vs. a year-ago loss of $64-4 million. Boosted...

Sonic Drive-In Restaurants'. (Financial Briefs).(Sonic Restaurants Inc.'s stock price falls on report of lower sales)(Brief Article)
November 21, 2002... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS' stock price fell to its lowest level in more than a year Wednesday after the 2,500-unit chain's parent said same-store sales for September and October were below its forecast 1-percent to 3-percent...

Stock Watch.(restaurant stock prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 21, 2002... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Wed. change close CKE Restaurants 8.25 $4.20 Luby's 5.47 4.24 Peet's Coffee &...

McDonald's Corp. could open as many as 200 outlets inside Wal-Mart stores next year. (Just In).(2003)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. could open as many as 200 outlets inside WAL-MART stores next year, which would be twice the number of domestic stand-alone McDonald's restaurants planned for 2003, according to Dow Jones. Company officials...

Select Service Partners, a division of Restaurant Associates. (Just In).(slated to introduce new dining concept)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... NEW YORK -- SELECT SERVICE PARTNERS, a division of RESTAURANT ASSOCIATES, on Thursday is scheduled to debut a concept called Brooklyn Jazz Bar in Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J. The restaurant will feature...

Pat O'Brien's International Inc. (Just In).(begins construction on fifth San Antonio, Texas restaurant)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... NEW ORLEANS -- PAT O'BRIEN'S INTERNATIONAL INC., famed for the Hurricane cocktails at its flagship her in the French Quarter here, said construction began on the fifth Pat O'Brien's, in San Antonio. It is slated to open in March as the...

John Taylor, a 32-year-old former employee of a Wendy's here in Queens. (Just In).(found guilty of murdering five emnployees at restaurant)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... NEW YORK -- John Taylor, a 32-year-old former employee of a Wendy's here in Queens, was found guilty Tuesday of murdering five workers at the restaurant during a robbery in 2000. The jury is scheduled to begin hearing evidence today to decide...

Fresh Choice Inc. (Executive Suite).(promotes two executives)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... MORGAN HILL, Calif. -- FRESH CHOICE INC., operator of 50 buffet-style restaurants under the Fresh Choice, Fresh Express and Zoopa brands, promoted senior vice president of marketing TIM O'SHEA to executive vice president and chief operating...

Creative Host Services Inc. (Financial Briefs).(3d qtr earnings rise)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... SAN DIEGO -- CREATIVE HOST SERVICES INC. said net earnings for its third quarter ended Sept. 30 jumped 706 percent to $344,269, vs. $42,682 in the year-ago period. The airport concessionaire cited airlines' discontinuation of meals an most...

Kahala Corp. (Financial Briefs).(reports 3d qtr earnings)(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz -- KAHALA CORP., owner and franchisor of the nearly 260-unit Ranch *1, Surf City Squeeze, Frullati Cafe & Bakery and Rollerz chains, reported net earnings of $274,099 for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, vs. $5,939 in the...

Taco Time Canada. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... CALGARY, Alberta -- In an extension of its fast-food menu, 115-unit franchisee TACO TIME CANADA added five full-meal platters to its menu. The meals, $6 to $8, include the chain's best-selling products -- the Soft Super Taco, Soft Meat...

Sonic Drive-In Restaurants, in a move toward offering lighter menu options, has begun testing two $2.99 wrap sandwiches at locations in the Tulsa, Okla. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
November 20, 2002... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, in a move toward offering lighter menu options, has begun testing two $2.99 wrap sandwiches at locations in the Tulsa, Okla., area, according to a published report. The chain of more than 2,500...

Stock Watch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 20, 2002... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Tues. change close CRE Restaurants 8.99 $3.88 Smith & Wollensky 6.27 4.05 Back Yard Burgers...

Ryan's Family Steak Houses Inc. (Just In).(employee lawsuit)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A lawsuit filed in federal here against RYAN'S FAMILY STEAK HOUSES INC. alleges that it underpays employees through such practices as requiring them to work "off the clock" during breaks and requiring serves to perform...

Spirits giant Diageo PLC said the U.S. investors who agreed to buy is Miami-based Burger King Corp. (Just In).(selling price lowered)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... LONDON - Spirits giant DIAGEO PLC said the U.S. investors who agreed to buy is Miami-based BURGER KING CORP. subsidiary for $2.26 billion informed the company that the deal would not be completed at that price. The private investment buyout...

American Commercial Capital, based here, said it provided $13 million in team debt and development financing to S.B. Restaurant Co. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... SAN DIEGO -- AMERICAN COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, based here, said it provided $13 million in team debt and development financing to S.B. RESTAURANT CO., a company in the SAUNDERS KARP & MEGRUE portfolio that owns the 19-unit ELEPHANT BAR...

Boston College Dining Services. (Just In).(renovation)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- BOSTON COLLEGE DINING SERVICES completed a renovation of its Stuart Dining Hall at the Newton campus to offer marketplace-style foodservice, and opened the 150-seat Hillside Cafe, offering panini sandwiches and...

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Executive Suite).(Mark S. Cosby appointed)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill -- SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO. named as president of its full-line stores division MARK S. COSBY, who had served as chief operating officer of KFC U.S.A. since 2000 and previously was chief development officer of KFC parent Yum!...

Buca Inc. (Executive Suite).(Randy Lopez promoted)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUCA INC., parent of the 91-unit Buca di Beppo and Vinny T's of Boston casual-dining chains, said it promoted RANDY LOPEZ to vice president of marketing to replace senior vice president of marketing LANE SCHMIESING, who...

Doraku, a two-unit chain owned by Benihana Inc. (Marketing Matters).(Asian Egg Nog)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... MIAMI -- DORAKU, a two-unit chain owned by BENIHANA INC., is offering a $7 Asian Egg Nog to celebrate the holiday season. The beverage includes a half ounce of sake. Doraku has locations here and in Chicago. Benihana, owns 54 namesake...

El Pollo Loco. (Marketing Matters).(chicken tamales)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... IRVINE, Calif.--EL POLLO LOCO is repeating in annual holiday chicken tamale promotion through the start of next year. Priced at $1.59 individually or six for $8.99, the tamales are spiced chicken encased in com masa dough, wrapped in comhusks...

The Wild Thomberrys. (Marketing Matters).(KFC kids meal)(Brief Article)
November 19, 2002... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- KFC changed the theme of in Kids Laptop Pack kids meal to feature "The Wild Thomberrys," a Nickelodeon series that spawned a feature movie set to debut on Dec. 20. The meals, $2.99, include a choice of chicken, a choice of...

Stock watch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 19, 2002... STOCK WATCH (charge over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Mon. change close Diedrich Coffee 12.81 $4.58 Max & Erma's 6.45 $16.50 Red Robin ...

American Affluence Research Center. (Just In).(spending cuts for upscale dining)(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... PINECREST, Fla. -- Well-to-do consumers expect to reduce their spending on upscale dining mote than on any other purchase category during the next 12 months, according to the AMERICAN AFFLUENCE RESEARCH CENTER. Its 2002 Survey of Affluent...

KFC, whose domestic same-store sales for the four weeks ended Nov. 2 fell 7 percent from a year ago. (Just In).(new products planned)(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... NEW YORK -- KFC, whose domestic same-store sales for the four weeks ended Nov. 2 fell 7 percent from a year ago, is gearing up to emphasize non-fried chicken items and "flavor extensions" of existing products, according to a report restaurant...

Avado Brands Inc. (Financial Briefs).(financial report delayed)(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... MADISON, Ga. -- AVADO BRANDS INC. on Friday delayed the release of its third-quarter earnings report, citing an error in the classification of its McCormick & Sohmick's and Canyon Cafe chains. In Avado's second-quarter earnings report, it...

Worldwide Restaurant Concepts Inc. (Financial Briefs).(net earnings up)(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS INC., parent of 322-unit Sizzler, said net earnings for its second quarter ended Oct 13 were $1.4 million, vs. $355,000 in the year ago period. The company amibuted the rise to improved...

Long-time chef Edna Lewis, founder of the Society for the Revival and Preservation of Southern Food. (Just In).(Women Chefs and Restaurateurs awards)(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Long-time chef EDNA LEWIS, founder of the Society for the Revival and Preservation of Southern Food, received the WCR Barbara Tropp President's Award for "a lifetime of culinary excellence" last night during the WOMEN...

Koo Koo Roo, a 29-unit fist-casual chain of Prandium Inc. (Marketing Matters).(Holiday Turkey Feasts)(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... IRVINE, Calif. -- KOO KOO ROO, a 29-unit fist-casual chain of PRANDIUM INC., will promote two "roasted to order" Holiday Turkey Feasts. One, $129.99, includes a 24-to 28-pound bird, extra-large sides of mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and...

Ruth's Chris Steak House. (Marketing Matters).(buffalo ribeye promotion)(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... NEW ORLEANS -- RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE is offering a 16-ounce buffalo ribeye, with blue cheese or Creole mustard crust, through the end of the year at branches of the 85-unit chain.

Pilgrim's Pride Corp promoted O.B. Goolsby from executive vice president. (Supplier News).(Brief Article)
November 18, 2002... PITTSBURG, Texas -- PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP. promoted O.B. GOOLSBY from executive vice president of prepared food operations to president and chief operating officer and said chief executive DAVID VAN HOOSE is retiring but will remain active...

Stock watch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 18, 2002... STOCKWATCH (charge over $3) Top Gainers Pct. Fri. change close Steak and Shake 5.85 $10.68 Mexican Restaurants 5.26 3.60 Panera Bread ...

Krisp Kreme Doug-Nuts Inc. (Just In).
November 15, 2002... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. said it will debut its products in the United Kingdom through a joint-venture franchise agreement with CHESIRE AND KENT LTD. and DONALD HENSHALL. The deal, which masks the second franchise...

Buffalo's Franchies Concepts parent of the Buffalo's Southwest Cafe chain, signed Works For Me Inc. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 15, 2002... MARIETTA, Ga. -- BUFFALO'S FRANCHISE CONCEPTS, parent of the Buffalo's Southwest Cafe chain, signed WORKS FOR ME INC. to a seven-unit, Las Vegas-area development agreement. The franchisee is expected to break ground on its first location by...

D'Angelo Sandwich Shops. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 15, 2002... DEDHAM, Mass. -- D'ANGELO SANDWICH SHOPS, a 216- unit chain, said it is targeting Long Island, N.Y., for a 35-unit franchise expansion. D'Angelo currently has shops in Connectiout, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Starbucks Corp. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 15, 2002... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. said net earnings for the fourth quarter ended Sept 29 rose 9.8 percent to $58.5 million, vs. $53.2 million in the prior-year period. Revenue increased 25.5 percent to S865.2 million, vs. $689.5 million a year ago....

Panera Bread Co. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 15, 2002... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO. reported a 73-percent increase in net earnings to $5.2 million for the third quarter ended Oct. 5, vs. the $3 million net of the year-ago period. Revenue increased 35 percent to $65.5 million. Systemwide...

Aramark Corp. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 15, 2002... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK CORP. posted a 53-percent increase in annual earnings, to $269.9 million, for fiscal 2002 ended Sept 27. Revenue grew 13 percent to $8.8 billion. Aramark said its net result reflected pretax gain of $37.9 million fiom...

Cousins Subs, parent of the 171-unit chain, hired Lawrence Weissman as vice president. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
November 15, 2002... MENOMINEE FALLS, Wis. -- COUSINS SUBS, parent of the 171-unit chain, hired LAWRENCE WEISSMAN as vice president of marketing and promoted MARIA PIOTTER to vice president of franchising, filling two empty posts. Piotter had directed franchise...

Jack In The Box. (Marketing Matters).(Brief Article)
November 15, 2002... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX said it plans to launch two new premium sandwiches in December and then expand its "value" meal in January with two new products. Company officials declined to identify the four items but said one of the...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 15, 2002... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. change close Top Gainers Rubio's Restaurants 13.11 $5.09 Famous Dave's of Amer. 8.44 3.47 Nathan's Famous ...

Benihana Inc. (Just In).(acquisition of RA Sushi Bar Rastaurant)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2002... MIAMI--BENIHANA INC. Agreed to pay $11 million to buy RA SUSHI BAR RESTAURANT, a privately owned Arizona, chain with four units in the Phoenix area. Benihana said it would finance the purchase from a newly negotiated credit line from Wachovia...

Qdoba Mexican Grill. (Just In).(Brief Article)
November 14, 2002... DENVER--QDOBAMEXICAN GRILL signed an affiliate of a large Hooters franchise group to an agreement calling for it to open 25 Qdoba units in southern Florida beginning next year. CHRIS and NEAL HARDING head NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT GROUP LLC,...

Triarc Cos. Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 14, 2002... NEW YORK--TRIARC COS. INC., franchisor of about 3,300 single and co-branded restaurants under the Arby's, T.J. Cinnamons and Pasta Connection brands, posted a third-quarter loss of $2.6 million, vs. a loss of $1.8 million in the year-ago...

Jack in the Box Inc. (Financial Briefs).(Brief Article)
November 14, 2002... SAN DIEGO--JACK IN THE BOX INC. reported a32.3-percent drop in net earnings, to $14 million, for the fourth quarter ended Sept. 29, vs. a $20.7 million profir in the year-ago period. The net result reflected a one-time charge of $15.7 million...

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. (Executive Suite).(Brief Article)
November 14, 2002... CHICAGO--The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION selected organizational development and diversity management expert WILLIAM ZEIGLER to head its newly created strategic initiatives division.