Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from October 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from October 2005

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald'S Corp. will continue to scale back over the next several months the U.S. test of its Oven Selects sandwiches from five markets to two markets, even as the chain rolls out similar product lines overseas, including in the United Kingdom, according to Ralph Alvarez, president of McDonald's North America.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. will continue to scale back over the next several months the U.S. test of its Oven Selects sandwiches from five markets to two markets, even as the chain rolls out similar product lines overseas, including...

Washington--Democratic District Council member Phil Mendelson said Oct. 27 that he intends to introduct a bill this week requiring restaurant chains in the Washington, D.C., area to put the nutritional content of their food on the menu.(Democratic District Council)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Democratic District Council member PHIL MENDELSON said Oct. 27 that he intends to introduct a bill this week requiring restaurant chains in the Washington, D.C., area to put the nutritional content of their food on the menu. He...

Blimpie International Inc.(Mark Samson hired to replace Jefrey Endervelt )(Brief Article)
October 31, 2005... ATLANTA -- JEFFREY ENDERVELT resigned from the posts of chairman, chief executive and president of BLIMPIE INTERNATIONAL INC. to pursue other interests, the company said. The resignation is effective immediately. The board of directors hired...

Applebee's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 31, 2005... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC. reported a 23-percent drop in third-quarter earnings on weak same-store sales and also reduced its full-year earnings per share expectations for the second time since August. For the third...

McCormick & Schmick's.(earnings and shares)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2005... PORTLAND, Ore. -- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S, operator of 58 upscale seafood restaurants, swung to profit for the third quarter on a 14-percent rise in revenues to $68 million. The company also filed a registration statement with the U.S....

California Pizza Kitchen Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 31, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN INC. more than doubled its net income and reported a 17-percent jump in revenues to $124.5 million for the third quarter ended Oct. 2. The operator or franchisor of 186 restaurants earned $5.5 million,...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 31, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Morgan's Foods 10.48 $5.80 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 8.64 4.4...

London--as part of executive realignments forced by a United Nations procurement scandal.(Tom Ondrof appointed as chief financial officer of Compass Group. The Americas Div.)(Brief Article)
October 28, 2005... LONDON -- As part of executive realignments forced by a United Nations procurement scandal, COMPASS GROUP USA, the Charlotte, N.C.-based North American division of British contract caterer COMPASS GROUP PLC, named TOM ONDROF, the U.S. arm's...

Wilbraham, Mass.--Friendly's Restaurant Franchise Inc., a subsidiary of Friendly Ice Cream Corp., signed J&B Restaurant Partners Of Long Island LLC to a development pact for 33 restaurants in Nassau and Suffolk counties of Long Island, N.Y.(JUST IN)
October 28, 2005... WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- FRIENDLY'S RESTAURANT FRANCHISE INC., a subsidiary of FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORP., signed J&B RESTAURANT PARTNERS OF LONG ISLAND LLC to a development pact for 33 restaurants in Nassau and Suffolk counties of Long Island, N.Y....

Denver--Qdoba Mexican Grill, a division of Jack In The Box Inc. based here, signed a franchise agreement with Sigma Q Corp. that calls for it to open an unspecified number of the fast-casual restaurants in Southern California.(JUST IN)
October 28, 2005... DENVER -- QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL, a division of JACK IN THE BOX INC. based here, signed a franchise agreement with SIGMA Q CORP. that calls for it to open an unspecified number of the fast-casual restaurants in Southern California. Jack in the...

Winston-Salem, N.C.--Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., operator or franchisor of nearly 360 shops, named Jeff Jervik executive vice president of operations, effective immediately.(Frank Murphy to retire)(Brief Article)
October 28, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC., operator or franchisor of nearly 360 shops, named JEFF JERVIK executive vice president of operations, effective immediately. Most recently Jervik operated franchised Papa John's Pizza...

Wendy's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 28, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. posted a 4.3-percent year-to-year increase in third-quarter net income to $72.1 million, or 61 cents a share, for the period ended Oct. 2. The company said gains from a favorable tax rate, a stronger...

Scottsdale, Ariz.--P.F. Chang's China Bistro, which posted a 3.3-percent increase in third-quarter earnings, said it intends to purchase the 13-percent minority interest held by employees in its Pei Wei Asian Diner subsidiary.(Brief Article)
October 28, 2005... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO, which posted a 3.3-percent increase in third-quarter earnings, said it intends to purchase the 13-percent minority interest held by employees in its Pei Wei Asian Diner subsidiary. The company...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 28, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close IHOP 6.58 $47.45 Flanigan's Enterprises 2.08 9.80 Pizza Inn...

Decatur, Ga.--following a two-year test, 400-unit Huddle House, based here, said it will let franchisees choose whether to continue operating as 24-hour restaurants during slower-traffic weeknights.(JUST IN)
October 27, 2005... DECATUR, Ga. -- Following a two-year test, 400-unit HUDDLE HOUSE, based here, said it will let franchisees choose whether to continue operating as 24-hour restaurants during slower-traffic weeknights. The expanding family operator's decision...

Beverly Hills, Calif.--Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt has disclosed plans for an adult-entertainment-themed casual-dining chain, Hustler Bar & Grille.(Brief Article)
October 27, 2005... BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Hustler magazine publisher LARRY FLYNT has disclosed plans for an adult-entertainment-themed casual-dining chain, HUSTLER BAR & GRILLE. Flynt tapped BRAD SALTZMAN, a restaurant industry veteran, to lead the concept as...

Carrollwood, Fla.--former Houlihan's senior operations vice president Bob Gaylin is scheduled to debut the first of three "hipper, sexier" revamped Houlihan's branches in the Tampa, Fla., area with an opening in this northern suburb next Monday.(Brief Article)
October 27, 2005... CARROLLWOOD, Fla. -- Former Houlihan's senior operations vice president BOB GAYLIN is scheduled to debut the first of three "hipper, sexier" revamped HOULIHAN'Sbranches in the Tampa, Fla., area with an opening in this northern suburb next...

Canton, Mass.--Stan Frankenthaler, former chef-owner of Boston's Salamander restaurant, has joined Dunkin' Brands, based here, as the first executive chef and director of culinary development for the franchisor of more than 12,000 Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's outlets worldwide.(Brief Article)
October 27, 2005... CANTON, Mass. -- STAN FRANKENTHALER, former chef-owner of Boston's SALAMANDER restaurant, has joined DUNKIN' BRANDS, based here, as the first executive chef and director of culinary development for the franchisor of more than 12,000 Dunkin'...

Domino's Pizza Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 27, 2005... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA INC., franchisor of the No. 1 pizza delivery chain, which has 7,945 locations worldwide, reported a more than 20-fold rise in third-quarter profits on revenues that jumped nearly 4 percent from a year...

Buffalo Wild Wings.(earnings)(Brief Article)
October 27, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS, operator or franchisor of more than 350 restaurants, grew earnings 59 percent for the third quarter ended Sept. 26 to $1.9 million, or 22 cents per diluted share, including an asset impairment charge of...

Memphis, Tenn.--Back Yard Burgers Inc., operator or franchisor of 171 quick-service restaurants in the Southeast, posted a 35-percent jump in third-quarter earnings, despite a revenue drop of 1 percent.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 27, 2005... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- BACK YARD BURGERS INC., operator or franchisor of 171 quick-service restaurants in the Southeast, posted a 35-percent jump in third-quarter earnings, despite a revenue drop of 1 percent. Back Yard Burger's net income for the...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 27, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change change close CEC Entertainment 8.00 $34.41 Ark Restaurants 7.74 30.24...

McDonald's Corp.(packaging plans)(Brief Article)
October 26, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. said it plans to display nutritional information on most of its product packaging beginning next year. The new packaging is slated to debut in February at McDonald's restaurants at the Olympic Games in...

Denver--Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., which is owned by McDonald's Corp. of Oak Brook, Ill., filed a long-anticipated initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday to sell as much as $100 million in common stock.(JUST IN)
October 26, 2005... DENVER -- CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC., which is owned by MCDONALD'S CORP. of Oak Brook, Ill., filed a long-anticipated initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday to sell as much as $100 million in common...

Morton's Restaurant Group.(Thomas Baldwin to take outgoing Allen J. Bernstein's place)(Brief Article)
October 26, 2005... NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- ALLEN J. BERNSTEIN will step down as chairman and chief executive of MORTON'S RESTAURANT GROUP, effective Dec. 31, 2005. THOMAS BALDWIN, the company's chief financial officer, will take his place. At the same time,...

Canton, Mass.--two groups of private equity firms are competing to buy Dunkin' Brands, the parent of Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's, from Pernod Ricard SA, according to published reports.(Brief Article)
October 26, 2005... CANTON, Mass. -- Two groups of private equity firms are competing to buy DUNKIN' BRANDS, the parent of DUNKIN DONUTS, BASKIN-ROBBINS and TOGO'S, from PERNOD RICARD SA, according to published reports. One joint bid is said have been submitted...

Dallas--Brinker International Inc., the operator or franchisor of 1,603 casual-dining restaurants including the 1,100-unit Chili's Grill & Bar chain, more than doubled its first-quarter profit from a year earlier on strong sales and reduced restructuring and impairment charges.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 26, 2005... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC., the operator or franchisor of 1,603 casual-dining restaurants including the 1,100-unit CHILI'S GRILL & BAR chain, more than doubled its first-quarter profit from a year earlier on strong sales and reduced...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 26, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Rubio's Restaurants 3.84 $8.92 Morgan's Foods 3.52 5.30 Good...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp., the world's largest restaurant chain, with more than 30,000 restaurants worldwide, has identified some formerly undisclosed suppliers while launching a graphical feature on its www.mcdonalds.com website to give U.S. customers a "virtual tour" of how some of its menu items go "from farm to table.".(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
October 25, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill.--MCDONALD'S CORP., the world's largest restaurant chain, with more than 30,000 restaurants worldwide, has identified some formerly undisclosed suppliers while launching a graphical feature on its www.mcdonalds.com website to...

London--Compass Group PLC, the world's largest contract caterer and facilities management company, said it had suspended two of its top-level executives after the United Nations halted its contract with Eurest Support Services, the firm's military supplies division, during an investigation into allegedly illegal purchasing practices.(JUST IN)
October 25, 2005... LONDON -- COMPASS GROUP PLC, the world's largest contract caterer and facilities management company, said it had suspended two of its top-level executives after the United Nations halted its contract with EUREST SUPPORT SERVICES, the firm's...

Glendale, Calif.--Ihop Corp., franchisor of the 1,218-unit chain based here, signed franchisees to deals for 46 new restaurants over the next 11 years in Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin.(JUST IN)
October 25, 2005... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., franchisor of the 1,218-unit chain based here, signed franchisees to deals for 46 new restaurants over the next 11 years in Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina,...

Atlanta--Philly Connection, a 135-unit chain based here, opened its first co-branded unit with Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Brandon, Fla.(JUST IN)
October 25, 2005... ATLANTA -- PHILLY CONNECTION, a 135-unit chain based here, opened its first co-branded unit with TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE in Brandon, Fla. The store will be operated by franchisee WARREN LIVERETT, president of LIVERETT ENTERPRISES INC.

Minneapolis--Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd., operator of 10 brewpubs in the Midwest, on Friday said it sold 1.1 million shares of its common stock to Solstice Investment Partners LP at $4.82 per share.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
October 25, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD., operator of 10 brewpubs in the Midwest, on Friday said it sold 1.1 million shares of its common stock to SOLSTICE INVESTMENT PARTNERS LP at $4.82 per share. The deal includes for every five...

Friendly's.(Friendly's Restaurants Franchise Inc., service introduction)(Brief Article)
October 25, 2005... WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- FRIENDLY'S, based here, launched a limited-time "Comforts of Home" menu for the holiday season, the company said. Available through New Year's Day, the new menu features six entrees: Southwest BBQ Steak, Grilled Teriyaki...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 25, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers New World Rest. Group 10.29 $3.75 Host America 7.14 1.50...

Los Angeles--a U.S. District Court judge here has granted class-action status to a lawsuit by three local restaurateurs who allege that discount dining promoter Rewards Network Inc. violated California usury laws by charging excessive loan interest.(JUST IN)
October 24, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- A U.S. District Court judge here has granted class-action status to a lawsuit by three local restaurateurs who allege that discount dining promoter REWARDS NETWORK INC. violated California usury laws by charging excessive loan...

Madison, Wis.--a "wine doggy bag" bill that would allow diners to transport unfinished bottles of wine after restaurant meals passed out of committee in the state Assembly by a vote of 8-0.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
October 24, 2005... MADISON, Wis. -- A "wine doggy bag" bill that would allow diners to transport unfinished bottles of wine after restaurant meals passed out of committee in the state Assembly by a vote of 8-0. The WISCONSIN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION expects the...

Washington--the U.S. Senate has rejected two proposals to raise the federal minimum wage from the current $5.15 an hour.(Brief Article)
October 24, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate has rejected two proposals to raise the federal minimum wage from the current $5.15 an hour. A bill by Sen. EDWARD KENNEDY, D-Mass., to raise the hourly wage to $6.25 over 18 months was defeated by a 51-47 vote....

Checkers Drive-in Restaurants Inc.(Brief Article)
October 24, 2005... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS INC. said seven former Rally's Hamburgers drive-thru units here that were converted this summer to sister brand Checkers have boosted their daily traffic counts 22 percent over traffic at the...

Minneapolis--Famous Dave's of America signed 3 Little Pigs Pa LLC to a deal calling for it to develop 14 barbecue dinnerhouses in Pennsylvania, except in the Philadelphia area, where another franchise pact exists.(JUST IN)
October 24, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA signed 3 LITTLE PIGS PA LLC to a deal calling for it to develop 14 barbecue dinnerhouses in Pennsylvania, except in the Philadelphia area, where another franchise pact exists. The owners of 3 Little...

Rare Hospitality International Inc.(Financial Briefs)
October 24, 2005... ATLANTA -- RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL INC. reported a 15-percent jump in third-quarter net income on a 16-percent increase in revenues to $225.4 million, versus year-earlier levels. The operator or franchisor of 291 restaurants earned...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 24, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Friday Top Gainers change close Ultimate Franch. Sys's. 26.83 $13.00 Red Robin Gour. Burgers 4.53 46.17 BJ's Restaurants ...

Miami--Burger King Corp. is breaking off "all but minimal contact" with its chain's independent U.S. franchisee organization, called the National Franchisee Association, or NFA, and plans to divert next year's earmarked $1 million subsidy from the group to the chain's advertising fund, Dow Jones reported.(JUST IN)
October 21, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. is breaking off "all but minimal contact" with its chain's independent U.S. franchisee organization, called the NATIONAL FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATION, or NFA, and plans to divert next year's earmarked $1 million subsidy...

New York--Focus Brands, parent of the Carvel and Cinnabon chains, intends to acquire a "center-of-the-plate concept" within the next six months as part of the Atlanta company's "Focus 5" plan to amass five brands with a total of 5,000 franchisees during the next five years, a spokeswoman said Thursday.(JUST IN)
October 21, 2005... NEW YORK -- FOCUS BRANDS, parent of the Carvel and Cinnabon chains, intends to acquire a "center-of-the-plate concept" within the next six months as part of the Atlanta company's "Focus 5" plan to amass five brands with a total of 5,000...

Needham, Mass.--as 14-unit Fresh City shifts to a 100-percent trans-fat-free menu, the fast-casual chain has signed two franchise deals to expand into New Jersey and the Midwest.(JUST IN)
October 21, 2005... NEEDHAM, Mass. -- As 14-unit FRESH CITY shifts to a 100-percent trans-fat-free menu, the fast-casual chain has signed two franchise deals to expand into New Jersey and the Midwest. FRESH START ENTERPRISES in Chicago plans to open up to 22...

McDonald's Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 21, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. Thursday reported a 6-percent dip in third-quarter net earnings to $735.4 million, or 58 cents a share, for the period ended Sept. 30. Investors also responded negatively to indications of margin pressures...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(sales and earnings)(Brief Article)
October 21, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 1,256 restaurants, including the 904-unit namesake chain, reported a 10-percent jump in third-quarter profit to $30.1 million, or 39 cents a share, for the period ended Sept....

Applebee's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 21, 2005... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC. this week received approval from the City Council of Lenexa, Kan., to receive $12.5 million in tax exemptions for the company's new headquarters, slated to open in the fall of 2007. The...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 21, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Rare Hospitality Int'l. 6.59 $29.13 Ruth's Chris Steak House 3.59 18.19 Buca ...

Washington--the House of Representatives passed the "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act," H.R. 554, by a bipartisan vote of 306 to 120.(Brief Article)
October 20, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives passed the "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act," H.R. 554, by a bipartisan vote of 306 to 120. The measure, sponsored by Rep. RICK KELLER, R-Fla., would block lawsuits blaming...

San Diego--private equity firm Centre Partners said it sold controlling interest in 97-unit buffet chain operator Garden Fresh Holdings, based here, to affiliates of Sun Capital Partners Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla.(Brief Article)
October 20, 2005... SAN DIEGO -- Private equity firm CENTRE PARTNERS said it sold controlling interest in 97-unit buffet chain operator GARDEN FRESH HOLDINGS, based here, to affiliates of SUN CAPITAL PARTNERS INC. of Boca Raton, Fla. Terms were not disclosed,...

Irvine, Calif.--Claim Jumper Restaurants Inc. sold a majority stake in the 35-unit, casual-dining chain last week to a private equity firm for $200 million to $250 million, officials indicated.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
October 20, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- CLAIM JUMPER RESTAURANTS INC. sold a majority stake in the 35-unit, casual-dining chain last week to a private equity firm for $200 million to $250 million, officials indicated. ROBERTOTT, Claim Jumper's president and chief...

Tampa, Fla.--Outback Steakhouse Inc., operator or franchisor of 1,256 casual-dining restaurants, including its 904-unit namesake chain, said Wednesday that Dirk A. Montgomery had joined the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer.(Brief Article)
October 20, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 1,256 casual-dining restaurants, including its 904-unit namesake chain, said Wednesday that DIRK A. MONTGOMERY had joined the company as senior vice president and chief...

Ann Arbor, Mich.--Domino's Pizza, the segment's No. 2 chain, named L. David Mounts chief financial officer and executive vice president of finance, effective Nov. 2.(Brief Article)
October 20, 2005... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA, the segment's No. 2 chain, named L. DAVID MOUNTS chief financial officer and executive vice president of finance, effective Nov. 2. He will report to chairman and CEO DAVID BRANDON and succeed HARRY J....

Boston--Legal Sea Foods, operator of more than 30 upscale restaurants, hired Susan J. Lorenz as senior vice president of human resources.(Brief Article)
October 20, 2005... BOSTON-- LEGAL SEA FOODS, operator of more than 30 upscale restaurants, hired SUSAN J. LORENZ as senior vice president of human resources. She reports to president and CEO ROGER BERKOWITZ and oversees all personnel matters for the...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(sales drops)(Brief Article)
October 20, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 3,159 restaurants, reported a 3.2-percent decrease in blended same-store sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 10, representing drops of 1.8 percent at Carl's Jr. and 4.5...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 20, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Cheesecake Factory 12.55 $34.88 Buffalo Wild Wings 7.61 ...

Louisville, Ky.--David Deno resigned as chief multibranding and operating officer of Yum! Brands Inc., effective next Feb. 16, for "personal family reasons," the parent of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC said in a filing with securities regulators.(Kentucky)(Brief Article)
October 19, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- DAVID DENO resigned as chief multibranding and operating officer of YUM! BRANDS INC., effective next Feb. 16, for "personal family reasons," the parent of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC said in a filing with securities...

Zagat Survey.(consumer survey regarding restaurant industry services)(Brief Article)
October 19, 2005... NEWYORK -- This metropolis retained its stature as the nation's capital of big-ticket dining, according to ZAGAT SURVEY's newly released New York City guide, which said the average tab of the city's 20 most expensive restaurants rose in the...

Church's Chicken.(restaurants erected )(Brief Article)
October 19, 2005... AUSTIN, Texas -- In a demonstration for franchisees, vendors and developers, CHURCH'S CHICKEN last week erected here in only nine hours the first of four prefabricated restaurants planned for this market and San Antonio. Cutting up to 30 days...

Tokyo--the 3,700-unit McDonald's Japan, 50-percent owned by McDonald's Corp., launched a shrimp burger, priced at about $2.35, reports said.(Brief Article)
October 19, 2005... TOKYO -- The 3,700-unit McDonald's Japan, 50-percent owned by MCDONALD'S CORP., launched a shrimp burger, priced at about $2.35, reports said. The Japanese chain also reportedly is testing a chicken salad, about $4, and yogurt with granola,...

Redmond, Wash.--Nintendo on Tuesday said it signed an agreement with Wayport, a provider of wired and wireless high-speed Internet access in public locations, to provide free Wi-Fi game play to users of the Nintendo DS portable console at nearly 6,000 McDonald's restaurants nationwide.(Brief Article)
October 19, 2005... REDMOND, Wash. -- NINTENDO on Tuesday said it signed an agreement with WAYPORT, a provider of wired and wireless high-speed Internet access in public locations, to provide free Wi-Fi game play to users of the Nintendo DS portable console at...

The Cheesecake Factory Inc.(financial reports)(Brief Article)
October 19, 2005... CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC., operator of 103 restaurants, reported a 77-percent jump in third-quarter net income on an 18-percent increase in revenues to $292.8 million, compared with year-earlier results. Earnings...

Panera Bread Co.(revenues grow)(Brief Article)
October 19, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO., operator or franchisor of more than 800 bakery-cafes, said third-quarter revenues rose 31 percent for the period ended Oct. 4 to $148.6 million on an 8.2-percent rise in systemwide same-store sales. For the four...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 19, 2005... STOCKWATCH (share over $1) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Pizza Inn 7.84 $2.75 Panera Bread 6.41 56.8 Buffalo Wild Wings ...

Philadelphia--Freedom Rings LLC, a six-unit Krispy Kreme franchisee here, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as Krispykreme Doughnuts Inc. bought the 30-percent share of the Philadelphia operator that it didn't already own.(Brief Article)
October 18, 2005... PHILADELPHIA -- FREEDOM RINGS LLC, a six-unit Krispy Kreme franchisee here, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as KRISPYKREME DOUGHNUTS INC. bought the 30-percent share of the Philadelphia operator that it didn't already own. Krispy...

Austin, Texas--a possible toughening of pending immigration reforms because of border security and terrorism concerns could hurt the restaurant industry by depleting a vital source of labor, the head of the Texas Restaurant Association said.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2005... AUSTIN, Texas -- A possible toughening of pending immigration reforms because of border security and terrorism concerns could hurt the restaurant industry by depleting a vital source of labor, the head of the TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION...

Benihana Inc.(construction plans)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2005... MIAMI -- BENIHANA INC. said it will start construction on a third RA Sushi location in the Chicago market next fall. Benihana acquired the RA Sushi brand three years ago and has grown it to eight locations in Arizona, California, Illinois and...

Compass Group Plc.(investigations into illegal buying practices)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2005... LONDON -- COMPASS GROUP PLC, the world's largest contract caterer, was implicated in reports this month that said it was being questioned by U.S. and United Nations investigators in connection with allegedly illegal buying practices at the...

Carpinteria, Calif.--Carl's Jr., the 1,000-plus-unit quick-service arm of CKE Restaurants Inc., based here, is targeting Seattle and other parts of western Washington for expansion.(Brief Article)
October 18, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CARL'S JR., the 1,000-plus-unit quick-service arm of CKE RESTAURANTS INC., based here, is targeting Seattle and other parts of western Washington for expansion. Carl's Jr. franchisee TRANI FOOD GROUP of Modesto, Calif.,...

Miami--Burger King Corp. said U.S. same-store sales rose 1.1 percent for the first quarter ended Sept. 30, marking the chain's sixth straight quarterly same-store increase.(Brief Article)
October 18, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. said U.S. same-store sales rose 1.1 percent for the first quarter ended Sept. 30, marking the chain's sixth straight quarterly same-store increase. GREG BRENNEMAN, BK's chairman and CEO, cited new products and...

Frisch's Restaurants.(earnings dip)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2005... CINCINNATI -- FRISCH'S RESTAURANTS, operator of 89 Big Boy and 33 franchised Golden Corral units, posted a 13-percent decline in first-quarter earnings, reflecting higher operating costs and drops in same-store sales of 11 percent at the...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 18, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Diedrich Coffee 8.12 $5.86 Caribou Coffee 5.95 9.80 Benihana ...

Chicago--citing low wages and high health insurance premiums, HMS Host employees here are picketing several foodservice outlets operated by the contract specialist at O'Hare International Airport.(airline food service company's labor relations)(Brief Article)
October 17, 2005... CHICAGO -- Citing low wages and high health insurance premiums, HMS HOST employees here are picketing several foodservice outlets operated by the contract specialist at O'Hare International Airport. The employees, members of UNITE HERE LOCAL...

Chicago--Rick Bayless, co-owner of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo restaurants and Frontera Foods, manufacturer of prepared salsas, taco sauces, seasonings and tortilla chips, has teamed with Marshallfield's to open an upscale, Mexican food-court kiosk.(Marshall Field's)(Brief Article)
October 17, 2005... CHICAGO -- RICK BAYLESS, co-owner of FRONTERA GRILL and TOPOLOBAMPO restaurants and FRONTERA FOODS, manufacturer of prepared salsas, taco sauces, seasonings and tortilla chips, has teamed with MARSHALLFIELD'S to open an upscale, Mexican...

Milford, Conn.--Sandwich giant Subway reached a milestone with the opening of its 50th store in India.(Connecticut)(Brief Article)
October 17, 2005... MILFORD, CONN. -- Sandwich giant SUBWAY reached a milestone with the opening of its 50th store in India. The outlet is located in the city of Calcutta. GURPREET GULRI, development agent for Subway Team India, said, "In the last five years, we...

IHOP Corp.(sales and earnings)(Brief Article)
October 17, 2005... GLENDALE, CALIF. -- IHOP CORP., operator or franchisor of 1,218 family-dining restaurants, recorded a systemwide same-store sales increase of 4.5 percent for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, systemwide...

Compass Group PLC.(Mike Bailey resigns)(Brief Article)
October 17, 2005... LONDON -- COMPASS GROUP PLC, the world's biggest contract foodservice company, said that MIKE BAILEY would resign his post as chief executive, effective next year. Bailey's successor has not yet been named. The announcement of Bailey's...

Wichita, Kan.--T.D. O'Connell has resigned as president of Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, reportedly to pursue other interests, announced Jamie Coulter, chief executive.(Kansas, Mark Mednansky promoted, Mike Rangel appointed)(Brief Article)
October 17, 2005... WICHITA, KAN. -- T.D. O'CONNELL has resigned as president of LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE & SALOON, reportedly to pursue other interests, announced JAMIE COULTER, chief executive. Meanwhile, the company promoted Mark Mednansky to chief operating...

Stockwatch.(restaurants stock market analysis)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 17, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Host America 28.24 $1.68 Ultimate Franchise 10.09 12.00 IHOP ...

Tallahassee, Fla.--in a merger of two formerly autonomous industry groups, the Florida Restaurant Association and Florida Lodging Association will merge today to become the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, with FRA president and CEO Carol Dover assuming leadership.(Florida)(Brief Article)
October 14, 2005... TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -- In a merger of two formerly autonomous industry groups, the FLORIDA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION and FLORIDA LODGING ASSOCIATION will merge today to become the FLORIDA RESTAURANT AND LODGING ASSOCIATION, with FRA president and...

Dallas--Taco Bueno Restaurants, the 140-unit Mexican quick-service chain based here, has signed an agreement with Central States Bueno LLC of Tulsa, Okla., to develop 11 units in central Kansas and Nebraska.(Brief Article)
October 14, 2005... DALLAS -- TACO BUENO RESTAURANTS, the 140-unit Mexican quick-service chain based here, has signed an agreement with CENTRAL STATES BUENO LLC of Tulsa, Okla., to develop 11 units in central Kansas and Nebraska. This is the third development...

Philadelphia--Neil Stein, the former owner of such popular local restaurants as Striped Bass, Bleu and Avenue B, will face sentencing Jan. 20 for tax fraud.(Brief Article)
October 14, 2005... PHILADELPHIA -- NEIL STEIN, the former owner of such popular local restaurants as STRIPED BASS, BLEU and AVENUE B, will face sentencing Jan. 20 for tax fraud. Stein pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges and also admitted to skimming $450,000...

Washington, D.C.--Celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito sent a letter to chefs around the country this week urging them to boycott Canadian snow crabs until Canada's annual seal hunt--during which an estimated 300,000 seals were killed in 2005--is halted, according to a release from The Humane Society of the United States.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
October 14, 2005... WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Celebrity chef ROCCO DISPIRITO sent a letter to chefs around the country this week urging them to boycott Canadian snow crabs until Canada's annual seal hunt--during which an estimated 300,000 seals were killed in 2005--is...