Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from October 2006

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from October 2006

Lebanon, Tenn.--CBRL Group Inc., parent of the 548-unit Cracker Barrel family-dining chain, said an affiliate of New York-Based Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., Los Angeles-based Canyon Capital Advisors LLC and its associated Black Canyon Capital LLC firm had agreed to pay $486 million for 168-unit Logan's Roadhouse.(JUST IN)(Logan's Roadhouse)(Brief article)
October 31, 2006... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC., parent of the 548-unit CRACKER BARREL family-dining chain, said an affiliate of New York-based BRUCKMANN, ROSSER, SHERRILL & CO., Los Angeles-based CANYON CAPITAL ADVISORS LLC and its associated BLACK CANYON...

Louisville, Ky.--KFC said all 5,500 of its restaurants in the United States would switch to a trans fat-free cooking oil by April.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 31, 2006... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- KFC said all 5,500 of its restaurants in the United States would switch to a trans fat-free cooking oil by April. The YUM! BRANDS INC.-owned chain said the change has already begun, but did not disclose how many stores had...

London--a co-founder of MTV has been identified by the British media as a leading bidder for the 121-unit Hard Rock Cafe chain.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 31, 2006... LONDON -- A co-founder of MTV has been identified by the British media as a leading bidder for the 121-unit HARD ROCK CAFE chain. News reports say ROBERT PITTMAN, chief operating officer of AOL Time Warner until his outster in 2002, is trying...

Texas Roadhouse Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
October 31, 2006... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- TEXAS ROADHOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 242 namesake dinnerhouses, reported a 29.6-percent jump in third-quarter profit, on a 29.9-percent rise in revenues, which were spurred by quarterly same-store sales gains of...

Domino's Pizza.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brooklyn-style pizza)(Brief article)
October 31, 2006... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA, the 8,238-unit pizza-delivery chain based here, rolled out a "Brooklyn-style" pizza nationwide on Oct. 30, featuring a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses and a choice of new extra large...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 31, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers McCormick & Schmick's 7.64 $26.50 New World Rest. Group 7.14 7.50 Krispy Kreme...

Orlando, Fla.--Red Lobster is embarking on a concept repositioning that president Kim Lopdrup said will shift the 680-unit chain upscale and open the way for renewed growth, the Orlando Sentinel reported.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 30, 2006... ORLANDO, Fla. -- RED LOBSTER is embarking on a concept repositioning that president KIM LOPDRUP said will shift the 680-unit chain upscale and open the way for renewed growth, the Orlando Sentinel reported. In tandem with the expansion of its...

Canberra, Australia -- In a possible preview of what's in store for McDonald's restaurants in the United States, all 740 of the chain's units in this country have switched to a new frying oil that is nearly free of trans fatty acids, according to local media reports.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 30, 2006... CANBERRA, Australia -- In a possible preview of what's in store for MCDONALD'S restaurants in the United States, all 740 of the chain's units in this country have switched to a new frying oil that is nearly free of trans fatty acids,...

The Krystal Co.(JUST IN)(The Krystal Co.'s new unit with video menus and entertainment screens)(Brief article)
October 30, 2006... CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- THE KRYSTAL CO. will open a unit here in January that features drive-in parking slots outfitted with video menus and entertainment screens; carhops who take and deliver orders; Wi-Fi internet access available from...

Oakville, Ontario--Tim Hortons Inc., operator or franchisor of 2,942 namesake fast-casual restaurants, reported a 22-percent dip from a year earlier in its third-quarter profit, as costs related to its spin off from former parent company, Wendy's International Inc., offset a revenue gain of about 7 percent.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
October 30, 2006... OAKVILLE, Ontario -- TIM HORTONS INC., operator or franchisor of 2,942 namesake fast-casual restaurants, reported a 22-percent dip from a year earlier in its third-quarter profit, as costs related to its spin off from former parent company,...

Denny's Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 30, 2006... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S CORP. swung to a third-quarter profit from a year-ago loss on "improved sales trends" and gains from the sale of real estate at 65 locations, the company reported. Earnings for the quarter ended Sept. 27 totaled...

Stock watch (shares over $1).(Restaurant industry )(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 30, 2006... STOCK WATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Diedrich Coffee 10.11 $3.92 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 6.06 9.80 Host America ...

Chicago--the alderman who introduced legislation in June to ban trans fat in restaurants here has amended the proposal to require that warnings about the artery clogger be posted first.(JUST IN)
October 27, 2006... CHICAGO -- The alderman who introduced legislation in June to ban trans fat in restaurants here has amended the proposal to require that warnings about the artery clogger be posted first. The initiative put forth Wednesday by Ald. EDWARD...

Louisville, Ky.--KFC, in a media release Thursday by the Yum! Brands-owned chain, said KFC president Gregg Dedrick will hold a press briefing in New York City Monday to "introduce a significant change in its 5,500 restaurants nationwide.".(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 27, 2006... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- KFC, in a media release Thursday by the YUM! BRANDS-owned chain, said KFC president GREGG DEDRICK will hold a press briefing in New York City Monday to "introduce a significant change in its 5,500 restaurants nationwide."...

Tamarac, Fla.--with support from at least one restaurateur and the local chamber of commerce's chairman, lawmakers here passed a resolution Wednesday asking restaurant operators in this city of 59,000 to cut trans fats from their food, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.(JUST IN)
October 27, 2006... TAMARAC, Fla. -- With support from at least one restaurateur and the local chamber of commerce's chairman, lawmakers here passed a resolution Wednesday asking restaurant operators in this city of 59,000 to cut trans fats from their food, the...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International Inc., operator or franchisor of more than 6,600 Wendy's burger units, reported virtually flat third-quarter profit of $72 million, versus $72.1 million a year earlier, on a 2.5-percent rise in revenues to $623.8 million.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 27, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC., operator or franchisor of more than 6,600 Wendy's burger units, reported virtually flat third-quarter profit of $72 million, versus $72.1 million a year earlier, on a 2.5-percent rise in revenues to...

Oakville, Ontario--Tim Hortons Inc., operator or franchisor of 2,942 namesake fast-casual outlets, reported a 22-percent dip from a year earlier in third-quarter profit, as costs related to its spinoff from Wendy's International Inc. offset a revenue gain of about 7 percent.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
October 27, 2006... OAKVILLE, Ontario -- TIM HORTONS INC., operator or franchisor of 2,942 namesake fast-casual outlets, reported a 22-percent dip from a year earlier in third-quarter profit, as costs related to its spinoff from WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. offset...

Panera Bread Co.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 27, 2006... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO., the 976-unit bakery-cafe chain, reported a 6.8-percent drop in third-quarter profits despite a 38-percent rise in revenues to $205 million. For the 13 weeks ended Sept. 26, Panera earned $10.9 million, or 34...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 27, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Pizza Inn 12.50 $2.25 McCormick & Schmick's 5.92 24.70...

OSI Restaurant Partners Inc.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 26, 2006... TAMPA, Fla. -- OSI RESTAURANT PARTNERS INC. said late Wednesday it had understated by as much as $40 million its liability for unearned revenues from unredeemed gift card and gift certificates, as of Sept. 30. The company delayed its release...

New York--Maxim, the popular men's magazine, is jumping into the steakhouse market with help from Jeffrey Chodorow's China Grill Management, based here.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 26, 2006... NEW YORK -- MAXIM, the popular men's magazine, is jumping into the steakhouse market with help from JEFFREY CHODOROW's CHINA GRILL MANAGEMENT, based here. The new MAXIM PRIME concept would offer a more contemporary take on upscale steakhouses...

Rare Hospitality International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 26, 2006... ATLANTA -- RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL INC. swung to a third-quarter net loss of $3.5 million, or 10 cents per share, versus year-ago profit of $9.6 million, or 28 cents a share, as the company recorded an $8 million, or...

Applebee's International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 26, 2006... OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC., parent company of the 1,892-unit Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar brand, reported a 33-percent decline in third-quarter profit, as several charges offset a 5-percent increase in...

IHOP Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 26, 2006... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., franchisor or operator of 1,278 IHOP or International House of Pancakes restaurants, said its third-quarter profit had decreased 5.4 percent from a year earlier to $11.3 million, on a 3.6-percent drop in...

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 26, 2006... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO INC., operator or franchisor of 142 namesake dinnerhouses and 97 Pei Wei Asian Diners, recorded a 22-percent drop in third-quarter net income, as corporate expenses and weak same-store sales...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 26, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Buffalo Wild Wings 19.15 $49.21 P.F. Chang's China Bistro 9.89 41.76...

Seattle--Starbucks Corp. acquired the Hong Kong-based company that holds a controlling interest in the chain's licensee for Beijing and Tianjin in the People's Republic of China.(JUST IN)
October 25, 2006... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. acquired the Hong Kong-based company that holds a controlling interest in the chain's licensee for Beijing and Tianjin in the People's Republic of China. Starbucks said the acquisition would allow the chain to...

Orlando, Fla.--Red Lobster, based here, will expand its daily selection of fresh fish Oct. 31 with the launch of a new menu described by the Darden Restaurant Inc.-owned chain as "reminiscent of the Maine coast.".(Brief article)
October 25, 2006... ORLANDO, Fla. -- RED LOBSTER, based here, will expand its daily selection of fresh fish Oct. 31 with the launch of a new menu described by the DARDEN RESTAURANT INC.-owned chain as "reminiscent of the Maine coast." Officials said Red Lobster...

Columbia, Md.--Maggiemoo's International, a 190-plus-unit ice cream chain based here, named Stan Friedman to the newly created posts of senior vice president and chief development officer.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
October 25, 2006... COLUMBIA, Md. -- MAGGIEMOO'S INTERNATIONAL, a 190-plus-unit ice cream chain based here, named STAN FRIEDMAN to the newly created posts of senior vice president and chief development officer. An 18-year veteran of the franchising industry,...

Brinker International Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 25, 2006... DALLAS -- BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC., operator or franchisor of 1,662 Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Maggiano's Little Italy and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina outlets, reported a 50-percent increase in first-quarter...

Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 25, 2006... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC., operator or franchisor of 415 namesake locations, reported a near-doubling of third-quarter profit from a year ago on a 32.1-percent increase in revenues to $68.3 million. For the three months ended...

Laguna Hills, Calif.--Melt Inc., parent of the nine-unit Melt Gelato & Crepe Cafe brand based here, has raised $690,000 through the sale of about 920,000 shares of common stock with warrants to purchase another 460,000 shares.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
October 25, 2006... LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. -- MELT INC., parent of the nine-unit MELT GELATO & CREPE CAFE brand based here, has raised $690,000 through the sale of about 920,000 shares of common stock with warrants to purchase another 460,000 shares. All the...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 25, 2006... Stockwatch (shares over $1) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Brinker International 17.57 $46.50 Panera Bread 4.08 ...

Glendale, Calif.--IHOP Corp., based here, signed franchisees to agreements calling for their openings of 20 IHOP restaurants over the next eight years in Georgia, Virginia and the District of Columbia.(JUST IN)
October 24, 2006... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP., based here, signed franchisees to agreements calling for their openings of 20 IHOP restaurants over the next eight years in Georgia, Virginia and the District of Columbia. IHOP also inked deals for development...

Norcross, Ga.--A police officer reportedly has sued the WAFFLE HOUSE INC. diner chain, alleging that a unit manager failed to take action after a server spit in the officer's hash brown and eggs last September.(JUST IN)
October 24, 2006... NORCROSS, Ga. -- A police officer reportedly has sued the WAFFLE HOUSE INC. diner chain, alleging that a unit manager failed to take action after a server spit in the officer's hash brown and eggs last September. Lt. JOHN MORGAN is seeking...

El Pollo Loco.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
October 24, 2006... IRVINE, Calif. -- EL POLLO LOCO, based here, launched a new promotion offering guests a $5 Reward Card with every purchase of a family meal through Jan. 7. Guests can redeem the card toward the purchase of another family meal on their next...

Minneapolis--Buca Inc., based here, debuted four new dishes at its 93-unit Italian Buca di Beppo chain.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
October 24, 2006... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUCA INC., based here, debuted four new dishes at its 93-unit Italian BUCA DI BEPPO chain. The dishes--Chicken Cannelloni, Apple Gorgonzola Salad, Gnocchi Al Telefono and Apple Crostata--are available in two sizes. "Buca Small"...

Calabasas Hills, Calif.--The Cheesecake Factory Inc. will postpone the release of its third-quarter financial results until its audit committee and outside legal counsel complete their review of the company's history of stock option granting practices, the company said Monday.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
October 24, 2006... CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC. will postpone the release of its third-quarter financial results until its audit committee and outside legal counsel complete their review of the company's history of stock option...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 24, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Morgan's Foods 30.26 $8.05 Grill Concepts 8.82 3.70 Mexican...

Boca Raton, Fla.--Sun Capital Partners Inc. has acquired Lexington, Ky.-based Fazoli's Restaurants Inc., operator or franchisor of 319 quick-service pasta specialty outlets in 32 states, and installed McDonald's Corp. veteran Robert Weissmueller as president and CEO.(Fazoli's Management Inc.)(Brief article)
October 23, 2006... BOCA RATON, Fla. -- SUN CAPITAL PARTNERS INC. has acquired Lexington, Ky.-based FAZOLI'S RESTAURANTS INC., operator or franchisor of 319 quick-service pasta specialty outlets in 32 states, and installed McDonald's Corp. veteran ROBERT...

Canton, Mass.--Dunkin' Brands Inc. said it plans to sell its all-franchised, 280-unit Togo's Eateries Inc. business to focus on the growth of its Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins chains.(Baskin-Robbins USA Co.)(Brief article)
October 23, 2006... CANTON, Mass. -- DUNKIN' BRANDS INC. said it plans to sell its all-franchised, 280-unit TOGO'S EATERIES INC. business to focus on the growth of its DUNKIN' DONUTS and BASKIN-ROBBINS chains. JON LUTHER, Dunkin's chairman and chief executive,...

Oak Brook, Ill.--McDonald's Corp. has disclosed dramatic improvements in the capacity and service of 5,000 drive-thrus at test locations worldwide.(Brief article)
October 23, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. has disclosed dramatic improvements in the capacity and service of 5,000 drive-thrus at test locations worldwide. In discussing the company's 14.7-percent jump in third-quarter profits on a 10.4-percent...

Philadelphia--Aramark Corp., the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, named Tangee Gibson senior vice president of human resources for its domestic food, hospitality and facility services division.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief article)
October 23, 2006... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK CORP., the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, named TANGEE GIBSON senior vice president of human resources for its domestic food, hospitality and facility services division. Most recently she...

Atlanta--Niko Karatassos, human-resources director for Buckhead Life Restaurant Group here, was named director of operations for the group's 10 Atlanta restaurants.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief article)
October 23, 2006... ATLANTA -- NIKO KARATASSOS, human-resources director for BUCKHEAD LIFE RESTAURANT GROUP here, was named director of operations for the group's 10 Atlanta restaurants. He succeeds long-time operations chief EDDIE VALENTE, who joined the...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 23, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Fri. change close Top Gainers Cosi 7.09 $4.68 Grill Concepts 5.26 3.40...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International Inc., taking another step to promote healthful eating, has partnered with the American Dietetic Association to create Mom-RD, a program to connect parents with registered dietitians and food and nutrition experts for advice on family nutrition.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 20, 2006... Dublin, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC., taking another step to promote healthful eating, has partnered with the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION to create Mom-RD, a program to connect parents with registered dietitians and food and nutrition...

Greenwich, Conn.--Starwood Capital Group has formed an exclusive joint-venture partnership with the New York-based upscale restaurant company BR Guest for a chain of eco-friendly luxury hotels.(JUST IN)(Starwood Capital Group L.P, B.R. Guest Enterprises)(Brief article)
October 20, 2006... GREENWICH, Conn. -- STARWOOD CAPITAL GROUP has formed an exclusive joint-venture partnership with the New York-based upscale restaurant company BR GUEST for a chain of eco-friendly luxury hotels. Called "1" HOTEL AND RESIDENCES, the concept...

New York--the 16-unit Soup Kitchen International Inc. named Keith Lyon president and chief operating officer.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief article)
October 20, 2006... NEW YORK -- The 16-unit SOUP KITCHEN INTERNATIONAL INC. named KEITH LYON president and chief operating officer. SKI was founded in 1984 by AL YEGANAH, who gained national attention when he was satirized in the "soup episode" on TV's...

McDonald's Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 20, 2006... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. reported third-quarter net income of $843.3 million, a 14.7-percent increase from year-earlier results of $735.4 million. Third-quarter revenues rose 10.4 percent to $5.88 billion. Per-share earnings for...

Nashville, Tenn.--O'Charley's Inc., operator or franchisor of 357 restaurants under the O'Charley's, Ninety Nine Restaurant and Stoney River Legendary Steaks brands, said it now expects third-quarter per-share earnings to total 9 cents, down from its previous forecast of 11 cents to 16 cents.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 20, 2006... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- O'CHARLEY'S INC., operator or franchisor of 357 restaurants under the O'Charley's, Ninety Nine Restaurant and Stoney River Legendary Steaks brands, said it now expects third-quarter per-share earnings to total 9 cents,...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)
October 20, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Flanigan's Enterprises 6.44 $10.81 Benihana 3.87 31.16...

Atlanta--casual-dining and fast-casual veteran Rodney Wedge, founder-owner of Fuego Spanish Grill here and former operations director for the Boston Market and Don Pablos chains, is partnering with local club operators Adam Gajadharsingh and Geoffrey Hahn to launch an 11,000-square-foot "modern Southern" restaurant and special-events venue, Sweet Lowdown, in this city's midtown district by late November.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 19, 2006... ATLANTA -- Casual-dining and fast-casual veteran RODNEY WEDGE, founder-owner of Fuego Spanish Grill here and former operations director for the Boston Market and Don Pablos chains, is partnering with local club operators ADAM GAJADHARSINGH...

Dallas--McDonald's Corp. vice chairman and chief executive Jim Skinner was named Operator of the Year at the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference here, concluding the three-day MUFSO event, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.(JUST IN)(Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference)(Brief article)
October 19, 2006... DALLAS -- MCDONALD'S CORP. vice chairman and chief executive JIM SKINNER was named Operator of the Year at the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference here, concluding the three-day MUFSO event, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Skinner was...

Dallas--David Burke, chef-owner of davidburke & donatella in New York City, said during Nation's Restaurant News' Culinary R&D conference here Saturday that he will open a restaurant in The Venetian resort hotel in Las Vegas with E-Brands Restaurants of Orlando, Fla.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 19, 2006... DALLAS -- DAVID BURKE, chef-owner of davidburke & donatella in New York City, said during Nation's Restaurant News' Culinary R&D conference here Saturday that he will open a restaurant in The Venetian resort hotel in Las Vegas with E-BRANDS...

Heathrow, Fla.--Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc., based here, added New Zealand red-tail venison to its menu, available through December, in celebration of the fall season, the company said.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
October 19, 2006... HEATHROW, Fla. -- RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC., based here, added New Zealand red-tail venison to its menu, available through December, in celebration of the fall season, the company said. "A long-time favorite in the mid-South, venison is...

Tustin, Calif.--Mimi's Cafe, the 105-unit family-casual chain based here, is adding two breakfast options to its menu starting Nov. 2.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
October 19, 2006... TUSTIN, Calif. -- MIMI'S CAFE, the 105-unit family-casual chain based here, is adding two breakfast options to its menu starting Nov. 2. Available through Jan. 24 will be the Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast, four pancakes topped with caramel...

Wichita, Kan.--Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Inc.'s third-quarter earnings plunged 77.8 percent to $214,000, or 1 cent per share, from the $964,000, or 2 cents per share, earned in the same quarter last year.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 19, 2006... WICHITA, Kan. -- LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE & SALOON INC.'s third-quarter earnings plunged 77.8 percent to $214,000, or 1 cent per share, from the $964,000, or 2 cents per share, earned in the same quarter last year. Corporate revenue fell 1.1...

Stockwatch (shares over $1).(restaurant industry)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 19, 2006... Stockwatch (shares over $1) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Cosi 6.45 $5.61 AFC Enterprises 4.93 15.75 Granite City...

Dallas--Darden Restaurants Inc. is poised for a major expansion of its seven-unit, upscale-casual Seasons 52 "fresh grill" and wine bar concept, Blaine Sweatt III, president of the company's new-business development arm, told the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference here Tuesday.(JUST IN)(Brief article)
October 18, 2006... DALLAS -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. is poised for a major expansion of its seven-unit, upscale-casual SEASONS 52 "fresh grill" and wine bar concept, BLAINE SWEATT III, president of the company's new-business development arm, told the MULTI-UNIT...

Arby's Restaurant Group.(JUST IN)
October 18, 2006... ATLANTA -- ARBY'S RESTAURANT GROUP said it had signed development deals with three new and 10 existing franchisees to open 34 Arby's outlets, in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio and Texas. The Atlanta...

Stuart, Fla.--former Dunkin' Donuts operators Mike Matakaetis and Spiro Laskaris have opened five franchised Hurricane Grill & Wings units and expect to finish the year with 12 branches, according to Michael Buscaino, the chain's president and chief executive.(JUST IN)
October 18, 2006... STUART, Fla. -- Former Dunkin' Donuts operators MIKE MATAKAETIS and SPIRO LASKARIS have opened five franchised HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS units and expect to finish the year with 12 branches, according to MICHAEL BUSCAINO, the chain's president...

Nashville, Tenn.--Sagittarius Brands has promoted Shirlene Lopez to president of its Lake Forest, Calif.-based Del Taco quick-service division, which is operator or franchisor of 470 taco-burrito-burger outlets.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief article)
October 18, 2006... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- SAGITTARIUS BRANDS has promoted SHIRLENE LOPEZ to president of its Lake Forest, Calif.-based DEL TACO quick-service division, which is operator or franchisor of 470 taco-burrito-burger outlets. A 27-year Del Taco veteran...

Sonic Corp.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 18, 2006... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP., the 3,200-unit drive-in brand, reported an 11.5-percent increase in fourth-quarter net profit to $25.5 million on a 9.7-percent rise in revenues to $198 million, versus year-earlier results. Per-share earnings...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International Inc. is commencing today a modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer to buy back up to 22.2 million common shares, 19 percent of its shares outstanding, at a per-share price of not less than $33 and not more than $36, the company said Tuesday, five days after stating plans for the stock repurchase.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 18, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. is commencing today a modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer to buy back up to 22.2 million common shares, 19 percent of its shares outstanding, at a per-share price of not less than $33 and not more...

Carrollton, Texas--T.G.I. Friday's, based here, has added two dishes to its Jack Daniel's Grill line.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief article)
October 18, 2006... CARROLLTON, Texas -- T.G.I. FRIDAY'S, based here, has added two dishes to its Jack Daniel's Grill line. The Jack Daniel's Roasted Pork and Jack Daniel's Smoked Beef Brisket come with mashed potatoes and broccoli or corn on the cob. The...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 18, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Applebee's International 3.11 $24.18 Flanigan's Enterprises 3.09 10.02 Benihana ...

The Walt Disney Co.(concerns about nutrition and health food standards by 2007)(Brief article)
October 17, 2006... BURBANK, Calif. -- THE WALT DISNEY CO., responding to parents' concerns about nutrition and health, said it will eliminate trans fats by the end of 2007 from food sold at its domestic theme parks and resorts and do promotional tie-ins only...

Olive Branch, Miss.--Domino's franchisee Shifflett Enterprises here has acquired 11 branches previously owned by Domino'S Pizza LLC, bringing Shifflett's unit count to a total of 18 outlets in Mississippi and Tennessee.(JUST IN)
October 17, 2006... OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. -- Domino's franchisee SHIFFLETT ENTERPRISES here has acquired 11 branches previously owned by DOMINO'S PIZZA LLC, bringing Shifflett's unit count to a total of 18 outlets in Mississippi and Tennessee. JASON SHIFFLETT is...

New York--chain leaders Nick Valenti and Joachim Splichal have chosen Patina Restaurant Group as the name for the company they have formed from Los Angeles-based Patina Group and elements of New York-based Restaurant Associates, or RA, that were sold by Compass Group Plc.(Brief article)
October 17, 2006... NEW YORK -- Chain leaders NICK VALENTI and JOACHIM SPLICHAL have chosen PATINA RESTAURANT GROUP as the name for the company they have formed from Los Angeles-based Patina Group and elements of New York-based Restaurant Associates, or RA, that...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(financial brief)(Brief article)
October 17, 2006... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC. reported same-store sales gains of 7.2 percent at its Carl's Jr. chain and 7.6 percent at its Hardee's concept for the four weeks ended Oct. 9, versus the same period a year earlier. The result...

Irvine, Calif.--Taco Bell, the 5,800-unit subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., reintroduced its Cheesy Gordita Crunch Monday as a limited-time offer through Nov. 19.(Brief article)
October 17, 2006... IRVINE, Calif. -- TACO BELL, the 5,800-unit subsidiary of YUM! BRANDS INC., reintroduced its Cheesy Gordita Crunch Monday as a limited-time offer through Nov. 19. The $1.49 item is chewy Gordita flatbread and a three-cheese blend wrapped...

Las Vegas--the room service menu of the Palms Casino Resort here is offering a $6,000 Combo Meal featuring the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's chains' signature Six Dollar Burger, fries and a bottle of 24-year-old French Bordeaux.(Brief article)
October 17, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- The room service menu of the PALMS CASINO RESORT here is offering a $6,000 Combo Meal featuring the CARL'S JR. and HARDEE'S chains' signature Six Dollar Burger, fries and a bottle of 24-year-old French Bordeaux. The extravagant...

Stockwatch (shares over $1).(Restaurant industry)(Table)(Brief article)
October 17, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close New World Rest. Group 16.67 $7.00 Host America 7.81 1.38 Champps...

Linda Lingle.(Restaurants get affected by earthquakes)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... HONOLULU -- Restaurants and resorts throughout Hawaii were without power Sunday after the state was rocked by a 6.6-magnitude earthquake at 7:07 a.m. local time, centered just off the west coast of Hawaii Island, known as the Big Island....

The Colony, Texas--Pizza Inn Inc., owner or franchisor of 371 restaurants, said Thursday it had signed a development agreement for 16 branches in Guatemala over the next five years.(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... THE COLONY, Texas -- PIZZA INN INC., owner or franchisor of 371 restaurants, said Thursday it had signed a development agreement for 16 branches in Guatemala over the next five years. Pizza Inn transferred licensee rights for Guatemala from...

Wheeling, Ill.--the first two of four new concepts by noted chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand have opened in the new $235 million Westin Chicago North Shore here.(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... WHEELING, Ill. -- The first two of four new concepts by noted chefs RICK TRAMONTO and GALE GAND have opened in the new $235 million Westin Chicago North Shore here. They are Osteria di Tramonto, an Italian, three-meal-a-day restaurant, and...

Chicago--Morton's the steakhouse named industry veteran Jeffrey S. Campbell vice president and chief people officer.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)
October 16, 2006... CHICAGO -- MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE named industry veteran JEFFREY S. CAMPBELL vice president and chief people officer. Before joining the 71-unit Morton's, Campbell was vice president of human resources for the casual-dining Logan's Roadhouse...

Spartanburg, S.C.--Denny's Corp., owner of the 1,559-unit family-dining brand, on Friday announced a corporate restructuring aimed at positioning the company for future growth.
October 16, 2006... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- DENNY'S CORP., owner of the 1,559-unit family-dining brand, on Friday announced a corporate restructuring aimed at positioning the company for future growth. As part of the initiative, Denny's added the post of chief...

Domino's Pizza Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
October 16, 2006... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA INC. posted a 20.9-percent jump in third-quarter net income despite a comparative decline in corporate revenues, versus year-earlier results. The operator or franchisor of 8,238 Domino's Pizza restaurants...

Stockwatch.(Statistical table)
October 16, 2006... STOCKWATCH (shares over $1) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Sonic 5.78 $23.79 Denny's 5.53 4.01 Good Times Restaurants ...

New York--Wendy's International Inc. Thursday disclosed a deal to sell its troubled Baja Fresh Mexican Grill chain for $31 million, and outlined a plan to "revitalize" the Wendy's chain by closing more than 30 outlets, selling 400 to 500 units to franchisees, introducing more premium items and rolling out breakfast.(JUST IN)
October 13, 2006... NEW YORK -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. Thursday disclosed a deal to sell its troubled BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL chain for $31 million, and outlined a plan to "revitalize" the Wendy's chain by closing more than 30 outlets, selling 400 to 500...

Irvine, Calif.--The parent company of the 347-unit El Pollo Loco grilled-chicken chain Thursday said it had terminated plans for an initial public stock offering, blaming unfavorable market conditions.(JUST IN)
October 13, 2006... IRVINE, Calif. -- The parent company of the 347-unit El Pollo Loco grilled-chicken chain Thursday said it had terminated plans for an initial public stock offering, blaming unfavorable market conditions. EL POLLO LOCO HOLDINGS INC., based...

Gordon Burrows.(JUST IN)(cut down on trans fatty acids)(Brief article)
October 13, 2006... WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.-- Westchester County lawmaker GORDON BURROWS, R-Yonkers, has proposed a mandatory phasing out of trans fats by all restaurants countywide and requiring those that already provide calorie counts to post them on menus and...

St. Louis--A federal judge here has converted a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to the Chapter 7 liquidation of former Wendy's franchisee WenAmerica after court-appointed trustee Charles Riske was not able to obtain sufficient cash to reopen WenAmerica's Missouri and Illinois restaurants.(JUST IN)
October 13, 2006... ST. LOUIS -- A federal judge here has converted a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to the Chapter 7 liquidation of former Wendy's franchisee WENAMERICA after court-appointed trustee CHARLES RISKE was not able to obtain sufficient...