Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from September 2003

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from September 2003

Foodservice sales are projected to grow by an unadjusted 1.6 percent this year and 2.4 percent in 2004.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Foodservice sales are projected to grow by an unadjusted 1.6 percent this year and 2.4 percent in 2004, according to the annual INTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION/TECHNOMIC INC. Forecast & Outlook report,...

Pizza Patron, the five-unit chain based here and targeted at the Hispanic market, has signed development agreements to open 28 Houston units in the next three years.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... DALLAS -- PIZZAPATRON, the five-unit chain based here and targeted at the Hispanic market, has signed development agreements to open 28 Houston units in the next three years. C.C. THEOPHINE and RICK SPARKMAN formed CUATRO VENTURES LLC to...

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has slated a December opening for its first New York location, in Times Square.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... NEWYORK -- BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. has slated a December opening for its first New York location, in Times Square, chief executive SCOTT BARNETT said. The nearly 12,000-square-foot site was a Chase Manhattan Bank branch, he said. San Clemente,...

Nick-N-Willy's world famous Take-N-Bake Pizza said it would expand into Canada.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... LONE TREE, Colo. -- NICK-N-WILLY'S WORLD FAMOUS TAKE-N-BAKE PIZZA said it would expand into Canada with the opening of a branch in North Vancouver, British Columbia, in October. The chain, based in Lone Tree, franchises 37 outlets in eight...

Cafeteria workers went out on strike against Miami University of Ohio.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... OXFORD, Ohio -- Cafeteria workers went out on strike against MIAMI UNIVERSITY OF OHIO Friday rather than work without a contract. The members of Local 209 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, rejected a...

Hard Rock Cafe International, the Orlando-based arm of Britain's Rank Group, promoted David Catalano.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- HARD ROCK CAFE INTERNATIONAL, the Orlando-based arm of Britain's RANK GROUP, promoted DAVID CATALANO to chief operating officer of the 100-plus-unit HRC chain. Catalano, who was vice president of operations, will oversee all...

Bob Evans Farms Inc. said same-store sales at 458 "core" restaurants open a year or more rose 0.6 percent for the four weeks ended Sept. 19.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- BOB EVANS FARMS INC. said same-store sales at 458 "core" restaurants open a year or more rose 0.6 percent for the four weeks ended Sept. 19, compared with the same period a year earlier. Average menu prices rose about 2.3...

Golden Coral reported a 5.4-percent increase in third-quarter same-store sales.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... RALEIGH, N.C. -- GOLDEN CORRAL reported a 5.4-percent increase in third-quarter same-store sales as system-wide sales rose 9.3 percent to $302.5 million, from $276.7 million in the year-earlier quarter. Seven new restaurants opened in the...

Credit-rating firm Moody's Investors Service raised the rating outlook for Friendly Ice Cream Corp. to "positive" from "stable".(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... NEW YORK -- Credit-rating firm MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE raised the rating outlook for FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORP. to "positive" from "stable," citing the company's improvements in financial flexibility and expectations that the family-dining...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
September 30, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Cosi 13.00 $3.39 Host America ...

Citing California's pending mandate for employer-paid health insurance and the state's political and economic climate.(Consolidated Restaurant Operations Inc. suspends planned acquisition of Chevys Restaurants Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... DALLAS -- Citing California's pending mandate for employer-paid health insurance and the state's political and economic climate, CONSOLIDATED RESTAURANT OPERATIONS INC. said it was suspending its planned acquisition of CHEVYS RESTAURANTS INC....

Southwest Florida International Airport awarded HMSHost Corp. a 10-year contract to operate several restaurants in a new midfield terminal scheduled to open in June 2005.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... FORT MYERS, Fla. -- SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT awarded HMSHOST CORP. a 10-year contract to operate several restaurants in a new midfield terminal scheduled to open in June 2005. The $146 million deal, which HMSHost will carry out...

Mexican Restaurants Inc. agreed to acquire 13 restaurants from its franchisee in Beaumont, Texas.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... HOUSTON -- MEXICAN RESTAURANTS INC. agreed to acquire 13 restaurants from its franchisee in Beaumont, Texas. The deal with THOMAS HARKEN and operating partner VICTOR GONZALEZ is worth about $13.75 million, the company said, and includes 10...

Starbucks Coffee International, an arm of Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co., signed a joint-venture deal to open its first location in France with GRUPO VIS.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... PARIS -- STARBUCKS COFFEE INTERNATIONAL, an arm of Seattle-based STARBUCKS COFFEE CO., signed a joint-venture deal to open its first location in France with GRUPO VIS, a European foodservice and retail operator. The coffeehouse would open...

The Tulsa Airport Authority awarded Anton Airfood Inc. a 10-year, $60 million contract to operate nine restaurants as part of an airport expansion project.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... TULSA, Okla. -- The TULSA AIRPORT AUTHORITY awarded ANTON AIRFOOD INC. a 10-year, $60 million contract to operate nine restaurants as part of an airport expansion project. The contract takes effect Jan. 1. Chairman BILL ANTON said the company...

Diedrich Coffee Inc said it was not in compliance with certain financial covenants under its bank credit agreement as the result of impairment charges totaling $2.2 million that it took in the fourth quarter.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... IRVINE, Calif. -- DIEDRICH COFFEE INC. said it was not in compliance with certain financial covenants under its bank credit agreement as the result of impairment charges totaling $2.2 million that it took in the fourth quarter. The No. 2...

Meritage Hospitality Group Inc., a 48-unit Wendy's franchisee, said earnings from operations fell 11 percent on a 6-percent rise in revenues.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- MERITAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP INC., a 48-unit Wendy's franchisee, said earnings from operations fell 11 percent on a 6-percent rise in revenues for the third quarter ended Aug. 31. Net income fell 39 percent to $268,665,...

Jeffrey Metz was named president and COO of Northeast Restaurant Group, the operator of nine T.G.I. Friday's franchises in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... DALLAS, Pa. -- JEFFREY METZ was named president and COO of NORTHEAST RESTAURANT GROUP, the operator of nine T.G.I. Friday's franchises in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Metz had been vice president of operations. NRG is a division of METZ...

Buffalo's Southwest Cafe is adding Habanero Wings in October to its menu.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... MARIETTA, Ga. -- BUFFALO'S SOUTHWEST CAFE is adding Habanero Wings in October to its menu. The new item, $6.99, include a topping of the 50-unit chain's wing sauce mixed with habanero, cayenne and black peppers.

Stock watch.(top restaurant industry stock price gainers and decliners)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2003... STOCK WATCH (shares over S3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Host America 6.05 $5.61 Nathan's Famous 5.62 4.49 Chicago...

A patron who dined at an O'Charley's restaurant here that was linked by health officials last week to a hepatitis A outbreak is suing the 200-unit dinnerhouse chain for alleged negligence in his exposure to the virus.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A patron who dined at an O'CHARLEY'S restaurant here that was linked by health officials last week to a hepatitis A outbreak is suing the 200-unit dinnerhouse chain for alleged negligence in his exposure to the virus, the...

PATINA, the flagship fine-dining restaurant of multiconcept operator PATINA Group, will relocate from its longtime Melrose Avenue site to the soon-to-open Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- PATINA, the flagship fine-dining restaurant of multiconcept operator PATINA GROUP, will relocate from its longtime Melrose Avenue site to the soon-to-open Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, Patina co-founder...

Sizzler USA, a division of Worldwide Restaurants Concepts Inc., expanded its deal with an existing franchisee in Puerto Rico, Multisystems Restaurants Inc.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- SIZZLER USA, a division of WORLDWIDE RESTAURANTS CONCEPTS INC., expanded its deal with an existing franchisee in Puerto Rico, MULTISYSTEMS RESTAURANTS INC. Under terms of the deal, Multisystems Restaurants will add...

Fusion Management Corp., the international Wolfgang Puck Express licensee that signed a deal in 2001 to open 14 of the fast-casual restaurants and 10 full-service Wolfgang Puck Cafes.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- FUSION MANAGEMENT CORP., the international WOLFGANG PUCK EXPRESSlicensee that signed a deal in 2001 to open 14 of the fast-casual restaurants and 10 full-service Wolfgang Puck Cafes, will open its first unit, a Puck Cafe, in...

United Airlines said it will conduct another test of selling branded food from restaurants on board selected flights, beginning Oct. 31.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... CHICAGO -- UNITED AIRLINES said it will conduct another test of selling branded food from restaurants on board selected flights, beginning Oct. 31. BILLDOVE, United's director of worldwide catering, said the test will run for 90 days on more...

Michael P. Berry resigned as president and chief operating officer of the Cheesecake Factory restaurant division of Cheesecake Factory Inc., and was named president and COO of Boston-based Back Bay Restaurant Group.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- MICHAEL P. BERRY resigned as president and chief operating officer of the Cheesecake Factory restaurant division of CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC., and was named president and COO of Boston-based BACK BAY RESTAURANT GROUP,...

Darden Restaurants Inc. said Edna Morris resigned as president of its 676-unit Red Lobster "to pursue new career opportunities.".(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC. said EDNA MORRIS resigned as president of its 676-unit Red Lobster "to pursue new career opportunities." DICK RIVERA, Darden's president and chief operating officer, assumed the post. Morris was...

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, the 1,700-unit arm of AFC Enterprises, chose Cramer-Krasselt of Chicago as the creative agency for the chain's estimated $20 million ad account.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... ATLANTA -- POPEYES CHICKEN & BISCUITS, the 1,700-unit arm of AFC ENTERPRISES, chose CRAMER-KRASSELT of Chicago as the creative agency for the chain's estimated $20 million ad account. C-K replaces Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos.

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
September 26, 2003... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Host America 11.37 $5.29 Ark Restaurants 2.15 11.37 Champps...

Kahala Corp. here agreed to buy the 300-unit Taco Time International Inc. quick-service chain of Eugene, Ore.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- KAHALA CORP. here agreed to buy the 300-unit TACO TIME INTERNATIONAL INC. quick-service chain of Eugene, Ore. Terms of the deal, announced Wednesday, were not disclosed. The sale is to be completed by Oct. 31, bringing...

Back Yard Burgers Inc., operator and franchisor of 129 quick-service burger units in 17 states, signed three development agreements to add 21 new restaurants.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- BACK YARD BURGERS INC., operator and franchisor of 129 quick-service burger units in 17 states, signed three development agreements to add 21 new restaurants. The company closed a deal with PRIME BRANDS LLC to develop 15...

Refuting "a myth that is harmful to the restaurant industry," a Ohio State University researcher said his three-year study found that restaurants fail far less frequently than the 90-percent rate claimed repeatedly on television this summer by New York chef-owner Rocco DiSpirito.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Refuting "a myth that is harmful to the restaurant industry," a OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY researcher said his three-year study found that restaurants fail far less frequently than the 90-percent rate claimed repeatedly on...

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe.(deal to open five restaurants in Houston)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... TULSA, Okla. -- CAMILLE'S SIDEWALK CAFE, a 25-unit fast-casual chain, signed restaurateur SAM BOCHI to a franchise deal calling for the opening of five restaurants in Houston.

McDonald's Corp.'s board approved a nearly 70-percent increase in its annual dividend, which the company said reflects its confidence in the chain's ongoing revitalization efforts.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP.'s board approved a nearly 70-percent increase in its annual dividend, which the company said reflects its confidence in the chain's ongoing revitalization efforts. McDonald's, which had indicated earlier...

Daniel Bauer, formerly tax and finance vice president of AFC Enterprises, was named chief financial officer of its 1,500-unit Church's Chicken, with added duties in information technology and franchisee support.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... ATLANTA -- DANIEL BAUER, formerly tax and finance vice president of AFC ENTERPRISES, was named chief financial officer of its 1,500-unit Church's Chicken, with added duties in information technology and franchisee support. He succeeds Carl...

Robert Trebing Jr., the former chief financial officer and executive vice president of Chi-Chi's parent Prandium Inc. of Irvine, Calif., decided not to accept his previously reported appointment as CFO of El Torito/Acapulco Restaurants Inc.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... LONG BEACH, Calif. -- ROBERT TREBING JR., the former chief financial officer and executive vice president of Chi-Chi's parent Prandium Inc. of Irvine, Calif., decided not to accept his previously reported appointment as CFO of...

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill is joining the Baja California State Tourism Secretariat to cross-promote the fast-casual chain and the Mexican state of Baja's food and culture.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- RUBIO'S FRESH MEXICAN GRILL is joining the BAJA CALIFORNIA STATE TOURISM SECRETARIAT to cross-promote the fast-casual chain and the Mexican state of Baja's food and culture. The in-restaurant promos will feature Rubio's...

Stockwatch.(top restaurant industry stock price gainers and decliners)(Brief Article)
September 25, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. change close Top Gainers Cosi 8.25 $3.15 Host America 6.50 4.75...

Predicting an obesity-based court victory within three to five years over a food-related company.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... ATLANTA -- Predicting an obesity-based court victory within three to five years over a food-related company, litigator and nutrition data disclosure advocate JOHN BANZHAF told a MUFSO general assembly Tuesday that he sees no "common ground"...

Dairy Queen is expanding its test of irradiated beef to 16 locations in New Mexico.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- DAIRY QUEEN is expanding its test of irradiated beef to 16 locations in New Mexico, which include restaurants in the metropolitan area here. INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, operator and franchisor of more than 5,837...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. intends to acquire a 73-percent interest in its seven-store Michigan market for $18.6 million in company stock.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. intends to acquire a 73-percent interest in its seven-store Michigan market for $18.6 million in company stock. The company said the current operating partner in franchisee DOUGH-RE-MI CO....

Taco del Mar, operator and franchisor of more than 55 fast-casual restaurants, signed Lance Jensen as the chain's master developer for Oregon and Clark County in Washington.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... SEATTLE -- TACO DEL MAR, operator and franchisor of more than 55 fast-casual restaurants, signed LANCE JENSEN as the chain's master developer for Oregon and Clark County in Washington. Currently, there are 10 Taco Del Mar units in Oregon....

Russ Bendel, president of the 73-unit Mimi's Cafe chain, was named MUFSO Operator of the Year at a banquet concluding the three-day Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference last night.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... ATLANTA -- RUSS BENDEL, president of the 73-unit Mimi's Cafe chain, was named MUFSO Operator of the Year at a banquet concluding the three-day Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference last night. Bendel, formerly an Outback Steakhouse...

McDonald's Corp. president and chief operating officer CHARLIE BELL told Wall Street analysts last week at a Banc of America Securities conference that more franchise operators had left the burger chain in the past 12 months than had exited the system in the previous five years.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... NEW YORK -- MCDONALD'S CORP. president and chief operating officer CHARLIE BELL told Wall Street analysts last week at a Banc of America Securities conference that more franchise operators had left the burger chain in the past 12 months than...

Cafeteria chain Luby's broke new TV and radio spots for the general and Hispanic markets, introducing the new tag, "Luby's: Tastes Like Texas, Feels Like Home.".(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... SAN ANTONIO -- Cafeteria chain LUBY'S broke new TV and radio spots for the general and Hispanic markets, introducing the new tag, "Luby's: Tastes Like Texas, Feels Like Home." The Spanish-language TV spots feature Tejano music star JAY PEREZ,...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
September 24, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Champps Entertainment 5.38 $7.05 Cheesecake Factory 5.02 38.11 Starbucks ...

Wolfgang Puck Worldwide has entered into a partnership with Chicago-based Levy Restaurants to operate the 20,000-square-foot Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe at Disney World's Downtown Disney mall in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- WOLFGANG PUCK WORLDWIDE has entered into a partnership with Chicago-based LEVY RESTAURANTS to operate the 20,000-square-foot Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe at Disney World's Downtown Disney mall in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.,...

A six-unit McDonald's franchisee here installed a phone system with a central order center in all of his restaurants, according to published reports.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A six-unit MCDONALD'S franchisee here installed a phone system with a central order center in all of his restaurants, according to published reports. The operator, STEVE BIGARI, equipped the tables in his outlets...

Wendy's International Inc. is testing an 8-ounce single serving of milk as a beverage option in its Kids Meals at 420 Wendy's units in Columbus, Ohio; Miami; Philadelphia; and Raleigh, N.C.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. is testing an 8-ounce single serving of milk as a beverage option in its Kids Meals at 420 Wendy's units in Columbus, Ohio; Miami; Philadelphia; and Raleigh, N.C. Choices will include reduced-fat,...

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops signed CWL Investments to a deal to expand the chain of more than 200 shops into Southern California, in locations from Newport Beach to San Diego.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... ELGIN, Ill. -- JIMMY JOHN'S GOURMET SANDWICH SHOPS signed CWL INVESTMENTS to a deal to expand the chain of more than 200 shops into Southern California, in locations from Newport Beach to San Diego. CWL, based in Royal Oak, Mich., plans to...

American Airlines began a test of LSG Sky Chefs' In-Flight Cafe program on some flights between New York's JFK airport and the Miami and St. Louis airports.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... FORT WORTH, Texas -- AMERICAN AIRLINES began a test of LSG SKY CHEFS' In-Flight Cafe program on some flights between New York's JFK airport and the Miami and St. Louis airports. Meals will be sold at the gate area before passengers board...

Subway Restaurants on Sunday debuted the first TV spot in a new ad campaign developed by creative agency Fallon Worldwide of Minneapolis.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY RESTAURANTS on Sunday debuted the first TV spot in a new ad campaign developed by creative agency FALLON WORLDWIDE of Minneapolis, which in July replaced Euro RSCG MVBMS Partners. The "It's OK" campaign emphasizes...

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, the Wendy's International-owned operator and franchisor of 255 fast-casual restaurants, signed on to be the official food sponsor of the Country Music Association's annual awards ceremony on Nov. 5.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL, the Wendy's International-owned operator and franchisor of 255 fast-casual restaurants, signed on to be the official food sponsor of the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION'S annual awards ceremony on...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)
September 23, 2003... Stockwatch (shares over $3) Pct. Man. Top Gainers change close J. Alexander's 3.32 $5.60 Mexican Restaurants ...

Bajafresh Mexican Grill, the Wendy's International-owned operator and franchisor of 255 fast-casual restaurants.(expects to grow to nearly 700 outlets by 2007)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- BAJAFRESH MEXICAN GRILL, the Wendy's International-owned operator and franchisor of 255 fast-casual restaurants, expects to grow to nearly 700 outlets by 2007, officials said at the chain's first major meeting with...

Two unions at Yale University voted to approve an eight-year contract that will provide them with raises of more than 40 percent over the length of the agreement.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... NEWHAVEN, Conn. -- Two unions at YALE UNIVERSITY voted to approve an eight-year contract that will provide them with raises of more than 40 percent over the length of the agreement. The contract also will double the size of members' monthly...

The 104-unit Buca Inc. lowered its third-quarter outlook to a net loss per share of between 10 cents and 12 cents.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- The 104-unit BUCA INC. lowered its third-quarter outlook to a net loss per share of between 10 cents and 12 cents, from its previous forecast loss in the approximate range of 5 cents to 6 cents. The parent of the Buca di Beppo...

AFC Enterprises Inc. said domestic systemwide same-store sales for the four weeks ended Sept. 7 fell 1.4 percent.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... ATLANTA -- AFC ENTERPRISES INC. said domestic systemwide same-store sales for the four weeks ended Sept. 7 fell 1.4 percent, including declines of 2.3 percent at Church's and 1.2 percent at Popeyes and an increase of 1.4 percent at Cinnabon....

Jack In The Box Inc. promoted William F. Motts to senior vice president of restaurant development for the fast-food chain.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC. promoted WILLIAM F. MOTTS to senior vice president of restaurant development for the fast-food chain. In that role he will be responsible for remodelings and image enhancements. The promotion came days after...

Shells Seafood Restaurants Inc. operator of a chain of 28-unit full-service chain, hired Guy C. Kathman as vice president of operations.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... TAMPA, Fla. -- SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS INC., operator of a chain of 28-unit full-service chain, hired GUY C. KATHMAN as vice president of operations, replacing JOHN RITCHEY, who left the company. Most recently, Kathman was with Posados...

T.G.I. Friday's, a division of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, said it hired Interpublic Group's Deutsch/LA.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... DALLAS -- T.G.I. FRIDAY'S, a division of CARLSON RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE, said it hired Interpublic Group's DEUTSCH/LA as its advertising agency, replacing McCann-Erickson New York. The account, estimated at $50 million a year, includes...

Hungry Howie's Pizza operator and franchisor of more than 475 pizza shops.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. -- HUNGRY HOWIE'S PIZZA, operator and franchisor of more than 475 pizza shops, said it added chicken tenders to its menu at participating units nationwide. The all-white-meat tenders come with a choice of dipping sauce...

Shoney's Restaurants, operator and franchisor of more than 350 family-dining outlets.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- SHONEY'S RESTAURANTS, operator and franchisor of more than 350 family-dining outlets, unveiled a Shoney Bear's Birthday promotion to drive traffic with limited-time price promotions. Some of the specials being featured as...

Stock watch.(top restaurant industry stock price gainers and decliners)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2003... STOCK WATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close Ark Restaurants 6.72 $11.74 Worldwide Rest. Concepts 4.00 3.64 Back Yard...

Outback Steakhouse Inc. and Paul Lee's Chinese Kitchen, a new full-service concept devised by P.F.(P.F. Chang's China Bistro founder PAUL FLEMING)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. and PAUL LEE'S CHINESE KITCHEN, a new full-service concept devised by P.F. Chang's China Bistro founder PAUL FLEMING, have formed a 50/50 joint venture to develop the new brand, Paul's Lee's...

European Union officials are considering a measure banning smoking in bars, cafes and restaurants across the continent, according to the Associated Press.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... BRUSSELS, Belgium -- EUROPEAN UNION officials are considering a measure banning smoking in bars, cafes and restaurants across the continent, according to the Associated Press. The EU reportedly does not have the ability to enforce a smoking...

Michael and Tom Lachowicz and partners Mike and Carolyn Moran and The Moran Trust of Long Grove, Ill. purchased the famed Le Francais restaurant from Phil Mott.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... WHEELING, Ill. -- MICHAEL and TOM LACHOWICZ and partners MIKE and CAROLYN MORAN and THE MORAN TRUST of Long Grove, Ill. purchased the famed LE FRANCAIS restaurant from PHILMOTT. The Lachowicz brothers will reopen the restaurant at the end of...

David Cohn, chairman of multiconcept, 10-unit Consolidated Restaurants Inc. here, died Sept. 8 after a brief illness.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... MERCER ISLAND, Wash. -- DAVID COHN, chairman of multiconcept, 10-unit CONSOLIDATED RESTAURANTS INC. here, died Sept. 8 after a brief illness. He was 85. Cohn, a past president of the Washington Restaurant Association, reportedly suffered a...

Sbarro Inc., the 900-plus-unit Italian quick-service chain based here, named Michael P. O'donnell chief executive and president.(Executive Suite)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... MELVILLE, N.Y. -- SBARRO INC., the 900-plus-unit Italian quick-service chain based here, named MICHAEL P. O'DONNELL chief executive and president. He is the first non-Sbarro family member to hold the post, and succeeds MARIO SBARRO, who will...

CKE Restaurants Inc., parent of the 2,154-unit Hardee's and 1,000-unit Carl's Jr. chains, reported net earnings of $6.3 million.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., parent of the 2,154-unit Hardee's and 1,000-unit Carl's Jr. chains, reported net earnings of $6.3 million, or 10 cents a share, for the second quarter ended Aug. 11, versus year-earlier quarterly...

Panera Bread Co.'s systemwide same-store sales rose 0.5 percent for the four-weeks ended Sept. 6.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO.'s systemwide same-store sales rose 0.5 percent for the four-weeks ended Sept. 6, comprising a 1.6 percent rise for company-owned outlets and flat results for franchised units.

Burger King on Thursday debuted its line of Fire-Grilled Chicken Baguettes and announced a promotional partnership with Chicago-based Mexican-fine-dining chef-restaurateur Rick Bayless.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... MIAMI -- BURGER KING on Thursday debuted its line of Fire-Grilled Chicken Baguettes and announced a promotional partnership with Chicago-based Mexican-fine-dining chef-restaurateur RICK BAYLESS, who will appear in TV ads for the new...

Stock watch.(top restaurant industry stock price gainers and decliners)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Stock Watch (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Back Yard Burgers 7.10 $6.02 CKE Restaurants 6.81 7.69 Host America ...

Jack In The Box Inc., while forecasting lower earnings for 2004, said it had established a three- to five-year plan to reinvent its namesake fast-food brand by offering a larger number of premium products and appealing to more women and males older than its current 18- to 34-year-old target.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 18, 2003... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC., while forecasting lower earnings for 2004, said it had established a three- to five-year plan to reinvent its namesake fast-food brand by offering a larger number of premium products and appealing to more...

A proposed dime-a-cup tax on espresso drinks sold in this coffee-loving city was rejected soundly Wednesday by voters who were unwilling to force espresso buyers to fund early-education programs.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 18, 2003... SEATTLE -- A proposed dime-a-cup tax on espresso drinks sold in this coffee-loving city was rejected soundly Wednesday by voters who were unwilling to force espresso buyers to fund early-education programs. With 97.2 percent of all precincts...

A group of 56 black customers are suing Waffle House Inc., operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 1,400 family restaurants, and several of its franchisees for racial discrimination.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 18, 2003... ATLANTA -- A group of 56 black customers are suing WAFFLE HOUSE INC., operator and franchisor of a chain of more than 1,400 family restaurants, and several of its franchisees for racial discrimination. Thirteen lawsuits were filed in Georgia,...

Six years after opening as a nightclub-restaurant expansion prototype, Elvis Presley's Memphis was closed this week by the estate of the late rock 'n' roll star, according to the Associated Press.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 18, 2003... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Six years after opening as a nightclub-restaurant expansion prototype, ELVIS PRESLEY'S MEMPHIS was closed this week by the estate of the late rock 'n' roll star, according to the Associated Press. Although its owners, Elvis...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. reported a 1-percent decline in second-quarter systemwide average weekly sales despite a 11.3-percent leap in same-store sales, partly owing to a large number of recent openings in substantially penetrated markets.(Financial Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 18, 2003... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. reported a 1-percent decline in second-quarter systemwide average weekly sales despite a 11.3-percent leap in same-store sales, partly owing to a large number of recent openings in...

KFC awarded its estimated $200 million ad account to Interpublic Group of Cos.' Foote Cone & Belding of Chicago, whose first work for the chain is expected to break during the fourth quarter.(Marketing Matters)(Brief Article)
September 18, 2003... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- KFC awarded its estimated $200 million ad account to Interpublic Group of Cos.' FOOTE CONE & BELDING of Chicago, whose first work for the chain is expected to break during the fourth quarter. FCB, whose San Francisco office...

Stockwatch.(top restaurant industry stock price gainers and decliners)(Brief Article)
September 18, 2003... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close J. Alexander's 7.92 $5.45 Red Robin Gour. Burgers 3.42 26.00 Champps Entertainment ...

Furr's Restaurant Group Inc., operator of 55 cafeteria and buffet units, said Tuesday that a bankruptcy court had approved its Chapter 11 reorganization plan and the sale of most of its assets to Buffet Partners LP. of Dallas.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2003... RICHARDSON, Texas -- FURR'S RESTAURANT GROUP INC., operator of 55 cafeteria and buffet units, said Tuesday that a bankruptcy court had approved its Chapter 11 reorganization plan and the sale of most of its assets to BUFFET PARTNERS LP. of...

LSG Sky Chefs said it acquired the flight catering assets in England of the French-based Abela Group.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2003... IRVING, Texas -- LSG SKYCHEFS said it acquired the flight catering assets in England of the French-based ABELA GROUP. Terms were not disclosed. Under the agreement, LSG Sky Chefs will take over Abela's catering operations at three airports in...

The National Restaurant Association presented Van Eure of the Angus Barn in Raleigh, N.C., with its Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year Award at its Public Affairs Conference here.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION presented VAN EURE of the ANGUS BARN in Raleigh, N.C., with its Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year Award at its Public Affairs Conference here. The NRA cited Eure's work for her Foundation...

Seafood consumption in the United States is up 7.1 percent, with Americans consuming 4.5 billion pounds in 2002, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service.(Just In)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Seafood consumption in the United States is up 7.1 percent, with Americans consuming 4.5 billion pounds in 2002, according to the NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION's NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE. According to...