Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax articles from September 2005

Nation's Restaurant News Daily NewsFax archives from September 2005

New Orleans--operators trying to resume some semblance of normal business in the restaurant--dense French Quarter here now should expect a delay until about mid-October.(JUST IN)
September 30, 2005... NEW ORLEANS -- Operators trying to resume some semblance of normal business in the restaurant--dense French Quarter here now should expect a delay until about mid-October because of the discovery of water in service lines supplying natural...

Lansing, Mich.--the Michigan Restaurant Association has extended thanks to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for signing legislation Thursday that will push back the start of the public elementary school year until after Labor Day, starting next year.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2005... LANSING, Mich. -- The MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION has extended thanks to Gov. JENNIFER GRANHOLM for signing legislation Thursday that will push back the start of the public elementary school year until after Labor Day, starting next year....

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.(beluga caviar and meat will not be imported)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE Thursday said it had banned commercial and personal imports of beluga sturgeon caviar and meat from the Caspian Seas to help conserve an endangered species. Products from Caspian osetra and...

Chicago--NRC Realty Advisors LLC said it had been hired by a court-appointed receiver to sell 38 Hardee's properties located in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions.(Hardee's restaurants to be sold out)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2005... CHICAGO -- NRC REALTY ADVISORS LLC said it had been hired by a court-appointed receiver to sell 38 HARDEE'S properties located in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Of the 38 locations, 34 are operated as Hardee's restaurants, a...

Coconut Grove, Fla.--Cafe Tu Tu Tango, a six-unit artist loft-theme chain, signed a lease to open the chain's seventh unit, at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack, N.J. Cafe Tu Tu Tango chairman Brad Weiser said he intends to open the restaurant, which will serves Mediterranean-accented small plates, in "early spring.".(JUST IN )(Brief Article)
September 30, 2005... COCONUT GROVE, Fla. -- CAFE TU TU TANGO, a six-unit artist loft-theme chain, signed a lease to open the chain's seventh unit, at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack, N.J. Cafe Tu Tu Tango chairman BRAD WEISER said he intends to open the...

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International, based here, said Bob Levite, who oversaw the company's brand marketing team, had resigned, and Mary Ann Pilotte, who led consumer research, analysis and marketing planning, had left the company for unspecified reasons.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL, based here, said BOB LEVITE, who oversaw the company's brand marketing team, had resigned, and MARY ANN PILOTTE, who led consumer research, analysis and marketing planning, had left the company for...

Outback Steakhouse Inc.(sales )(Brief Article)
September 30, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. reported a 4-percent drop in same-store sales at its namesake Outback Steakhouse chain for the five weeks ended Sept. 24, compared with year-earlier results. The company, operator or franchisor of 1,256...

Caribou Coffee Co. Inc.(stock sales)(Brief Article)
September 30, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- CARIBOU COFFEE CO. INC. commenced public trading of its stock Thursday after pricing the initial offering on the Nasdaq exchange Sept. 28 at $14 per share. It had said the initial price would be $13 to $15. The offering of 5.36...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 30, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close Luby's 4.16 $13.53 BJ's Restaurants 3.46 20.04 Ruth's Chris...

New York--American Securities Capital Partners LP agreed to sell the 328-unit El Pollo Loco chain, based in Irvine, Calif., to private asset management firm Trimaran Capital Partners, based here.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2005... NEW YORK -- AMERICAN SECURITIES CAPITAL PARTNERS LP agreed to sell the 328-unit EL POLLO LOCO chain, based in Irvine, Calif., to private asset management firm TRIMARAN CAPITAL PARTNERS, based here. Terms of the deal, which is expected to...

New York--Hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management, which reportedly acquired a nearly 5-percent equity stake in McDonald's Corp.(JUST IN)
September 29, 2005... NEW YORK -- Hedge fund PERSHING SQUARE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, which reportedly acquired a nearly 5-percent equity stake in MCDONALD'S CORP. recently, is urging the Oak Brook, Ill.-based operator and franchisor of the world's largest restaurant...

Chicago--Charlie Trotter, chef-owner of Charlie Trotter's restaurant here, has called off plans to open a seafood restaurant in New York's Time Warner Center.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2005... CHICAGO -- CHARLIE TROTTER, chef-owner of CHARLIE TROTTER's restaurant here, has called off plans to open a seafood restaurant in New York's Time Warner Center. After numerous delays in targeted opening dates, Trotter said that continuous...

Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc.(third quarter sales)(Brief Article)
September 29, 2005... ORLANDO, Fla. -- RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of 90 upscale steakhouses, posted 9.3-percent increase in sales to $43.8 million for the third quarter ended Sept. 25. Total restaurant sales were affected by the loss of...

Carpinteria, Calif.--CKE Restaurants Inc., based here, added the Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger to Carl's Jr.'s premium-burger lineup.(Brief Article)
September 29, 2005... CARPINTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC., based here, added the Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger to CARL'S JR.'s premium-burger lineup. The $4.79 burger is a half-pound patty of Angus beef topped with sliced, sauteed portobello...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 29, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Buca 4.30 $5.82 Ruth's Chris Steak House 3.99 17.98 McCormick &...

Houston--Landry's Restaurants Inc., owner of 300 casual-dining outlets and entertainment properties, closed Tuesday on its purchase of the Golden Nugget casino-hotels in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nev., by acquiring Poster Financial Group Inc.(JUST IN)
September 28, 2005... HOUSTON -- LANDRY'S RESTAURANTS INC., owner of 300 casual-dining outlets and entertainment properties, closed Tuesday on its purchase of the Golden Nugget casino-hotels in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nev., by acquiring POSTER FINANCIAL GROUP INC....

Washington--Among provisions of the $82 million tax relief bill Congress passed last week and PRESIDENT BUSH signed into law to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina are two programs that will aid restaurant operators, the NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION said.(JUST IN)
September 28, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Among provisions of the $82 million tax relief bill Congress passed last week and PRESIDENT BUSH signed into law to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina are two programs that will aid restaurant operators, the NATIONAL RESTAURANT...

Atlanta--famed chef-restaurant Emeril Lagasse's spokeswoman Marti Dalton said yesterday that all of Lagasse's nearly 300 employees from New Orleans have been located since Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast and forced the evacuation of the city.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 28, 2005... ATLANTA -- Famed chef-restaurant EMERIL LAGASSE's spokeswoman MARTI DALTON said yesterday that all of Lagasse's nearly 300 employees from New Orleans have been located since Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast and forced the...

New Orleans--the landmark Arnaud's restaurant and its casual Creole cafe sibling, Remoulade, are working on reopening, according to owner Archie A. Casbarian.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 28, 2005... NEW ORLEANS -- The landmark ARNAUD'S restaurant and its casual Creole cafe sibling, REMOULADE, are working on reopening, according to owner ARCHIE A. CASBARIAN. "We are accessing damage, cleanup and repairs. Our staff is regrouping and we are...

Milford, Conn.--Subway restaurants, based here, said the chain opened its 600th North Carolina location, which is operated by franchisee Kamlesh Shah.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 28, 2005... MILFORD, Conn. -- SUBWAY restaurants, based here, said the chain opened its 600th North Carolina location, which is operated by franchisee KAMLESH SHAH. Shah, who currently owns three Subway outlets in South Carolina, launched the new unit in...

CBRL Group Inc.(sales had fallen due to hurricanes Katrina )(Brief Article)
September 28, 2005... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC. said same-restaurant sales for the four weeks ended Sept. 23 had fallen 2.4 percent at its Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores chain. Its same-store gift shop sales plunged 11 percent. Same-store sales for the...

Burger King Corp.(marketing its new meat recipes)(Brief Article)
September 28, 2005... MIAMI -- BURGER KING CORP. introduced as a limited-time offering the "Meat'normous Omelet Sandwich," priced around $3.49. It is three slices of bacon, two slices of ham, a sausage patty, two oneegg omelets and two slices of cheese on a...

Columbus, Ohio--Max & Erma's, operator or franchisor of 78 casual-dining restaurants, named Ron Lindeman president, replacing Todd B. Barnum, who will remain chairman and chief executive.(Max and Erma's Restaurants Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 28, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- MAX & ERMA'S, operator or franchisor of 78 casual-dining restaurants, named RON LINDEMAN president, replacing TODD B. BARNUM, who will remain chairman and chief executive. Lindeman, who joined Max & Erma's in 1990, most...

Stockwatch.(Restaurant industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 28, 2005... STOCKMARKET (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Ultimate Franchise Systems 6.67 $8.00 Good Times Restaurants 6.00 5.30 Cosi ...

Galveston, Texas--by slamming into less heavily populated areas along the Louisiana-Texas border Saturday, Hurricane Rita spared restaurateurs in the Gulf Coast region the kind of damage delivered by Hurricane Katrina.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 27, 2005... GALVESTON, Texas -- By slamming into less heavily populated areas along the Louisiana-Texas border Saturday, Hurricane Rita spared restaurateurs in the Gulf Coast region the kind of damage delivered by Hurricane Katrina. Restaurants in...

New Orleans--Ralph Brennan, former chairman of the National Restaurant Association and longtime New Orleans restaurateur, said Monday he could reopen two of his three restaurants immediately, but the health department is barring him because of the city's lack of potable running water.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 27, 2005... NEW ORLEANS -- RALPH BRENNAN, former chairman of the National Restaurant Association and longtime New Orleans restaurateur, said Monday he could reopen two of his three restaurants immediately, but the health department is barring him because...

Papa John's International.(JUST IN)
September 27, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL has opened its 15th outlet in Shanghai, China, and its fifth in Beijing. The company, which plans to open 250 units in China over the next five years, operates or franchises 3,000 units in 49...

Irvine, Calif.--Yard House, a 10-unit casual-dining chain based here, opened a Phoenix branch Monday.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 27, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- YARD HOUSE, a 10-unit casual-dining chain based here, opened a Phoenix branch Monday. STEELE PLATT, founder and chief executive, said: "Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, so it's no coincidence that...

Minneapolis--Buffalo Wild Wings Inc., operator or franchisor of 340 units, formed a Franchise Advisory Council to "enhance communication and collaboration between Buffalo Wild Wings and its franchise community.".(JUST IN)
September 27, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC., operator or franchisor of 340 units, formed a Franchise Advisory Council to "enhance communication and collaboration between Buffalo Wild Wings and its franchise community." The six members, elected by...

Sonic Corp.(closes due to Hurricane Rita)(Brief Article)
September 27, 2005... OKLAHOMA CITY -- SONIC CORP., the 3,000-unit drive-in chain, said Hurricane Rita caused the closure of 250 to 300 Sonics. Some 50 to 60 remained closed Monday because of damage or power loss. Sonic said the hurricane closures would reduce its...

Portland, Ore.--McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants Inc., based here, opened in Pittsburgh, the chain's 58th branch.(JUST IN)
September 27, 2005... PORTLAND, Ore. -- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS INC., based here, opened in Pittsburgh, the chain's 58th branch. Chief executive SAED MOHSENI said the company had opened six of the seven new units planned for 2005 and remained "on...

CBRL Group Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
September 27, 2005... LEBANON, Tenn. -- CBRL GROUP INC., operator of 534 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants and gift shops, raised its quarterly dividend 8.3 percent to 13 cents per share. The company, which also operates and franchises 140 Logan's...

Tampa, Fla.--Outback Steakhouse Inc. said chief branding officer Nancy Schneid, a 15-year Outback veteran, will resign to launch a brand consultancy Jan. 31.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
September 27, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE INC. said chief branding officer NANCYSCHNEID, a 15-year Outback veteran, will resign to launch a brand consultancy Jan. 31. She will become an adviser to Outback's chief executive, BILL ALLEN, and will join...

Noodles & Company.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
September 27, 2005... BOUDLER, Colo. -- NOODLES &COMPANY, based here, is launching a Braised Beef & Gnocchi dish at all of its 117 restaurants. The item is burgundy-braised beef, garlic and onions sauteed with potato gnocchi, cream, spinach, mushrooms and red bell...

Stockwatch.(Illustration)
September 27, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. change close Top Gainers Luby's 5.44 $13.37 BJ's Restaurants 5.39 20.14 Steak n...

McDonald's Corp.(new sandwiches)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. said 2006 product development for its 13,600-unit U.S. business would focus on chicken, breakfast and salads, company officials said during the second day of a two-day conference with restaurant analysts....

Gaithersburg, Md.--Sodexho USA, the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, signed an agreement with the Navy Exchange Service Command, or Nexcom, and Commander, Navy Installations, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, or CNI/MWR, to operate licensed Starbucks Coffee locations on naval bases nationwide.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2005... GAITHERSBURG, Md. -- SODEXHO USA, the foodservice and facilities management contractor based here, signed an agreement with the NAVY EXCHANGE SERVICE COMMAND, or NEXCOM, and COMMANDER, NAVY INSTALLATIONS, MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION, or...

Atlanta--Philly Connection, based here, launched its 50th restaurant, which will be owned and operated by franchisee Okwudili Okpara, president of Pears Holding Inc. in Houston.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2005... ATLANTA -- PHILLY CONNECTION, based here, launched its 50th restaurant, which will be owned and operated by franchisee OKWUDILI OKPARA, president of Pears Holding Inc. in Houston. "Texas has very strong growth opportunities for us," said JOHN...

Papa John's International.(introduces new pan pizza)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2005... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL, based here, introduced Papa's Perfect Pan Pizza, priced at $12.99. It features a thick crust made with olive oil and topped with, tomato sauce, cheese and garlic. Customers can order the Papa's...

Nashville, Tenn.--Shoney's Restaurants launched a football-theme TV campaign in which famed sportscaster Keith Jackson promotes five basket meals.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- SHONEY'S RESTAURANTS launched a football-theme TV campaign in which famed sportscaster KEITH JACKSON promotes five basket meals. Jackson appears in the spots with a microphone and headset and interviews a diner--played by...

Seattle--Starbucks Corp. last Tuesday elected to its board of directors and placed on its audit committee Javier G. Teruel, vice chairman of Colgate-Palmolive Co.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2005... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP. last Tuesday elected to its board of directors and placed on its audit committee JAVIER G. TERUEL, vice chairman of COLGATE-PALMOLIVE CO. "With his extensive background, both domestically and internationally, Javier...

Irvine, Calif.--Randy Powell resigned from Irvine, Calif.-based Diedrich Coffee Inc.'s board of directors Sept. 21, citing personal reasons.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
September 26, 2005... IRVINE, Calif. -- RANDY POWELL resigned from Irvine, Calif.-based DIEDRICH COFFEE INC.'s board of directors Sept. 21, citing personal reasons. He has served on the board since 2001. Powell is president of a division of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.,...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 26, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct Fri. Top Gainers change close AFC Enterprises 5.69 $11.70 Panera Bread 5.30 52.25 Main Street Rest. Group...

Sherman Oaks, Calif.--Worldwide Restaurant Concepts Inc., which operates, franchises.(JUST IN)
September 23, 2005... SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS INC., which operates, franchises or joint ventures 310 Sizzler restaurants worldwide, 112 KFC franchises, mostly in Australia, and 21 Pat & Oscar's restaurants, went private Thursday upon...

San Diego--Jack In The Box Inc., operator or franchisor of 2,030 namesake fast-food restaurants, is scrapping its multimarket test of the fast-casual JBX Grill conversion concept, planning instead to incorporate elements of the stylish burger-and-sandwich concept into the flagship brand's format.(JUST IN)
September 23, 2005... SAN DIEGO -- JACK IN THE BOX INC., operator or franchisor of 2,030 namesake fast-food restaurants, is scrapping its multimarket test of the fast-casual JBX GRILL conversion concept, planning instead to incorporate elements of the stylish...

Memphis, Tenn.--New York-based private equity firm Castle Harlan Inc. said its acquisition of The Restaurant Co., operator and franchisor of the 483-unit Perkins Restaurant & Bakery brand, closed Wednesday.(JUST IN)
September 23, 2005... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- New York-based private equity firm CASTLE HARLAN INC. said its acquisition of THE RESTAURANT CO., operator and franchisor of the 483-unit Perkins Restaurant & Bakery brand, closed Wednesday. Simultaneously, TRC's chairman...

Richmond Heights, Mo.--Panera Bread Co. agreed to buy 23 bakery-cafes from franchisee Knead Bread, an area developer in Indiana.(JUST IN)
September 23, 2005... RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- PANERA BREAD CO. agreed to buy 23 bakery-cafes from franchisee KNEAD BREAD, an area developer in Indiana. In the deal expected to close around Nov. 1, Panera would pay about $27.5 million in cash and assume certain...

Darden Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
September 23, 2005... ORLANDO, Fla. -- DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC., operator of 1,392 restaurants, posted a 20-percent increase in first-quarter earnings on a 10-percent jump in sales, and increased it semiannual dividend to 20 cents a share, from 4 cents. Darden's...

Las Vegas--Kevin Stuessi, former vice president of food and beverage at Wynn Las Vegas, has joined Edge Resorts as senior vice president of food and beverage and strategic development for the planned $1.7 billion W Las Vegas Hotel, Casino and Residences, scheduled to open in 2008.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2005... LAS VEGAS -- KEVIN STUESSI, former vice president of food and beverage at WYNN LAS VEGAS, has joined EDGE RESORTS as senior vice president of food and beverage and strategic development for the planned $1.7 billion W Las Vegas Hotel, Casino...

Wienerschnitzel.(Galardi Group Inc. introducing a new pizza dog)(Brief Article)
September 23, 2005... NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- WIENERSCHNITZEL, based here, has scheduled a Sept. 25 rollout for a new item called the New York Pizza Dog--grilled Italian sausage on a pretzel bun with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. The $1.99 item will be...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry and their shares)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 23, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over S3) Pct. Thurs. Top Gainers change close California Pizza Kitchen 5.39 $28.72 McDonald's 5.32 33.09 Good Times...

Oak Brook, Ill.--Following weeks of Wall Street speculation, McDonald's Corp. said it plans to sell a minority interest in its popular 460-unit Chipotle Mexican Grill fast-casual chain through an initial public stock offering, which is expected to be made by the first quarter of 2006.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Following weeks of Wall Street speculation, MCDONALD'S CORP. said it plans to sell a minority interest in its popular 460-unit CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL fast-casual chain through an initial public stock offering, which is...

Houston--Landry's Restaurants Inc., based here, said Wednesday that it had temporarily closed 18 restaurants in Galveston County, Texas.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2005... HOUSTON -- LANDRY'S RESTAURANTS INC., based here, said Wednesday that it had temporarily closed 18 restaurants in Galveston County, Texas, because of mandatory evacuations ordered as Hurricane Rita approached. Landry's said it might also...

Decatur, Ga.--Huddle House, a 400-unit chain based here, signed a development agreement with The Village Eats LLC of Seville, Ohio, to open three restaurants in northern Ohio.(JUST IN)
September 22, 2005... DECATUR, Ga. -- HUDDLE HOUSE, a 400-unit chain based here, signed a development agreement with THE VILLAGE EATS LLCof Seville, Ohio, to open three restaurants in northern Ohio. The deal marks the first time the brand will enter the market....

Atlanta--AFC Enterprises, operator or franchisor of 1,831 Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits restaurants, said systemwide domestic same-store sales rose 0.9 percent for the four weeks ended Aug. 7 and 1.1 percent for the four weeks ended Sept. 4.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
September 22, 2005... ATLANTA--AFC ENTERPRISES, operator or franchisor of 1,831 POPEYES CHICKEN & BISCUITS restaurants, said systemwide domestic same-store sales rose 0.9 percent for the four weeks ended Aug. 7 and 1.1 percent for the four weeks ended Sept. 4. The...

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. broke its first global "employer brand advertising" campaign, a TV spot featuring former employees who got their first jobs at the chain.(MARKETING MATTERS)
September 22, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. broke its first global "employer brand advertising" campaign, a TV spot featuring former employees who got their first jobs at the chain. Created by LEO BURNETT of Chicago, the campaign is designed to show...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry and their securities)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 22, 2005... Pct. Wed. Top Gainers change close Starbucks 1.10 $46.67 J. Alexander's 0.95 8.47 CKE Restaurants 0.84 12.00 Star...

Philadelphia--aramark, based here, said its Aramark Education, School Support Services had been awarded the contract to provide foodservice for the School District of Philadelphia, which comprises 115 schools and 100,000 students.(JUST IN)
September 21, 2005... PHILADELPHIA -- ARAMARK, based here, said its ARAMARK EDUCATION, SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES had been awarded the contract to provide foodservice for the School District of Philadelphia, which comprises 115 schools and 100,000 students. Under...

Orlando, Fla.--The choice of Nation's Restaurant News readers for the coveted Operator of the Year honor was revealed here last night when the accolade was presented to Lloyd L. Hill, chairman and chief executive of Applebee's International Inc., at an awards banquet concluding the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 21, 2005... ORLANDO, Fla. -- The choice of Nation's Restaurant News readers for the coveted Operator of the Year honor was revealed here last night when the accolade was presented to LLOYD L. HILL, chairman and chief executive of APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL...

Sacramento, Calif.--Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law two bills--SB12 and SB965--limiting the sales of soda and so-called junk food on K-through-12 campuses.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 21, 2005... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER signed into law two bills--SB12 and SB965--limiting the sales of soda and so-called junk food on K-through-12 campuses. The measures are considered the most sweeping of their kind in the...

Miami Subs Grill.(MARKETING MATTERS)(relaunching sandwiches )(Brief Article)
September 21, 2005... FORTLAUDERDALE, Fla. -- MIAMI SUBS GRILL is adding a barbecued steak item to its line of pita grillers. The 73-unit chain, based here, is relaunching the three sandwiches in the line as a limited-time offer through December. All of the...

McDonald's Corp.(and its shares)(Brief Article)
September 21, 2005... OAK BROOK, Ill. -- MCDONALD'S CORP. is redeeming $150 million worth of its notes. The company, which had $8.6 billion in debt outstanding as of June 30, called for a Nov. 15 redemption of its 7.05-percent debentures due 2025. The $150 million...

CKE Restaurants Inc.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
September 21, 2005... CARPENTERIA, Calif. -- CKE RESTAURANTS INC. doubled its second-quarter earnings before special items, compared with year-earlier results, but said same-store sales for both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's had fallen for the four-week period following...

IHOP Corp.(its investors approved 1 million share increase)(Brief Article)
September 21, 2005... GLENDALE, Calif. -- IHOP CORP. said its board of directors approved a 1-million-share increase in the company's stock buyback authorization, bringing the total authorization to 4.6 million shares. Since the inception of its repurchase program...

Panera Bread Co.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
September 21, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- PANERA BREAD CO., operator or franchisor of 795 bakery-cafes, said systemwide comparable-store sales increased 7.8 percent for the four weeks ended Sept. 6. Comparable-store sales rose 7.7 percent at company-owned restaurants and...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 21, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Tues. Top Gainers change close Back Yard Burgers 3.39 $5.13 Nathan's Famous 2.64 8.93 Fox & Hound Rest....

Dublin, Ohio--Wendy's International on Monday said Tom Mueller had resigned as president and chief operating officer of its namesake burger chain, effective immediately, and chairman and chief executive JACK SCHUESSLER had assumed Mueller's role on an interim basis.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2005... DUBLIN, Ohio -- WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL on Monday said TOM MUELLER had resigned as president and chief operating officer of its namesake burger chain, effective immediately, and chairman and chief executive JACK SCHUESSLER had assumed Mueller's...

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2005... NEW YORK -- The AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS, or ASCAP, has agreed to waive its collection of licensing fees from restaurants and bars located in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. ASCAP also said retail outlets and...

New York--Epicurious.com, a website by the publisher of Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines, on Monday issued its list of the "10 worst" restaurant trends.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2005... NEW YORK -- Epicurious.com, a website by the publisher of Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines, on Monday issued its list of the "10 worst" restaurant trends. Nos. 1 through 10, respectively, are "celebrity chefs who never cook"; restaurants...

Ann Arbor, Mich.--Domino's Pizza, the leading pizza delivery chain, said it has teamed with ESPN and ABC Sports to sponsor "Monday night Football" for a second year in a row.(Entertainment and Sports Programming Network)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2005... ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- DOMINO'S PIZZA, the leading pizza delivery chain, said it has teamed with ESPN and ABC SPORTS to sponsor "MONDAYNIGHT FOOTBALL" for a second year in a row. Domino's sponsorship of the televised series includes commercials...

Sherman Oaks, Calif.--Worldwide Restaurant Concepts Inc., operator or franchisor of 310 Sizzler restaurants worldwide, reported first-quarter net income of $1.9 million, or 6 cents per diluted share, for the three months ended July 24.(FINANCIAL BRIEFS)
September 20, 2005... SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- WORLDWIDE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS INC., operator or franchisor of 310 Sizzler restaurants worldwide, reported first-quarter net income of $1.9 million, or 6 cents per diluted share, for the three months ended July 24. In...

Minneapolis--Italian dinnerhouse operator Buca Inc., based here, named Fritzi Gouldsby-Pikes Woods to its board as a "class-one" director.(EXECUTIVE SUITE)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- Italian dinnerhouse operator BUCAINC., based here, named FRITZI GOULDSBY-PIKES WOODS to its board as a "class-one" director. Woods has been president and chief executive of PrimeSource FoodService Equipment Inc. since 2003. In...

Stockwatch.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 20, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Mon. Top Gainers change close Grill Concepts 6.23 $3.75 Good Times Restaurants 5.92 5.90 Morgan's Foods ...

New York--Pershing Square Capital Management, a hedge fund based here that bought nearly 10 percent of Wendy's International while urging it to spin off its Tim Hortons chain and restructure, has bought a 4.9-percent share of McDonald's Corp., according to information cited in several published accounts.(JUST IN)
September 19, 2005... NEW YORK -- PERSHING SQUARE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, a hedge fund based here that bought nearly 10 percent of Wendy's International while urging it to spin off its Tim Hortons chain and restructure, has bought a 4.9-percent share of MCDONALD'S...

Los Angeles--Denver-based Noodles & Company has agreed to repurchase Southern California expansion rights to the fast-casual concept from the 117-unit chain's first franchisee, A.O. One, a Krispy Kreme franchise's affiliate based here.(JUST IN)
September 19, 2005... LOS ANGELES -- Denver-based NOODLES & COMPANY has agreed to repurchase Southern California expansion rights to the fastcasual concept from the 117-unit chain's first franchisee, A.O. ONE, a Krispy Kreme franchise's affiliate based here. The...

Denver--Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc., operator or franchisor of more than 275 casual-dining restaurants,, agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious-discrimination lawsuit by the U.S. Equal Employment Opoortunity Commission in Seattle on behalf of a server with wrist tattoos.(JUST IN)
September 19, 2005... DENVER -- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC., operator or franchisor of more than 275 casual-dining restaurants,, agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious-discrimination lawsuit by the U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION in Seattle...

Kansas City, Mo.--TWA Restaurant Group, based here, acquired the 29-unit FAMOUS SAM's restaurant and sports bar chain, based in Arizona.(JUST IN)
September 19, 2005... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- TWA RESTAURANT GROUP, based here, acquired the 29-unit FAMOUS SAM'S restaurant and sports bar chain, based in Arizona. CHARLIE WOOTEN and RON MEGLI of PEOPLES BANK in Overland Park, Kan., provided funding for the...

Nashville, Tenn. -- CAPTAIN D'S has rolled out Batter-Dipped Chicken, an extension of the Jumbo Chicken Tenders line, whose items are hand-dipped in the chain's signature batter..(MARKETING MATTERS)
September 19, 2005... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- CAPTAIN D'S has rolled out Batter-Dipped Chicken, an extension of the Jumbo Chicken Tenders line, whose items are hand-dipped in the chain's signature batter. The new product, sold alternatively as a chicken and fish...

Tampa, Fla.--Checkers Drive-In Restaurants debuted two "adult-focused" sandwiches called the Jim Beam Double Cheddarburger and the Jim Beam Cheddar Chicken at all Checkers and Rally's Hamburgers locations.(MARKETING MATTERS)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2005... TAMPA, Fla. -- CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS debuted two "adult-focused" sandwiches called the Jim Beam Double Cheddarburger and the Jim Beam Cheddar Chicken at all Checkers and Rally's Hamburgers locations. Topped with Jim Beam BBQ sauce,...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.(delayed filing financial statements )(Brief Article)
September 19, 2005... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC. has delayed filing financial statements for its second quarter ended July 31, but told securities regulators the company expects to record a loss for the period on a 21-percent decline in...

Stockwatch.(restaurant industry and its securities)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 19, 2005... STOCKWATCH (shares over $3) Pct. Fri. Top Gainers change close McCormick & Schmick's 7.24 $19.12 Luby's 5.19 14.19 Ultimate Fran. Systems ...

New York--Unite Here, the 450,000-member restaurant and hotel union, has terminated its long affiliation with the AFL-CIO, becoming the fourth major union to do so.(American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organizations)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... NEWYORK -- UNITE HERE, the 450,000-member restaurant and hotel union, has terminated its long affiliation with the AFL-CIO, becoming the fourth major union to do so. UNITE HERE leaders said foodservice workers' largest collective bargaining...

Seattle--Starbucks Corp., based here, expects to spend more money on health insurance for its employees this year than it will spend on coffee and other raw products for its coffeehouses.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... SEATTLE -- STARBUCKS CORP., based here, expects to spend more money on health insurance for its employees this year than it will spend on coffee and other raw products for its coffeehouses. HOWARD SCHULTZ, Starbucks' chairman, told a...

Orlando, Fla.--fast-casual brand Earl of Sandwich disclosed its first franchise deal, for Texas, with the newly formed Round Rock Sandwich Co. Lp, headed by investment banker Don Sanders, a founder and director of Sanders Morris Harris.(JUST IN)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... ORLANDO, Fla. -- Fast-casual brand EARL OF SANDWICH disclosed its first franchise deal, for Texas, with the newly formed ROUND ROCK SANDWICH CO. LP, headed by investment banker DON SANDERS, a founder and director of Sanders Morris Harris. The...