O’Charley’s names Phil Hickey to board
O’Charley’s Inc., parent to the troubled O’Charley’s, Ninety Nine Restaurants and Stoney River Legendary Steaks casual-dining chains, said Tuesday it has named industry veteran Philip J. Hickey Jr. to its board of directors.Prices fall for Spaghetti’s Factory anniversary
Old Spaghetti Factory restaurants are rolling back prices this month in honor of the casual-dining chain’s 40th anniversary.
CPK's finance chief adds COO duties
Sue Collyns has been named to the newly created role of chief operating officer and executive vice president of California Pizza Kitchen, officials said Monday.
Fazoli’s offers free pasta and other rewards
Facing giant Pizza Hut’s new pasta line, as well as the challenging overall economic environment, quick-service noodle seller Fazoli’s has launched a giveaway campaign to build awareness and traffic.
Kona investors blast company’s stock deal
Two outside shareholders of Kona Grill Inc. have criticized the company’s December agreement to sell $1 million in stock to the father of Kona’s chief executive and chairman at a price below current trading values. One investor alleged that the deal “crosses the boundaries of good taste,” and another offered a separate $1 million capital infusion.
Rainbow Room’s grill to close as economy, lease dispute dull future
Citing the recession and a lease dispute, the Cipriani family, which has managed the famed Rainbow Room for the past 10 years, will temporarily shut down operations at the establishment’s Rainbow Grill restaurant on Jan. 12.
Sharing the top spot: More co-CEOs emerge
Two major restaurant companies named co-chief executives on Monday, elevating seasoned lieutenants into top-rung roles in the first major management changes of 2009. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. promoted president and chief operating officer Monty Moran to co-CEO with brand founder Steve Ells, and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. named company president Robert “Bert” Vivian co-CEO with longtime head Rick Federico.
IHOP offers fiscal relief with pancake offer
IHOP Corp. on Monday launched an all-you-can-eat pancake offer dubbed the 2009 Hungry Consumer Relief Plan that is designed to have “minimum economic impact” on customers, according to the family-dining chain. The promotion will run through Feb. 22.
Good Times aims for better times with menu revamp
After a difficult fiscal year, Good Times Restaurants Inc. is hoping for better results in 2009 by repositioning itself as a higher-quality burger brand and by avoiding the discounting of its larger fast-food competitors. Beginning this month, the 54-unit Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard chain said it would make all of its hamburgers from all-natural Angus beef and make the patties 10 percent larger.
Bacon bits recalled over listeria fears
About 3,590 pounds of bacon bits have been recalled because of concerns that the products may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Safety Inspection Service said Saturday.
Dunkin' Donuts debuts $100M ad campaign
Dunkin’ Donuts said Monday it is launching a $100 million ad campaign that capitalizes on Americans' can-do attitude during tough times.
Restaurant stocks rise as confidence, home values sink
Restaurant stocks continued a December rally into the New Year despite gloomy economic news that included an all-time low in consumer confidence readings and another large drop in home values.
