In this issue, you’ll find other stories that will both fuel your optimism and give you pause. We showcase the conflicting nature of the current environment, with a story discussing how best to deal with the recent phenomenon of bankrupt landlords, while another explores how chain restaurants are growing beverage sales by tapping into consumers’ desire for artisanal drinks. In the Finance section, a spate of newly released financial results indicates that operators still are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to attracting consumers. In Marketing, this week’s Consumer Trends department examines money-saving strategies adopted by frugal consumers, while highlighting tactics restaurateurs can implement to convince them to spend a little more. The second installation of our monthly National Restaurant Association Insights page looks at the lingering toll from the Gulf oil spill and the steps the NRA is taking to help affected operators. And in the Community section, we reintroduce readers to Don Doyle, who, as the former head of Carl Karcher Enterprises, captured headlines in the 1990s during a vicious proxy battle with founder Carl Karcher. Today, Doyle is a Qdoba franchisee with 26 units.
