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5 must-know restaurant news stories: April 10, 2014

Nation's Restaurant News editors select the top industry stories of the day

Jobless claims in U.S. drop to lowest level since 2007 (Bloomberg)
The lowest number of Americans since before the Great Recession filed for unemployment benefits during the week ended April 5. The figure — 300,000, down 32,000 from the prior week, according to the U.S. Labor Department — was the lowest since May 2007, boding well for the economy as dismissals slow and hiring picks up.

—Robin Lee Allen

Yard House is expanding its beer offerings.


New York City could be getting restaurant Inspector Gadgets (Crain’s New York Business)
A bill is expected in New York’s City Council that would require foodservice health inspectors to wear cameras and provide video footage that could be used as evidence in disputes over possible violations.

—Ron Ruggless

Chains account for Tax Day with promotions (press releases)
Several chains are continuing to soothe their customers’ annual dread of the April 15 deadline for filing tax returns to the IRS with their annual Tax Day promotions, including Boston Market, Bruegger’s Bagels, California Tortilla, Dairy Queen and Schlotzsky’s. Promotions include giveaways, gift cards and price reductions.

—Mark Brandau

Yard House revamps beer list (PR Newswire)
Yard House has revamped its beer list, and in the process has pointed to a number of trends, including the rising popularity of India Pale Ales, fruit beers and ciders, and wheat beers. But it also is pointing to a broader trend of allowing local managers more independence in customizing offerings to their guests' tastes. Each Yard House unit has a different beer selection based on their guests' feedback, conversation with local distributors and management's own judgment.

—Bret Thorn

Johnny Rockets offers customizable burgers (PR Newswire)
Johnny Rockets is adding a Build Your Own Burger, or BYOB, ordering option to its menu, allowing guests to choose from a broad range of toppings for their burgers, from the standard tomato, onion, jalapeños and cheese, to the more exotic add-ons of chili, fried eggs, smoked bacon, grilled peppers, mushrooms or onion rings. The chain is also debuting a new artisan burger bun and sauce options like chipotle ketchup, which, no doubt, makes a spicier smiley face for dipping fries.

—Lisa Jennings

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