ORLANDO Fla. Darden Restaurants Inc. said Thursday that same-store sales rose between 8 percent and 9 percent at its Red Lobster chain and about 5 percent at its Olive Garden concept for the four weeks ended July 29. The same-store-sales...

ORLANDO Fla. Chip Kunde has been named vice president of government relations for Darden Restaurants Inc., the casual-dining giant based here, effective Aug. 9. In his new position, Kunde will be charged with protecting Darden's interests...

NEW YORK Restaurant Opportunities Center of New York, an employee-advocacy group likened by some to a union, is hosting an invitation-only gathering in Chicago this weekend to assess the possibility of expanding into a proponent for foodservice...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. J. Alexander's Corp., operator of the namesake casual-dining chain, reported a 34-percent rise in net income on a 4.2 percent rise in revenues for the second quarter, but warned of a possible slowdown for the remainder of the year...

MADISON, Ga. Avado Brands Inc. has picked Cronin and Co. Inc. of Glastonbury, Conn., as agency of record for its Don Pablo’s and Hops Restaurant and Brewery brands. Billings were not disclosed. The agency will be responsible for developing...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Following an eight-week test in 26 restaurants, Shoney’s is adding flavored pancakes to its breakfast buffet at select units through September 30. The new pancakes include blueberry, apple spice and buttermilk varieties...

DALLAS Romacorp Inc., parent of the 194-unit Tony Roma’s rib chain, said president and chief executive Marc Buehler was leaving the company just two months after being appointed to those posts. The company said Buehler was leaving to...

ROANOKE, Va. Sardar Biglari, chairman and chief executive of The Lion Fund LP hedge fund and the Western Sizzlin’ Corp. family restaurant chain, said Wednesday that he planned to vote against IHOP Corp.’s pending acquisition of Applebee’s...