Anniversaries give operators occasion to raise brand awareness

Mar 12, 2007

Restaurant anniversary promotions can be as simple as offering free dessert or as elaborate as sending a lucky customer on a European vacation.But operators say almost any method for celebrating a birthday milestone can be a potent way to raise...

Fast feeders work to revitalize brands through unit remodelings

Mar 12, 2007

Periodic remodelings are standard practice throughout the industry, but a new wave of building modernizations is among the latest strategies that mature quick-service chains are employing to keep customers from defecting to more cafelike...

Applebee’s says Breeden rejects peace offering

Mar 09, 2007

OVERLAND PARK Kan. Applebee’s International Inc. said an offer to give dissident shareholder Breeden Capital two of the four board seats it is seeking in a proxy challenge has been rejected by the 5-percent stakeholder, setting the stage for...

Leadership Network merges with CSP Information Group

Mar 08, 2007

GILBERT Ariz. Leadership Network Corp., the company here that sponsors the popular Restaurant Leadership Conference, has announced a merger with CSP Information Group of Oak Brook, Ill. Terms of the merger were not disclosed. CSP, publisher...

Winter weather to blame for 4.9% decline in Brinker's sales

Mar 08, 2007

DALLAS Brinker International Inc. said unfavorable winter weather chilled February sales at all its chains, resulting in a blended same-store sales decline of 4.9 percent for the four weeks ended Feb. 28. Brinker's flagship Chili's Grill &...

McD's Feb. comps rise 3.1% in U.S., 5.9% worldwide

Mar 08, 2007

OAK BROOK Ill. McDonald's Corp. reported Thursday a global same-store sales gain of 5.9 percent for February, which was driven mainly by strong sales results in Asia and Europe. At McDonald's restaurants in the United States, February same...

Melt to restate financial results because of franchise accounting switch

Mar 08, 2007

LAGUNA HILLS Calif. Melt Inc., operator or franchisor of 16 Melt Gelato & Crepe Cafe locations, said Thursday it would restate financial results for the second and third quarters of 2006 to revise its accounting for franchise-fee revenue...

Same-store sales drop 0.6% for Panera

Mar 08, 2007

ST. LOUIS Panera Bread Co. said severe winter weather in the Midwest, where many of its namesake bakery cafes are located, hurt February sales and led to a systemwide same-stores sales dip of 0.6 percent for the five weeks ended Feb. 27. Same...

Dunkin' signs Ray as spokes-chef

Mar 08, 2007

CANTON Mass. Dunkin' Donuts has hired popular talk-show host and Food Network star Rachael Ray to appear in advertising and work with the chain's culinary team in developing so-called "better for you" menu items. By choosing Ray, who also...