Alvarez retirement highlights importance of succession plans

Dec 14, 2009

OAK BROOK Ill. —The Nov. 30 announcement that McDonald’s Corp. president and chief operating officer Ralph Alvarez would retire may have surprised industry watchers and the analyst community, but...

Quick-service operators count on couponing

Dec 14, 2009

After years of using six direct-mail coupon drops per year to drive customers in when a new product or limited-time offer was introduced, El Pollo Loco this year increased the number of coupon mailings to nine, along with adding more...

Brinker sells 21 Chili’s for $19M

Dec 14, 2009

DALLAS Brinker International Inc. sold 21 Chili’s Grill & Bar units in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska to Muy Mucho Group LP, a new franchising company, for $19 million, the company said Monday. Muy Mucho, based in Dallas, is headed by Mark Menking...

Fielding the tough questions

Dec 14, 2009

The challenges of leading a restaurant company through today’s business obstacles, including a struggling economy, penny-pinching consumers and a heated regulatory environment, were top of mind for seven industry executives during a recent...

Having words with Sal J. Scognamillo, executive chef, co-owner, Patsy’s Italian Restaurant

Dec 14, 2009

Mention the name Patsy’s to almost anyone who appreciates Italian food, music and New York history, and the conversation is almost certain to turn to Francis Albert Sinatra, the Chairman of the Board, Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank himself. Recognized as a ...

Eco-friendly practices, local purchasing top trends list for 2010, new NRA survey says

Dec 14, 2009

WASHINGTON National Restaurant Association. —Sustainable and locally grown and sourced ingredients will be the top menu trends in 2010, according to chefs polled recently by the The survey of...

What you get paid for: An open letter from the owner to the crew

Dec 14, 2009

“I believe in people and think they are more effective when given principles rather than procedures, strategies rather than tactics, whys rather than wants.”—Harvey GolubDEAR TEAM MEMBER: In the last 10 years the customer has been really good to...

McDonald’s debuts AVATAR campaign

Dec 13, 2009

OAK BROOK Ill. Hoping to boost sales by tying its products and marketing campaigns to the highly anticipated AVATAR science-fiction movie, McDonald’s is engaging customers on a number of digital and in-store promotional fronts.Mary Dillon, global...

NRN announces leadership changes

Dec 13, 2009

NEW YORK Lebhar-Friedman Inc., parent company to Nation’s Restaurant News, has named Randall Friedman publisher of NRN, replacing Tom Larranaga. Friedman brings more than 15 years of experience in media marketing, sales and business development...

Qdoba introduces kids’ meals

Dec 13, 2009

DENVER Qdoba Mexican Grill has introduced its Kids Meal options, joining segment competitors in trying to appeal more to families with special menu items and deals for children. To mark the occasion, Qdoba also will execute a “Kids Eat Free”...