Economic woes have steakhouse players adopting new strategies

Nov 17, 2008

As the economy continues to take a toll on discretionary expenses such as restaurant meals, high-end steakhouse chains hit by reduced business spending are confronting a bigger set of challenges. With 80-unit Morton’s and 120-unit Ruth...

Papa John’s cuts its cheese prices, may extend financing to franchisees

Nov 17, 2008

LOUISVILLE Ky. Papa John’s International Inc. said earlier this month it would reduce the price it charges operators for cheese and explore ways to provide financial assistance during the credit freeze. ...

Study: Managers’ integrity integral to employee satisfaction

Nov 17, 2008

How hospitality employees perceive a manager’s integrity can affect the bottom line, says Tony Simons, an associate professor at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in Ithaca, N.Y. Simons and his colleagues studied 1,944 employees...

Study: Online recruiting should diversify, not replace, traditional hiring

Nov 17, 2008

GOLDEN Colo. Good Times Burgers & Custard chain based here has stopped accepting applications at its stores. —Looking to deflate a high turnover rate among hourly employees, the 53-unit...

Captain D's ad draws controversy

Nov 14, 2008

NEW YORK The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has referred advertising by Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen to the Federal Trade Commission after the chain declined to participate in a NAD review based on an ad...

McCormick & Schmick's, others feed customers outside the restaurant

Nov 13, 2008

PORTLAND Ore. As consumers dine out less, restaurants are still finding ways to get food on their tables, even if it's at home. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants this week launched a website where consumers can buy...

LaRosa’s passes torch to 2nd generation

Nov 13, 2008

CINCINNATI The 61-unit LaRosa’s pizzeria chain has promoted Mark LaRosa to president and chief culinary officer after naming his brother Michael chief executive earlier this year. The promotions put a second generation of LaRosas in...

NexCen hires new CFO

Nov 12, 2008

NEW YORK NexCen Brands Inc., the franchisor of Maggie Moo's and other treat brands, on Wednesday announced several executive hires, including the appointment of Mark Stanko as chief financial officer. Stanko succeeds Kenneth J. Hall, who...

Bob Evans 2nd-Q profit falls on high costs, slow sales

Nov 11, 2008

COLUMBUS Ohio Bob Evans Farms Inc. blamed “an extremely challenging economic environment” as it reported a nearly 27-percent plunge in second quarter profit and lowered its financial outlook for fiscal 2009. For the second quarter ended Oct...