OnFood: White truffles are hardly a trifle for chefs looking to add a touch of luxury

Nov 12, 2007

Hot, dry Italian summers may help wine production, but they do no favors for the development of one of the country’s other delicacies, white truffles. Like mushrooms, the prized tubers that grow underground around the roots of oak and hazel-nut...

Kona Grill raises cash for East Coast expansion

Nov 12, 2007

SCOTTSDALE ARIZ. Kona Grill upscale-casual chain is poised to add its fourth new branch and second on the East Coast this year, followed by six more in 2008. —Earmarking nearly $11 million...

Cooperating operators join up to fight food contamination

Nov 12, 2007

CHARLOTTE N.C. —“Collaboration” was the oft-repeated mantra of nearly 50 industry professionals gathered to discuss food safety trends and best practices at the recent Food Safety Symposium held here. Sponsored by Ecolab Inc...

People Report, NRN Online join forces to bring quarterly workforce index to industry operators

Nov 12, 2007

DALLAS —The foodservice labor market may be showing signs of softening as restaurant operators report fewer new jobs and vacancies and less difficulty recruiting for most of this year, according to the “Q4 ’07 Workforce Index,”...

Hardee’s brings back Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger

Nov 12, 2007

ST. LOUIS Hardee’s is reintroducing its Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger for a limited time. The sandwich features a third-pound Angus patty topped with sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted Swiss and American cheeses. It...

Taco Del Mar president resigns

Nov 09, 2007

SEATTLE Taco Del Mar founder and CEO James Schmidt assumed the duties of president of the 262-unit fast-casual chain Thursday upon the sudden departure of David Huether, who also was chief operating officer. Kevin Hansen, formerly franchise...

Red Robin credits marketing campaign for strong 3rd Q

Nov 09, 2007

GREENWOOD VILLAGE Colo. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. said its third-quarter profit rose 36.4 percent from a year ago thanks to a 27-percent surge in revenue from higher check averages and stronger customer traffic that the company said was...

Quiznos introduces $2 flat-bread Sammies

Nov 09, 2007

DENVER Quiznos is rolling out new, smaller portion flat-bread sandwiches called Sammies. The sandwiches, priced at $2 each, come in four varieties: Sonoma Turkey, Italiano, Alpine Chicken and Bistro Steak Melt. They can also be ordered as...

McD’s comps continue to surge

Nov 08, 2007

OAK BROOK Ill. McDonald’s Corp. reported on Thursday another global surge in monthly same-store sales, which it said was driven by strong results in all of its regions. Sales in the United States were boosted by value-centric menu items, breakfast...