Seeking the upside of a down market, chains aim to streamline operations

Even as the economy continues to produce dour news, restaurant executives are starting to seek the silver lining, using the downturn to best position their brands for the inevitable return to more prosperous times.

In February, reports that consumer confidence had hit a 15-year low, consumer spending had leveled off, and inflation might be picking up speed magnified the need for operators to pursue improvements to their businesses.

“There are times such as these we be