Restaurant news to know: June 20, 2014

Should restaurant reservations be for sale? (The New York Times)
Some new smartphone apps let people pay to get reservations at restaurants where tables are in a great demand. Some essentially scalp reservations. With others, the restaurants themselves sell reservations. Are these services a useful way to let people get into popular restaurants, or are they just another way for restaurants to sell something that was once free? Owners and experts debate the issue.
 
—Ron Ruggless

TGI Fridays embraces the food truck trend – with just one minor snag (Washington Post)
TGI Fridays has launched a food truck tour to convince consumers to “rethink” the brand. The truck hit Washington, D.C., this week to give out free samples.

—Lisa Jennings

Red Robin to open first Chicago location (Chicago Tribune)
The casual-dining chain will debut its first unit in the Windy City Monday, with a second slated to open there in one week.

—Marcella Veneziale

Graham Elliot closes Connecticut restaurant (Greenwich Patch)
The celebrity chef has shuttered Primary Food & Drink in Greenwich.

—Marcella Veneziale