The development of Burger King’s Homestyle Melt Sandwiches limited-time offering was a team effort that grew from a love of toast. “[It] really was a good example of a bunch of departments working together,” says Kevin Houston, Burger...
Spring is a time of renewal, and early into the season several chains have hired new agencies to give their brands a fresh look, and one is reinventing itself with a new identity. The reasons vary, but they’re a signal that brands, whether...
During O’Charley’s ongoing brand revitalization program, president Jeff Warne last year turned his attention to pushing the envelope on a menu revamp for the 240-unit casual-dining chain. “I want menu ideas that scare me, ideas...
CHICAGO —The slowed economy may be wreaking havoc on the restaurant business in many parts of the country, but not in the Windy City. The number of high-profile new independent...
COLUMBUS Ohio G&R Acquisition Inc., which struck a deal several days ago to buy Max & Erma’s, may be negotiating to buy the 80-unit Damon’s Grill casual chain, according to a published report. Officials at Damon’s, which has been attempting...
OAKVILLE Ontario Citing bad weather and earlier observation of Easter, bakery-cafe chain Tim Hortons Inc. reported first quarter results on Thursday that fell below both company and analyst expectations. The company also said Thursday that it had ...
MINNEAPOLIS Granite City Food & Brewery on Thursday reported a first quarter net loss that more than doubled over the year-ago period as costs related to new store openings and higher commodities prices ate into a 32-percent jump in revenue. The...
ATLANTA Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. has launched a new ad campaign featuring the “Arby’s Rescue Brigade,” an action-oriented squad whose mission is to rid the world of “ho-hum, everyday fast food.” The campaign, created by Omnicom Group’s...
RICHMOND HEIGHTS Mo. Escalating wheat costs, along with higher labor and interest expenses, hurt Panera Bread Co.'s profits for its first quarter ended March 25, the company reported. Earnings fell 17 percent to $12.4 million, or 41 cents...
