Franchise lawyer: Federal rule changes good for both sides
Apr 21, 2008
On July 1 the world of restaurant franchising will change in a big way. That’s the day the Federal Trade Commission will begin enforcing a rule change that governs the amount of detail franchisors must disclose in their uniform franchise offering...
Communicating during layoffs can help retain top talent
Apr 21, 2008
With labor costs rising along with energy and food costs, restaurant operators may think layoffs are a quick solution to protect the bottom line, but workplace consultant Mark Wilbur advises clients to slow down and do a thorough analysis of their...
Small plates = ops changes for Au Bon Pain
Apr 21, 2008
Early sales results from Au Bon Pain’s Portions menu rollout have the chain believing small tastes can make a big impact on sales. Introduced systemwide in March, Portions are 14 grab-and-go, snack-sized items merchandised in refrigerated...
Chef-servers, working a charcoal fire pit, create a dinner-party atmosphere at Chicago’s ZED451
Chef-servers, working a charcoal fire pit, create a dinner-party atmosphere at Chicago’s ZED451
Apr 21, 2008
At the new ZED451 in Chicago, chef-servers offer grilled meats to guests at tables, then return to a blazing, charcoal-fueled fire pit that is the main cooking medium and focal point of the dining room. It’s an upscale-casual dining experience...
Having Words With Jeffrey Bank Chief Executive, Alicart Restaurant Group
Having Words With Jeffrey Bank Chief Executive, Alicart Restaurant Group
Apr 21, 2008
Recession fears are sending shivers through the restaurant industry, but Jeffrey Bank, chief executive of Alicart Restaurant Group in New York, is confident he can weather tough times. Alicart’s largest concept is Carmine’s, an 18-year-old family...
On the Cutting Edge; Foodies in Suits: Richard Melman
On the Cutting Edge; Foodies in Suits: Richard Melman
Apr 21, 2008
Richard Melman doesn’t pat the burgers as he did almost four decades ago when he opened R.J. Grunts, an eatery with a ‘70s vibe that’s still popular today. But the founder and chairman of Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc. still...
Sonic promotes McLain to president
Apr 21, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY Sonic Corp., the 3,400-unit drive-in chain based here, announced several promotions within its top management, effective May 1. Scott McLain, currently president of the company's franchising subsidiary, will assume the...
Bower named Cosi’s chief development officer
Apr 21, 2008
DEERFIELD Ill. Cosi has named industry veteran Paul Bower chief development officer, effective immediately. Bower most recently was vice president of development for Redbox, a DVD rental company with more than 7,000 locations developed as a...
Green efforts can add value to customer experience
Apr 21, 2008
Mark Beauchamp, co-founder of the six-unit Café Yumm!, an environmentally friendly fast-casual restaurant chain in Eugene, Ore., says the profit he’s received from his concept is twofold: He’s benefited financially, while also delivering a...
Barista training bolsters efforts to keep quality employees at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf chain
Barista training bolsters efforts to keep quality employees at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf chain
Apr 21, 2008
GLENDALE CALIF. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store opens here next month in the new Americana at Brand retail and residential development, every employee will have gone through the chain’s new barista training program, much to the relief of general...
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