High-tech, space-efficient kitchen a key feature of The Mansion’s multimillion-dollar renovation

Dec 17, 2007

Plying an array of kitchen equipment that includes both cutting-edge and traditional pieces, executive chef John Tesar is leading the newly remodeled and reopened restaurant of the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek into a distinctive new chapter. ...

In Memoriam

Dec 17, 2007

FRANCIS M. “FRANK” BARRETT, creator of the Ground Round casual-dining concept, died Nov. 15 in Brighton, Mass. He was 79. Barrett’s foodservice career started in the mid-1960s as a management trainee at a Howard Johnson’s in Wollaston Beach...

Daphne’s gears up for franchising with focus on simplicity

Dec 17, 2007

SAN DIEGO Calif. Keep it simple. That’s the operations mantra at Daphne’s Greek Cafe, a fast-casual chain that has nearly 80 units and is positioning itself for a growth spurt. By early 2008, the San Diego-based company hopes to start...

Dagwood’s headquarters said to be shuttered

Dec 14, 2007

CLEARWATER Fla. Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes LLC has closed its corporate office here and laid off corporate employees, according to sources affiliated with the fledgling sandwich chain. A formal announcement about the shutdown is expected early...

Jersey Mike’s names Jones president

Dec 13, 2007

MANASQUAN N.J. Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems said it has named Domino’s Pizza veteran Hoyt Jones president of the 335-unit sandwich chain. The role of president had been held by founder Peter Cancro, who retains his post as chief...

Seasons 52 vet to develop casual-dining ‘districts’

Dec 13, 2007

ORLANDO Fla. An operations specialist from Darden Restaurants’ Seasons 52 and Bahama Breeze chains has teamed up with a local developer to open “nighttime entertainment districts” studded with high-end casual restaurants. Doug Doran left...

With a nod to McD, Yum airs a turnaround plan

Dec 12, 2007

NEW YORK Yum! Brands Inc. officials reportedly told analysts and investors Wednesday that it would follow the lead of archrival McDonald’s in attempting to turn around lagging domestic sales at its five major quick-service chains. The operator or...

L.A. moves forward on yearlong fast-food ban

Dec 12, 2007

LOS ANGELES A Los Angeles City Council committee on Tuesday approved an ordinance that would prevent the opening of quick-service restaurants in certain parts of the city for one year. The measure now moves to a vote by the full council, though a...

La Madeleine names Shumsky CEO

Dec 12, 2007

DALLAS La Madeleine Bakery, Café & Bistro today named Michael R. Shumsky chief executive officer of the 61-unit chain. Shumsky succeeds Greg Buchanan, who left in August to become chief executive at Buffet Partners Holding Co., parent of...

Carl’s Jr. rolls Mexican breakfast burrito

Dec 12, 2007

CARPINTERIA Calif. Carl’s Jr. is expanding its breakfast lineup with a new Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Burrito. Aportable takeoff on a traditional Mexican breakfast, the new burrito features refried beans, scrambled eggs, jack and cheddar...