McD operators end test of entertainment tech

Jan 31, 2007

OAK BROOK Ill. Three McDonald’s franchisees have halted tests of technology that enabled guests to use cell phones, web-enabled handheld devices or laptops to request music or videos for in-restaurant entertainment, the Oak Brook-based chain...

Upstate N.Y.’s Johnny’s Lunch signs 75-unit deal

Jan 30, 2007

JAMESTOWN N.Y. Johnny’s Lunch, a local dining institution here, has launched its national franchise drive by signing a development pact with Michigan Group, JBV, LLC of Franklin, Mich. According to terms of the deal, Michigan Group agreed...

NRN Southeast bureau chief Jack Hayes dies

Jan 30, 2007

ATLANTA Jack Hayes, the highly respected veteran business journalist and acclaimed poet who was Nation’s Restaurant News’ Southeast bureau chief for 19 years, died Jan. 26 after an apparent heart attack at his home in suburban Snellville, Ga. He...

Savvy operators turn to marketing tactics to overcome regulatory surge

Jan 30, 2007

News

Lavely leaves Ruth's

Jan 30, 2007

HEATHROW Fla. Tony Lavely resigned Monday as senior vice president of marketing and business development for Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc., the company said. Lavely left the chain "to pursue other business and personal interests," according...

Hardee's adds some heft at breakfast

Jan 30, 2007

ST. LOUIS Hardee's is breaking out the heavy artillery in the escalating quick-service breakfast wars with the rollout of the Monster Biscuit, an a.m. version of its popular Monster Thickburger oversized sandwich. The new breakfast...

Abuelo's hires two new vp's

Jan 30, 2007

LUBBOCK Texas Food Concepts International, parent of the 37-unit Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy chain, has announced several executive changes. Abuelo's has hired Ryan Biggs as vice president of strategic planning and Steve Hutnyan as vice...

Acritical mass

Jan 29, 2007

When actress Julia Roberts portrayed fictional restaurant critic Julianne Potter in the 1997 film, “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” every breath and bite she took led the restaurant staff to tremble.The unmitigated power and unbridled influence of one...

Balancing fears of foodborne foes

Jan 29, 2007

When consumers watch the nightly news and learn about a food safety problem related to restaurants, the immediate reaction of many viewers may be to avoid the implicated businesses in the coming days and weeks.Operators who have experienced such...