Hottest Restaurant Menus Trends in 2012

The National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot in 2012” survey of nearly 1,800 professional chefs — members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) — reveals that children’s nutrition and local sourcing will be the hottest trends on restaurant menus this coming…
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Starbucks Enters Five New Cities Across Mainland China

Riding on the momentum from the opening of its 500thstore in Mainland China in October, Starbucks Coffee Company entered another five new Chinese cities: Langfang (Hebei Province), Zhengzhou (provincial capital of Henan Province), Harbin (provincial capital of Heilongjiang Province), Xiangtan…
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National Restaurant Association Registers Opposition to New Internet Domain Name Plan

In a statement for the record for today’s Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing, “ICANN’s Expansion of Top-Level Domains,” the National Restaurant Association’s Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, registered restaurant industry opposition to…
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EZ Menu Design Launches New Website Offering Restaurant Menu Design

EZ Menu Design launches a new website offering restaurant menu design and printing services.   EZ Menu Design offers completely custom designs and in house printing services. One of the most important aspects of the restaurant business is a well…
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Top Ten Dessert Trends for The Holiday Season

US Foods has unveiled its top 10 dessert trends for the holiday season.  The trends, based on US Foods sales data and Technomics menu tracking, include: Mini desserts – small bites of something sweet that doesn’t cost diners much in…
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Dunkin’ Donuts Introduces Texas Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Dunkin’ Donuts is serving up a hot and hearty new sandwich to keep guests running all day. The new Texas Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich features two slices of American cheese and one slice of white cheddar cheese melted between two…
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Baskin-Robbins Brings Bobsled Brownie Out of the Deep Freeze

‘Tis the season to enjoy ice cream whether it’s by reliving a moment in history with Bobsled Brownie, a flavor that was inspired by the 2002 women’s bobsled victory in Salt Lake City, or by giving the gift of ice…
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Visits to U.S. Restaurants Flat for First Three Quarters of 2011

The U.S. restaurant industry entered 2011 hopeful after ending 2010 with two consecutive quarters of one percent traffic increases, but the continuing economic saga of high unemployment and low consumer confidence kept visits to restaurants flat in the first three…
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Five Foodservice Trends Set to Shape Restaurant Menus in 2012

Competition in the foodservice industry is always fierce and restaurant chains are constantly jockeying for your business, money and attention in an overcrowded marketplace. However, in 2012 five trends outlined by Mintel Menu Insights will shape how operators appeal to…
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IHOP’s Flavored Coffees Brew Holiday Spirit

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is spotlighting its popular flavored coffees as a fun treat for shoppers looking to savor the season without breaking the bank.…
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Burger King Restaurants to Launch Coca-Cola Freestyle across the U.S.

The Burger King brand has always been known for its customized menu options. And now the same holds true for refreshing beverages. Guests at Burger King restaurants will now be able to pair America’s favorite burger, the Whopper Sandwich, with more than…
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Starbucks Mobile Transactions Exceed 26 Million Within First Year

Nearly a year ago, Starbucks Coffee Company rolled out the nation’s largest mobile payment program with the goal of offering a truly innovative mobile experience for customers worldwide. U.S. customers were introduced to a smartphone application with a Starbucks Card…
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Bennigan’s Launches Mideast Expansion Drive

Marking an aggressive international expansion push, Bennigan’s Franchising Co. has inked a master franchise agreement with the Al Aroud Group of companies to open 10 new Bennigan’s in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey. The first restaurant is expected…
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Restaurants Signing Up for Video Job-Interview Service JobOn

Restaurant managers in the Greater Washington area are embracing the new way to interview job seekers using recorded videos through JobOn.  Maryland locations include the chain McCormick & Schmick’s and as well as individual shops Grill Fire at Arundel Mills…
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Hooters Names Sam Rothschild as COO

Hooters of America, LLC has named Sam Rothschild as Chief Operating Officer to lead focus on operations excellence, and food and beverage development.  With over 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Rothschild joins Hooters to lead the company as…
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Kona Grill Appoints Marci Rude as Vice President of Development

Kona Grill, Inc., an American grill and sushi bar, has appointed Marci Rude to the position of vice president of development. Rude brings to Kona Grill more than 20 years of commercial development experience, including serving as director of real…
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Tasti D-Lite Acquires Planet Smoothie Franchise System

Tasti D-Lite, the lower-calorie frozen dessert chain catering to health-conscious consumers has announced the acquisition of Planet Smoothie, LLC, a franchise system with more than 100 units in operation, mainly in Georgia and Florida.  Planet Smoothie is a national franchisor…
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Wingstop Lines Up $15 Million for Franchisee Lending Program

Wingstop, the rapidly expanding wing chain with almost 500 locations in the U.S. and Mexico, has announced a new program designed to provide financing for franchisees. The financing will be provided through Franchise America Finance, and The Bancorp Bank, a…
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Large Asian Quick Service Restaurant Concept Coming to the US

Wok Box is expanding into the United States with the signing of its first franchise agreements in Arizona and Oregon. The new Asian quick service stores will open in the first quarter of 2012, bringing a uniquely fresh and healthy…
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