NRN's - Breaking News

Brinker names Chili’s, On the Border prexy

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Brinker International Inc. has named Wyman Roberts, its former chief marketing officer, to the role of president for both the Chili’s Grill & Bar and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina chains. He replaces Todd Diener, who has stepped down after 27 years with the company, Brinker said Friday.

Five dining predictions for 2010

Mark Brandau — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

The restaurant industry can expect to get back to basics next year as it recovers from a tumultuous 2009, according to research firm Mintel. The menu trends analysts at Mintel outlined five projections for industry trends in 2010, and the unifying theme is a renewed focus on quality after a year preoccupied mostly with cost and how-low-can-you-go value deals.

Ted's Montana Grill names new CFO

Elissa Elan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

The 55-unit Ted’s Montana Grill said it has named Danielle Clark chief financial officer. She replaces Susan Alvarez, who retired.

Kona Grill COO Bartholomay resigns

Ron Ruggless — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Kona Grill Inc. said Friday that Mark L. Bartholomay had resigned as chief operating officer of the 24-unit chain “to pursue other business and personal interests.”

As restaurant sales bottom out, rebound eyed in 2010

Sarah E. Lockyer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Fitch Ratings, a credit and debt rating firm, expects the restaurant industry’s fortunes to improve late next year, following what it calls the bottoming out of weak industry sales trends currently taking place.

Restaurants bite into 'Twilight' craze

Ron Ruggless — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

With the opening of the movie “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” based on the wildly successful “Twilight” teen vampire love story series, a number of restaurant companies, including Burger King and Movie Tavern Grill, are tapping into the pop culture phenomenon.

Tyson Foods names Donnie Smith CEO

Paul Frumkin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

The board of directors of Tyson Foods Inc. has named Donnie Smith president and chief executive.

Gift card spending to fall this holiday season

Paul Frumkin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Restaurateurs counting on a big holiday sales boost from the merchandising of gift cards might be in for some disappointment this season, according to a study by the National Retail Federation.

Sun Capital brands target onsite growth

Elissa Elan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Sun Capital Partners Inc., the private-equity firm that owns such restaurant brands as Bruegger’s Bakery Café, Friendly’s, Fazoli’s, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill and Timothy’s World Coffee, said Thursday it plans to develop those fast-casual and dinnerhouse concepts for the onsite foodservice segment.

Having words with Panera’s Ron Shaich

Alan J. Liddle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Panera Bread Co. chief executive Ron Shaich will step down as chief executive next May and be replaced by co-chief operating officer Bill Moreton. Shaich, who co-founded the bakery-café concept 28 years ago, will become executive chairman of the board, and the changes will occur at the company’s next annual meeting on May 13, 2010.

Papa Murphy’s Take 'N' Bake Pizza for sale

Sarah E. Lockyer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Papa Murphy’s International confirmed Wednesday that its private-equity parent company, Charlesbank Capital Partners LLC, has hired North Point Advisors to explore a sale of the take-and-bake pizza chain.

Thomas Keller opens third Bouchon bistro

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Renowned chef Thomas Keller officially opened the third outpost of his Bouchon bistro concept in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Wednesday, marking the Southern California native’s return to the Los Angeles area.

Grand Lux goes small with new menu

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

The casual-dining Grand Lux Café chain is undergoing the most extensive menu overhaul in its 10-year history, including the addition of a small-plates category called “Minis, Bites & Tapas.”

Carl's Jr. touts value of new cheeseburger

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

After a lull in the ongoing burger battle, Carl’s Jr. came out of its corner of the ring on Wednesday to throw another punch at McDonald’s with the introduction of a Six Dollar Cheeseburger.

McCormick & Schmick's names new CFO

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants Inc. on Wednesday named Michelle Lantow chief financial officer, effective. Jan. 6.

Qdoba, CiCi's reach out to communities

Mark Brandau — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Qdoba and CiCi's Pizza say a focus on promoting a charitable message outside their restaurants has strengthened community outreach and helped draw in customers.

Panera’s CEO, Ron Shaich, to step down

Molly Gise — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Panera Bread Co. chief executive Ron Shaich will step down as chief executive next May and be replaced by co-chief operating officer Bill Moreton, the company said late Tuesday.

Macaroni Grill continues menu revamp

Pamela Parseghian — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

In a continued effort to revamp its menu, Romano’s Macaroni Grill will roll out another batch of new dishes and reformulated recipes on Nov. 23.

OSI Restaurant Partners cuts 3Q loss

Ron Ruggless — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

OSI Restaurant Partners LLC reduced its third-quarter loss by nearly a half from the same quarter last year and said that lower-priced deals at its Outback Steakhouse chain were attracting more customers.

Chipotle gets ready for European debut

Alan J. Liddle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:10 PST

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. said Tuesday it would enter the European market next April with the opening of a store on Charing Cross Road in London and is "actively looking" for other sites in the city.