QSR Executive Interviews

Restaurant Industry Set to Outpace National Job Growth

QSR magazine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:17:18 +0000

Despite sluggish recovery by the nation's economy, the restaurant industry is projected to expand in 2012, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast released today.

Total restaurant industry sales are expected to reach a record high of $632 billion in 2012 – a 3.5 percent increase over 2011, marking the second consecutive year that industry sales have topped $600 billion.

FCSI Offers Conference Grants to Emerging Leaders

QSR magazine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:22:29 +0000

FCSI-The Americas, the only consulting society dedicated to serving independent foodservice design and hospitality management professionals, today announced the availability of several $1,000 conference grants designed to defray the costs of attending the 2012 conference this April in Kansas City, Missouri.

 Several $1,000 grants are being offered to qualifying foodservice professionals wishing to attend the FCSI The Americas 2012 Conference. Applicants must be non-FCSI members as well as foodservice and hospitality consultants with fewer than five years of experience.   

NRA Responds to President Obama's State of the Union

QSR magazine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:58:12 +0000

In reaction to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address tonight, the National Restaurant Association called for the advancement of several pro-growth policies to allow the restaurant industry—the nation’s second-largest private-sector employer and creator of 230,000 net jobs in 2011—to continue its position as a leading job producer and engine of economic success.

"After adding an impressive 230,000 jobs in 2011, the strongest gain since 2006, America’s restaurant industry is expected to outpace the overall economy i

Quiznos Restructures to Avoid Bankruptcy

QSR magazine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:45:37 +0000

Quiznos completed its previously announced financial restructuring on an out-of-court basis, helping the company avoid bankruptcy.

The agreement eliminates one-third – or about $300 million – of the company's outstanding debt, and provides a significant infusion of $150 million in new equity from Avenue Capital Group, a global investment firm, to position Quiznos for future growth.

Who is Sardar Biglari?

QSR magazine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The CEO of Steak ‘n Shake is using his unique style to try to reboot the company's operations.

When Sardar Biglari moved with his family to the U.S. in 1984, Steak ‘n Shake was already a verified favorite on the quick-serve scene. In fact, the tried-and-true Midwestern chain was celebrating its 50th anniversary the year Biglari immigrated to San Antonio from Iran.

Today, 28 years later, Biglari is chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings, the parent company of Steak ‘n Shake, Western Sizzlin, and investment management firm Biglari Capital Corp., a group of subsidiary companies that together are worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Former UK Head of McDonald's Food Opens New Agency

QSR magazine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:33:33 +0000

Former UK Head of Food at McDonalds, Mike Faers has launched a new management consultancy called Food Innovation Solutions (FIS) to help global food businesses deliver truly innovative new products.

“Being so focused on managing costs in these difficult financial times can make it difficult to justify true innovation,” Faers says.

“But a continuous stream of new consumer focused ideas is vital for any food organization to survive in today’s highly competitive marketplace”

Bennigan's Launches Legendary Comeback

QSR magazine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:23:06 +0000

Bennigan's Franchising Company began a legendary comeback in 2011 by re-energizing the beloved brand with a commitment to bring memorable dining experiences to every guest, every day.

This remarkable resurgence began over the past year with a brand refresh at the company's two corporate locations and a plan to bring the same menu optimization and service enhancements to current and future franchise partners.

Arby’s Names Russ Klein As CMO

QSR magazine — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:43:44 +0000

Hala Moddelmog, President of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (ARG), announced today that Russ Klein will join Arby’s as Chief Marketing Officer.

President Clinton to Give Keynote at 2012 NRA Show

QSR magazine — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:21:12 +0000

President Bill Clinton, Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the 42nd president of the United States, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show on May 6. Clinton will share insights into his presidency and his current work with the William J. Clinton Foundation.

The NRA Show 2012 will be held at its new dates May 5–8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Arby’s Names New Chief Operating Officer

QSR magazine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:10:58 +0000

Hala Moddelmog, President of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., has announced that George Condos will serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the Arby’s brand.

Condos joins the company with more than 30 years of restaurant experience, primarily with Dunkin Brands, where he held the position of Vice President of Marketing, Development and Operations leading the significant sales and unit growth in the Northeast.

He later held the position of SVP and Brand Officer of Dunkin Donuts where he led a portfolio strategy of brand development in the U.S. until 2006.