en-us http://www.chainleader.com/ Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. Subject to its Terms of Use (http://www.chainleader.com/info/CA6460402.html) Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:43:26 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6686054.html?rssid=367 It's football season, and it's also announce-your-company's-NFL-sponsorship-status season for restaurant chains. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6686447.html?rssid=367 A survey shows a majority of consumers have been impacted by the recession, and they don't expect their situation to return to pre-recession levels. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6686880.html?rssid=367 Quick-service restaurant chains dominate the top of the list of Franchise Direct's Top 100 Global Franchises. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6686871.html?rssid=367 Despite the efforts restaurant chains from fast food to fine dining have made to add more-healthful items to the menu, consumers still aren’t buying. Recent research shows that customers cite economic factors as a reason for not purchasing healthful food—or as an excuse. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6686882.html?rssid=367 Emerging restaurant chain Buffalo Wings & Rings rebranded, developed a broader menu less reliant on chicken prices and created operator-support systems, and rebuilt its reputation among franchisees. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6659896.html?rssid=367 A beverage-industry lobbyist claims the alcohol-detection technology pushed by carmakers to reduce drunk driving will curb responsible drinking. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6663421.html?rssid=367 The fast-food restaurant chain brought business and community leaders together to help attract franchisees. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6668533.html?rssid=367 According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, restaurant chains fare well against other industries when it comes to customer satisfaction. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6668538.html?rssid=367 When it comes to growth, restaurants need help now more than ever. Maybe that's why operators are keen to share their favorite books and offer reasons why small chains should read them, too. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6668548.html?rssid=367 Waitresses who wear skimpy uniforms have earned their employers the moniker “breast-aurants,” a term that saddens Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery CEO Ron Lynch. “That's really kind of upsetting,” he laments. “Everyone wants to compare us to Hooters.” Well, no surprise. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6653050.html?rssid=367 Chicago-based market research firm Mintel tracks food, flavor and dining trends. In April, it released a list of "recession proof" foods, those that are growing in sales despite--or because of--the economic downturn. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6653040.html?rssid=367 What makes The Greene Turtle think it's a good time to begin its fairly aggressive plan, aiming to have 150 units open or in the pipeline within five years? Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6653038.html?rssid=367 Contestants in the 2009 Miss USA Pageant made a stop at the Las Vegas Buca di Beppo for a family-style meal. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6653031.html?rssid=367 All chains must innovate. But the process is particularly important for small, growing ones because it helps define the concept. Four executives at emerging chains discuss how they successfully launched a new menu item without leaving kitchen efficiency and consistency hanging in the balance. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6653037.html?rssid=367 Slow, flat and even negative company growth means fewer employees on payroll receiving lower pay. People Report, a Dallas-based human-resources benchmarking firm, surveyed chain restaurant companies to learn how the downturn is affecting their people practices. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6648743.html?rssid=367 Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. today begins a test of a new menu in its Denver-area restaurants which it believes will help customers to order more easily, and better understand the full universe of options at Chipotle. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:35:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6648296.html?rssid=367 Captain D's counter cease and desist letter listed a series of demands, including lower prices, an end of tipping and speedier service. The chain is inviting customers to submit letters of their own. Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:21:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6646815.html?rssid=367 Four out of five middle-market executives believe that the financial crisis will bottom out this year. A study of C-level and senior executives at middle-market companies reveals 28 percent predict it will happen within six months, and 52 percent say it will happen in six to 12 months. Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6646792.html?rssid=367 The Chile Verde, which went into test at 100 of units in March, is doing well. A week after introduction, 95 percent of guests surveyed gave it a “good” or “great” rating for flavor, and 93.5 percent said they would buy it again. Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6646804.html?rssid=367 By many measures, black, white, Asian and Hispanic diners are pretty similar. For example, all have reduced their restaurant visits in the economic downturn. But there are differences. Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT