Inside the Way to Reinvent the Soda Fountain
With the battlefield deployment of three new fountain machines, PepsiCo is firing a shot across competitor Coca-Cola’s bow in the food service business. “The creation of Spire (PepsiCo’s beverage dispensers) signals that we’re going to get a lot more competitive in the space,” says Brad Jakeman, president of PepsiCo’s Global Beverages Group. MORE>>
Constellation Brands Beer Division Voluntarily Recalls Select Packages of 12 oz Corona Extra
Constellation Brands Beer Division announced a voluntary recall of select packages in the U.S. containing 12-ounce clear glass bottles of its Corona Extra beer that may contain small particles of glass. The voluntary recall covers 12-ounce clear bottles in select six-pack, 12-pack and 18-pack packages containing bottles with the production codes listed below. This recall comes after routine inspections in the company’s quality control laboratory detected defects in certain bottles that could cause small particles of glass to break off and fall into the bottle. MORE>>
Sparkling Wines with Comfort Foods
Sparkling wines have long accompanied aristocratic bites such as foie gras and caviar. But now chefs and bartenders on both sides of the pond are discovering how perfectly bubbly mates with pub grub. "The acidity and effervescence cut through heaviness so well," says Sandia Chang of London's Bubbledogs. Here, four surprising match-ups that prove high-low is the way to go MORE>>
Do Different Kinds Of Alcohol have Different Effects?
When your friend gets tipsy and starts rambling about how tequila turns her into a savage party monster, and then your other friend vehemently calls bullshit, calmly put your hands up and say this: "Friends. Please. I got this." And then explain to them what I'm about to explain to you. MORE>>
Darden Hires Search Firm to Find CEO
Darden Restaurants, Inc., one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant operators, has retained global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to assist the company in the recruiting of its next chief executive officer. Clarence Otis is stepping down as chairman and c.e.o. no later than Dec. 31. To ensure a smooth transition, Charles A. Ledsinger Jr. has been appointed independent non-executive chairman of the board. MORE>>
Restaurant Sales Continue to Trend Upward
Restaurant sales continued to trend upward in recent months, according to preliminary figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Eating and drinking place sales totaled $47.3 billion on a seasonally-adjusted basis in July, up 0.2 percent from June and the strongest monthly volume on record. MORE>>
How to Blind Taste Wine Like a Sommelier
One of the most satisfying achievements of any oenophile is an ability to recognize a wine whose identity is concealed. Equal parts talent, training and luck, blind tasting is the elusive grail of the professional wine world. MORE>>
Wild Wing Cafe Names Tom Lewison Chief Executive Officer
Wild Wing Cafe, a leading restaurant brand best known for food and musical entertainment, announced the appointment of Tom Lewison to the role of chief executive officer. “After a thorough search, Tom emerged as the natural choice to lead Wild Wing Cafe,” says Edna Morris, the company’s interim CEO and managing director of Axum Capital Partners, the private-equity firm that owns Wild Wing Cafe. MORE>>
Bar Louie Announces Expansion Plans in California
Bar Louie announced today plans to expand in California, with a focus on the San Diego market. Due to the success of its Arizona and Colorado locations, the company is actively seeking qualified candidates to open new restaurants along the West Coast over the next few years. This is part of Bar Louie's national expansion plan to target specific communities throughout the country. The company has plans for nearly 100 new corporate and 100 franchise locations across the U.S. within the next five years. MORE>>
Olive Garden and Redbox Partner for 'Dinner and a Movie' Promotion
Olive Garden's popular Buy One, Take One promotion is back with an entertaining twist: a "Dinner and a Movie" partnership with Redbox, America's destination for new-release entertainment at an incredible value. Starting today, participating guests will enjoy an entree at the restaurant and get a second entree to enjoy at home with a Redbox movie. Buy One, Take One prices start at just $12.99. MORE>>