FDA Announces Widespread Calorie-Listing Regulations
In a ruling that will have significant and widespread effects across several industries, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will now require chain establishments with 20 or more locations to list their foods’ caloric information on their menus. This includes chain restaurants, movie theaters, amusement parks, grocers and convenience stores. MORE>>
Texas Roadhouse COO to Retire
Texas Roadhouse Inc. chief operating officer Steve Ortiz will retire after 18 years with the company, the operator said Tuesday. Ortiz, whose retirement will be effective Jan. 12, is working on an agreement with Texas Roadhouse to become a franchisee in the San Diego area. “We thank Steve for his 18 years of service to Texas Roadhouse,” CEO Kent Taylor said in a statement. “His operational focus and his passion for our company will serve us for years to come.” MORE>>
NRA Serves Up Facebook App for Alcohol Responsibility
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) released the ServSafe Facebook app, Serving It Up with ServSafe, as part of its campaign to promote responsible alcohol service during the holidays. The campaign provides tools and tips that will help promote alcohol responsibility among restaurateurs and restaurant employees. MORE>>
The Cheesecake Factory More than Just Desserts
Four defining factors separate The Cheesecake Factory from competition in the casual dining marketplace. With 175 units in the United States, the chain generates average unit volumes of more than $10 million per restaurant per year, driven by high traffic and an affordable check average. Executives of the Calabasas Hills, Calif.-based company shared key insights during a presentation for analysts at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference on Nov. 18 in New York. MORE>>
Bacardi Plans New Dewar’s Offerings To Tempt Bourbon Drinkers
Bacardi Ltd. is backing its Dewar’s Scotch label with a robust innovation agenda as it looks to reinforce the brand’s position as an authentic, accessible whisky option for Millennial consumers. Last year, Dewar’s reached 1.22 million cases in the U.S. on 1.7% growth, according to Impact Databank, placing it second among Scotch whisky brands in the market after Johnnie Walker, which it trails by about half a million cases. MORE>>
The Melting Pot Sets Sights on Little Rock, Ark., for Franchise Expansion
The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the world's premier fondue restaurant and a leading polished casual dining franchise, announced today that it is actively seeking franchisees to bring its interactive dining experience to Little Rock, Ark., naming the city as a target for future franchise development. MORE>
Ginger Beer Kicks Up Cocktail Menus
It’s the fizzy little mixer that could: Ginger beer is lending its spicy bite to a range of contemporary cocktails at bars and restaurants across the country, and its menu appearances are soaring. The more-assertive cousin to ginger ale comes in alcohol and non-alcohol varieties; the non-alcohol brands that are prevalent on-premise can do double duty by serving as a backbone for flavorful mocktails (or serving on their own as a refreshing alternative to cola). MORE>>
Despite the flat-to-down performance of the U.S. beer market over the past few years, there have been some bright spots—and it’s not just the obvious segment that seems to grab most of the headlines.
Crafts, of course, are getting the lion’s share of the attention, with their collective double-digit volume and revenue growth rates and dominance of the blogosphere. But import performance should not be discounted.
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Imports Make the Grade
Despite the flat-to-down performance of the U.S. beer market over the past few years, there have been some bright spots—and it’s not just the obvious segment that seems to grab most of the headlines. Crafts, of course, are getting the lion’s share of the attention, with their collective double-digit volume and revenue growth rates and dominance of the blogosphere. But import performance should not be discounted. MORE>>
How will the Menu-Labeling Regulations Affect your Restaurant?
Now that the FDA’s final regulations on menu labeling have been released, it’s time to start planning to make sure your restaurant meets the requirements. The menu-labeling regulations, which are part of the 2010 health care law, will require restaurants with 20 or more locations operating under the same name to include calorie counts on menus, menu boards and drive-thru displays and provide other nutrition information to customers on request. The regulations are voluntary for smaller restaurants. MORE>>
'Situational Appropriateness' of Beer Influenced by Familiarity: Study
Familiar beer brands are considered more appropriate for refreshment or sporting events, while less recognizable options are better suited for "special occasions," consumer research suggests. MORE>>