According to Technomic's Generational Consumer Trend Report, the Millennial generation, aged 18 to 33, rivals the Baby Boomer generation in size. As a result, restaurant chains are adjusting their tactics to make their foodservice operations more appealing to this sizable demographic.
Dallas-based Dave & Buster's Inc. named Dolf Berle president and chief operating officer.
Fcusing on international growth, Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM - News) has placed its Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Food Restaurants for sale. The company has also begun the process to identify a buyer.
The gastro-pub continues to gain momentum as a conceptual trend by combining gourmet, chef-driven foods in a pubby, bar-focused space.
Illinois Tool Works has expanded the cooking options available in its Vulcan line through the acquisition of certain assets from TEC.
Some foodservice operators are no longer boxed in by the concept of boxed lunches.National coffee house chain Caribou Coffee continues to diversify its breakfast menu.
While the majority of the foodservice industry took its lumps during the U.S. recession, the fast-casual segment remained resilient. In fact, the segment enjoyed a 4.5 percent increase in sales in 2009, according to Technomic, a Chicago-based market research firm. While the segment did benefit from consumers trading down, its success was also due to operators' willingness to continue to develop their menu mix to meet consumers' ever-evolving tastes. Take, for example, Camille's Sidewalk Café.
Fifteen-year foodservice industry veteran Tom Donovan continues to climb the corporate ladder at Unified Brands.
Owners since 1984, the Brooks family has sold its ownership of Hooters.
Cooper-Atkins Corp. announced a trio of promotions and several new hires within its sales organization.
Domino's, CPK, The Cheesecake Factory, Energy Kitchen and Greenz all announced expansion news.
Cold Stone Creamery announced plans to introduce a yogurt concept into its existing stores in 2011.
Qdoba Mexican Grill promoted a pair in its restaurant operations department and an other in the area of franchise development.
Six restaurant chains announced operating results in the past week.
In an attempt to drive shareholder value, according to a company release, Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEN), is exploring strategic alternatives for Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., including a sale of the brand. A quick-service sandwich chain, Arby's operates nearly 3,700 restaurants. In contrast, Wendy's operates 6,500 restaurants in more than 20 companies.
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Foodservice Equipment & Supplies (FE&S) is the one media source that connects equipment and supplies manufacturers and service providers with the full distribution channel including news, trends and best practices for foodservice equipment dealers, specifiers, operators, and supply chain partners.