This week, Fuddruckers introduces Fudds Favorites, the restaurant’s most popular premium-cut burgers with toppings from the grill. Fudds Favorites include Bacon Cheddar, made with thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese; Three Cheese, which has Swiss, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melted on top; and The Works, topped with thick-cut hickory smoked bacon, sautéed mushrooms and American cheese. Fudds Favorites are being offered at limited-time, good-value prices in 1/3 and 1/2 lb. Fudds Deal combos, which include the burger, wedge-cut fries and soft drink. Prices may vary in some participating restaurants. All three Fudds Favorites may also be purchased a la Carte in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 and 1 lb. burgers.

“You can’t beat the quality or taste of a Fuddruckers burger – especially when you top them with our most popular items from the grill,” said Chris Pappas, Fuddruckers CEO. “Fudds Favorites are also a great deal because it allows our guests to have what they love at prices they’ll also love.”

Guests can visit Facebook.com to join the Fuddruckers conversation and Fudds eClub for the latest news and perks. To learn more about Fuddruckers, visit Fuddruckers.com.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) (NASDAQ:CPKI), home to the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches, and desserts, opened its first full-service restaurant in Tucson, Arizona today.

The new 4,400 square-foot restaurant features an outdoor patio and is located on the south side of the Tucson Mall, next to the H&M clothing store. The restaurant will operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. Guests can dine in or place a Curbside take-out order by ordering online at www.cpk.com, using their CPK iPhone app, or by calling (520) 407-5004.

Following CPK’s tradition of giving back to the community, the new Tucson location will donate 100% of all dine-in pizza sales during regular business hours Tuesday, November 30, 2010, to the Diamond Children’s Medical Center (DCMC). A partnership between University Medical Center and The University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center, DCMC is focused on bringing advanced care and compassion to all children in Southern Arizona. It will be the only children’s health facility in southern Arizona connected to an academic medical center, allowing children the advantage of being treated by leading experts with the latest diagnostics and therapeutic procedures.

The new Tucson CPK menu will feature all of the popular favorites and a number of new menu items, including:

• Four Seasons Pizza with imported Italian tomatoes, oven-roasted artichoke hearts, salami, fresh mushrooms, mild onions, and fresh Mozzarella cheeses topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese;
• Roasted Artichoke and Spinach Pizza, inspired by CPK’s popular Spinach Artichoke Dip, with a blend of oven-roasted artichoke hearts, sautéed spinach and garlic, Fontina, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and a spinach artichoke sauce;
• Baby Clam Linguini featuring linguini fini and baby clams with garlic, fresh Italian parsley, Parmesan cheese, white wine and red pepper flakes tossed in either a light lemon cream sauce or imported Italian tomatoes and fresh basil;
• Italian Deli Sandwich, a combination of spicy Capicola ham, salami and pepperoni topped with Mozzarella and Fontina cheeses, basil and shredded lettuce tossed in a herb-mustard Parmesan vinaigrette;
• Turkey Stack Sandwich oven-roasted turkey breast, sliced fresh Roma tomatoes, mayonnaise, shredded lettuce and Grey Poupon Dijon honey mustard; and
• Butter Cake, CPK’s newest dessert, an oven-baked butter cake served with fresh whipped cream.

The new restaurant will also feature an extensive beverage menu from its full bar, including the CPK Margarita and popular favorites such as Cranberry Mint Cooler and Cherry Lime Sparkler.

Domino’s Pizza, along with families across the nation, is getting ready for the hustle of the holidays!  The night before people enjoy a Thanksgiving Day feast with friends and family, many choose the convenience of fueling up on pizza – making Thanksgiving Eve one of the busiest nights of the year for Domino’s.

Because so many will make this Wednesday night a family pizza night, Domino’s will be delivering more than 1.1 million pizzas to homes across the country.

“As weary travelers roll into their destinations the night before turkey day, Domino’s Pizza is making sure a delicious, hot meal for the family is only a few clicks or a phone call away,” said Chris Brandon, Domino’s Pizza spokesperson. “It’s one of those days we circle on the calendar well in advance. Our stores stock up on ingredients and get plenty of delivery drivers ready to make sure we meet the needs of our hungry customers across the nation.”

A day consumers have circled is the day after Thanksgiving – of course, to take advantage of big savings. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, the big deals of the long weekend bring with them a bit of shopping madness. Domino’s hopes to ease the insanity with its Feed the Shoppers Twitter giveaway.

Beginning today through Dec. 5, 2010, customers can enter to win a free meal in the form of a $15 Domino’s Pizza gift card at twitter.com/dominos.  To enter, consumers simply must follow @Dominos and tweet the phrase, “I’m entered to win a free meal from Domino’s ($15). Follow @Dominos & RT to enter! #feedtheshoppers Rules: http://bit.ly/dpz_fts”.

Domino’s will give away 20 gift cards every day during the 2-week period.

“We want everybody to have a stress-free holiday shopping experience, which means giving them a break from the madness to enter to win some pizza on us,” said Brandon. “Use the winnings for yourself when you don’t feel like cooking after a long shopping marathon. Or better yet, use it as a gift to mark a name off your holiday shopping list.”

Consumers hungry for an easy and affordable gift this season can also visit www.dominos.com to treat family and friends to a Domino’s gift card.  Gift cards are available in denominations of $5 to $100 and are redeemable online.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 YEARS AND OLDER.  VOID IN ALASKA, HAWAII, AND WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends 12/5/10. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, and to enter, visit http://more.dominos.com/2010/11/feed-the-shoppers/.  Sponsor: Domino’s National Advertising Fund Inc., 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has introduced its newest private label wine — Forty-Six Diamonds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, 2008 — which is available in each of its 64 restaurants across the country.

Marian Jansen op de Haar, Fleming’s National Director of Wine, partnered with famed California winemaker Walter Schug and his son Axel of Schug Winery to bottle this 2008 blend. Walter Schug was the winemaker for Joseph Phelps in 1974 when they introduced Napa’s first officially recognized Bordeaux style blend, the iconic Phelps Insignia.

The grapes for this year’s Forty-Six Diamonds were sourced from four outstanding Sonoma Valley vineyards: Rancho Salina, located in the hills next to the famous Monte Rosso vineyard; Atwood, located in a cool, foggy patch on the valley floor near Kenwood; and Horne and Ricci, both in Carneros. The wine is a big, polished Cabernet-blend with dark cassis, plum, blueberry and black currant fruit flavors, with fine-grained integrated tannins and a long finish.

Fleming’s produced its first private label Forty-Six Diamonds in 2007 and since that time has collaborated annually with premium wineries and winemakers to create a wine that is truly one of a kind.

“Forty-Six Diamonds was a natural progression for Fleming’s ongoing commitment to provide the very best wine experience for our guests,” says Jansen op de Haar. “We enjoy creating memorable times on many different levels, and we’re proud to share this limited-edition private label wine with our guests. Our goal every year is make food friendly, harmonious wines that reveal their origins.”

Other winemakers who have collaborated in the creation of Forty-Six Diamonds in past years include Michael and Rob Mondavi, Jr. of the famed Napa family, Ken Deis of Flora Springs, and Georges and Franck DuBoeuf of Beaujolais. According to Jansen op de Haar, in 2011 Fleming’s will partner next with Salvatore Ferragamo of Il Borro Winery in Tuscany, Italy.

Thomas Arvid, internationally renowned artist and wine aficionado who was commissioned to create the label for this handcrafted boutique wine, also assisted in the blending of Forty-Six Diamonds. Each year, his label design features a diamond shape in homage to the wine’s name. Arvid’s oversized still life paintings of wine and the rituals around it adorn the walls of every Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar across the country.

White Castle Cravers can bring their own favorite taste to Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 25, by creating White Castle’s Turkey Stuffing, a tradition among fans of the Original Slider® for 20 years.

White Castle’s Turkey Stuffing is quick and easy to make, especially for cooks preparing the entire Thanksgiving dinner. The recipe is:

10 White Castle hamburgers, pickle removed

1 1/2 cups diced celery

1 1/4 teaspoon each ground thyme and ground sage

1 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1/4 cup chicken broth

Tear burgers into small pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add celery and seasonings. Toss and add chicken broth and toss ingredients together again. Stuff cavity of turkey just before roasting. The recipe makes about nine cups, enough for a 10 to 12 pound turkey. Note:  Allow one White Castle hamburger for each pound of turkey, which will be the equivalent of 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound.

“Family and tradition are both important to White Castle and we’re excited about the longevity of the stuffing recipe,” Jamie Richardson, vice president of corporate relations, said. “The recipe is a way for Cravers to enjoy White Castle during their Thanksgiving feast.”

All White Castle restaurants are open on Thanksgiving to help Cravers with a last-minute urge to make the stuffing or to enjoy any other White Castle treat.

Cravers on holiday also can visit www.HouseofCrave.com to purchase White Castle’s Original Slider®-scented candle.

“The holiday season is also about giving back and Cravers can purchase the Original Slider® candle and give back to a great cause,” Richardson said. “The net proceeds of the candle sales go to Autism Speaks and cravers can fill their house this holiday season with the steam grilled-on-a-bed-of-onions scent.”

The candle is one of a number of White Castle gifts available for holiday purchase on the website.

Starting November 17, Bruegger’s will offer its guests just what they need to beat the chill on a crisp winter day. The bakery operator, with 300 locations in 26 states, will reintroduce two favorites for a limited time only — a lunch combination of its Four Cheese and Tomato Panini and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup, and its indulgent Cinnamon Roll Bagel.

The Four Cheese Panini and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup pairing has all the qualities of classic comfort food: a steaming cup of sweet tomato soup served with a sandwich of melting cheeses and fresh sliced tomatoes inside fresh-baked bread, grilled to perfection – all at a satisfyingly low price.

For those guests with a sweet craving, Bruegger’s Cinnamon Roll Bagel is back by popular demand. To make the decadent treat, Bruegger’s uses its classic bagel dough mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon. Warm from the oven, the Cinnamon Roll bagel is drizzled with vanilla icing and creates the perfect complement to a cup of coffee on a chilly winter morning or a pick me up after a day of holiday shopping. Another treat sure to please is Bruegger’s fresh baked Snicker Doodle Cookie, topped with holiday sprinkles.

As psychologist Avery Gilbert says: “Just inhaling the scent of cinnamon can improve your mood, vigor, concentration and can even make you kinder.”

For those that want to share the flavorful offerings of Bruegger’s this holiday season, Bruegger’s offers gift cards in a variety of denominations. For the coffee, tea and soda lovers on the holiday list, Bruegger’s Bottomless Mug is a gift that keeps on giving. Guests who purchase the mug will not only receive unlimited free refills of coffee, tea or soft drinks for a full year — they’ll contribute to a great cause. Bruegger’s will donate a portion of proceeds from every Mug purchased between Oct. 27 and Dec. 31, 2010 to the Children’s Miracle Network and its local affiliate children’s hospitals.

Jack in the Box restaurants is bringing back the Bonus Jack and reintroducing the Secret Sauce that made it so delectable. A popular menu item that debuted in the 1970s, the Bonus Jack features two beef patties topped with two slices of American cheese, lettuce, pickle and Secret Sauce and served in a triple-decker bun. For a limited time beginning this week, participating Jack in the Box restaurants are offering the double-patty burger along with a small order of fries and small drink in the Bonus Jack Combo Meal for the suggested price of $3.99, plus tax.

“This is a big burger and hearty meal at a very retro price,” said Tammy Bailey, division vice president of menu marketing and promotions for Jack in the Box Inc. “Our guests today can now experience a popular blast from Jack’s past and a value-priced combo meal that is particularly appealing to those on a tight budget.”

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), based in San Diego, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box restaurants, one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains, with more than 2,200 restaurants in 19 states. Additionally, through a wholly owned subsidiary, the company operates and franchises Qdoba Mexican Grill, a leader in fast-casual dining, with more than 500 restaurants in 43 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.jackinthebox.com.

The Bonus Jack is not offered in the following markets: Kansas City, Lubbock, Salt Lake City/St. George and Twin Falls.

Bistro Z, the upscale modern American bistro at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tarrytown, recently introduced a new dinner menu that features a selection of local, seasonal foods, taking advantage of the restaurant’s place in the Hudson Valley.

New starters include pumpkin and sage ravioli with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and shaved asiago cheese; and porridge of polenta with sautéed mushrooms and white truffle oil. These starters join menu favorites including a baby spinach salad with aged goat cheese, cremini mushrooms and Dijon mustard vinaigrette and poached jumbo shrimp.

Entrée newcomers include a grilled pork chip with braised red cabbage, seedless red grapes and applejack reduction; pan roasted chicken breast with mushroom risotto and grilled broccolini; lamb loin chops with parsnip puree and haricot vert; and citrus braised veal osso buco, with horseradish and chive mashed potatoes. Also available on the entrée menu are a grilled salmon filet with braised winter greens, lemon confit and fingerling potatoes; a Long Island duck breast with mustard and pine nut spaetzle and roasted baby spinach; and a pan roasted beef tenderloin and grilled jumbo shrimp duo with Bordelaise sauce, among others.

For a sweet ending, try a decadent dessert such as New York cheesecake with white chocolate curl, a warm apple tart with vanilla ice cream, a vanilla custard cream with burnt sugar topping or choice of sorbet or ice cream.

“We are committed to offering local food that highlights the season’s best produce,” said Executive Chef James Rosenbauer. “It’s a wonderful challenge to create a new menu around the Hudson Valley’s bounty.”

Bistro Z is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is located at the DoubleTree Hotel, 455 South Broadway in Tarrytown, New York.  For more information or reservations for Bistro Z, please call (914) 524-6410 or check their Website at www.bistrozny.com.

The DoubleTree Hotel offers 247 guest rooms, and the largest Grand Ballroom in Westchester, with 10,000 square feet of space.  A total of 24,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space also includes another ballroom and 17 meeting rooms.  In addition, the hotel offers a complimentary Business Center, spa, indoor pool, sauna, fitness center and a separate Glatt Kosher kitchen for accommodating Kosher events.

Set on 11 acres of landscaped grounds in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the new DoubleTree Hotel is conveniently located just off Exit 9 of I-87 in Tarrytown, NY.  The hotel is just 15 minutes west of the Westchester Airport, and 25 minutes north of New York City and LaGuardia International Airport.  Nestled in a corporate atmosphere near many Fortune 500 companies, the DoubleTree offers a country atmosphere and friendly service for both business guests and vacationers.

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN), the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, invites guests to celebrate with friends and family around the teppanyaki table this holiday season. Benihana now offers several holiday promotions including its “Be The Chef” package and a gift card promotion that will allow guests to further enjoy an authentic and unique dining experience.

For a limited time this holiday season, Benihana is offering restaurant guests the perfect holiday gift and opportunity to become a Benihana chef for the day and learn the art of teppanyaki cooking on the hibachi grill. Benihana’s “Be The Chef” package will give a friend or family member the chance to experience Benihana firsthand with a private lesson in teppanyaki cooking from a master Benihana chef and then cook a 5-course meal for family and friends.

The “Be The Chef” package includes a one-on-one training session with a Benihana chef to learn how to cook teppanyaki style on the hibachi grill; a full Benihana teppanyaki performance by the gift recipient to entertain friends and family; a masterpiece meal created to enjoy with three additional guests; an official Certificate of Completion certifying the gift recipient as a Teppanyaki Master; and a complimentary souvenir photo of the performance that can be downloaded and shared with additional friends and family.

Included in the package is Benihana’s “Splash ‘n Meadow” dinner which features hibachi steak and shrimp, vegetable fried rice, onion soup, salad, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, Haagen-Dazs ice cream and Japanese hot green tea. On sale at participating locations through the holidays, the “Be The Chef” package for four people is $140. Additional guests can be added for only $35 per person, and Benihana is offering a special price of $250 for eight guests.

Also for the holidays, Benihana offers gift cards that allow family and friends to get together in the perfect atmosphere for a gathering or special event. For every $50 spent on Benihana gift cards, purchasers will receive an additional $10 promotional card to be used January 2, 2011 through March 31, 2011. In addition, restaurant guests can celebrate the holidays at Benihana, as all restaurant locations are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

“This holiday season, you can give a unique gift to a friend or family member that can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Richard C. Stockinger, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Benihana. “Celebrate the holidays with one of our many festive offers and share an unforgettable dining experience with your loved ones.”

For more information about Benihana, visit www.benihana.com.

The West Sahara location of Hash House A Go Go makes serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner easy with its Turkey Dinner To Go Go. Beginning Monday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 22, Las Vegans can order a complete turkey feast from the Sahara location to serve on Thanksgiving, without the hassle of preparing it.

 “We are excited to offer our delicious Turkey Dinner To Go Go again this year,” said Hash House A Go Go Owner Jim Rees. “Not everyone wants to spend all day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving and we are happy to offer a convenient and affordable alternative.”

The restaurant’s Thanksgiving Day meal, or Turkey Dinner To Go Go, serves six people for $89.95. The meal includes a ten-pound turkey with stuffing, homemade garlic mashed potatoes and pumpkin mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and carrots, homemade biscuits and strawberry jam, chutney and homemade Snickers or Pumpkin bread pudding. Turkey Dinner To Go Go orders must be placed by noon on Monday, Nov. 22 and picked up  between  noon and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Orders can be placed by calling (702) 804-4646.  This will only be available at the West Sahara location.

In addition, beginning Monday, Nov. 8 and through the holidays, Hash House A Go Go is offering a baker’s dozen of its popular homemade buttermilk biscuits to go for only $12.95. The baker’s dozen features 13 of the fluffy biscuits and homemade jam prepared daily in the restaurant.

Hash House A Go Go brings farm-fresh food with a funky, modern twist to the locals and visitors of Las Vegas. The well-known restaurant is famous for its unusual décor and enormous portions. The restaurant has garnered dozens of local and national accolades and has been featured on the Food Network, “Martha Stewart,” “Dr. Phil” and most recently, the popular Travel Channel program, “Man v. Food.” For reservations or inquiries, please call the Sahara location at (702) 804-4646, the Imperial Palace location at (702) 254-4646, the M Resort Spa Casino location at (702) 797-1500 or visit www.hashhouseagogo.com.

Dean Ogan, owner of Rocky Top Hospitality, has announced that Rocky Top Hospitality restaurants Bogart’s American Grill and Michael Dean’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar will open for Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, Nov. 25. Bogart’s menu includes starters, salads, sides, desserts, and a carving station with fried turkey, roast beef and roasted ham. Michael Dean’s will offer a seafood display, hot buffet items, cold buffet items, desserts, and a carving station with fried turkey, roasted turkey breast and traditional spiral ham.
 
Buffets are $34.99 for adults and $10.99 for kids. Reservations are required.
 
“Rocky Top Hospitality is excited to open for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” said Ogan. “We hope everyone comes out to enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving meal with us.”
  
Rocky Top Hospitality has been devoted to improving Raleigh, North Carolina’s local dining scene since 1998, when its first restaurant opened.  Michael Dean’s Seafood Grill and Oyster Barwas the culmination of years of planning by Dean Ogan. Seven other restaurants have now opened under the Rocky Top Hospitality name and include The Twisted Fork Grill, Market & Bar, The Red Room Tapas Lounge, Bogart’s American Grill, Hi5, The Mash House Brewery & Chophouse, Tribeca Tavern, and 1705 Prime Catering & Events, a thriving events facility and catering business. Rocky Top Hospitality always builds restaurants from the menu-out, so the emphasis is always on the food and how to create an experience you cannot find anywhere else. For more information visit the website at http://www.rockytophospitality.com.

On Friday, November 19, McDonald’s® will hide three giant McCafe® coffee cups in three locations located throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties during its first-ever national McCafe Scavenger Hunt. Beginning at 7:00 a.m. PST, McDonald’s will distribute clues on their local Twitter account, @McDonalds_SoCal. The first person who finds one of the three cups placed in different locations throughout the day will receive a year’s worth of free McCafe beverages.

McDonald’s McCafe Scavenger Hunt coincides with the upcoming launch of the newest addition to the McCafe beverage line – Caramel Mocha – a heart-warming blend of sweet caramel and rich mocha, smooth espresso, whole or non-fat milk, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

The McDonald’s McCafe Scavenger Hunt will take place in eight other cities in the U.S. There will be a total of three grand prize winners in each market. Consumers who visit the cup after it has first been found can also receive a coupon for one free small-sized McCafe beverage, while supplies last. For more information please see official rules http://bit.ly/aAFf8E.

“The Caramel Mocha is the perfect treat during the holidays and every day,” said Neal Ruby, president of the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC). “We hope that McDonald’s first-ever national scavenger hunt will get customers excited to discover this delicious new addition to the already popular McCafe line up.”

MOASC is comprised of nearly 600 franchised and company-owned McDonald’s restaurants in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura. Follow us on Twitter @McDonalds_SoCal.

White Castle’s flavored chicken rings and sweet potato fries have returned to its menu. Cravers can tantalize their taste buds with the hot and cool flavor combination of spicy buffalo or zesty ranch-flavored chicken rings or pair an order of sweet potato fries along with a sack of Original Sliders®.

“Given the popularity of the flavored chicken rings and sweet potato fries from a few years ago, we decided to bring them back as permanent menu items,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president of corporate relations. “White Castle is continuously providing our customers with satisfying menu options, whether we’re having menu specials for a limited time or are bringing back past menu specials for good.”

The spicy buffalo flavor is for Cravers who like fiery flavors. Zesty ranch flavor brings a cooler sensation to the palate. The trio of chicken ring flavors, spicy buffalo, zesty ranch, and original, bring together hot, cool and traditional flavors for any Craver’s preference. Both chicken ring flavors will be permanent additions to the regular White Castle menu.

“Sweet potatoes are synonymous with the fall and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,” Richardson added. “We think November is the ideal time to make sweet potato fries available on the menu.”

Spicy buffalo and zesty ranch-flavored chicken rings and sweet potato fries are now available in restaurants.

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today celebrates the launch of the holiday season in Starbucks stores nationwide with the arrival of Starbucks handcrafted holiday beverages in the iconic red cups. Starbucks invites customers to bring a friend to participating company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 18-21 from 2-5 p.m. to receive a free beverage when purchasing a holiday beverage of equal or lesser value, which includes the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Also debuting today are the new Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Christmas Blend and Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, as well as the celebrity-designed (STARBUCKS)^RED Ceramic To-Go Cup and Card by Jonathan Adler.

“The holidays are all about enjoying celebrated traditions with the ones we love, and Starbucks joins in the spirit of the season as a welcoming place to share these moments,” said Annie Young-Scrivner, global chief marketing officer, Starbucks Coffee Company. “Whether you visit your local Starbucks to share a favorite holiday beverage with a friend, or are looking for the perfect gift, our stores provide a gathering place to connect with your community and share holiday moments with those you love over a cup of coffee.”

In addition to the special offer for holiday beverages available in participating company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada from 2-5 p.m. on Nov. 18-21, Starbucks invites those in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York to celebrate the season today by visiting unique holiday pop-up experiences, where attendees can create and share a free personalized postcard – with a special “buy one, get one” offer for a Starbucks handcrafted beverage – to send greetings to friends and family. For more information on ways to share the season, visit www.Starbucks.com/Share.

Delight in Starbucks Seasonal Holiday Coffees at Home or On-The-Go

Starbucks Christmas Blend returns today as one of the most beloved coffees in Starbucks portfolio, a tradition rooted in more than three decades of expertise and passion for coffee. Admirers of this traditional coffee can now enjoy this popular blend in a darker roast with the new Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, a coffee with an intense flavor profile and unforgettable spicy finish, available at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada.

For those on-the-go this holiday season, Starbucks introduces the new Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Christmas Blend, providing a comforting taste of the holidays wherever you go. This latest addition to Starbucks VIA Ready Brew portfolio is now available at participating U.S., Canada, Japan, Philippines and UK retail locations.

Savor Each Moment with Starbucks Holiday Beverages

The return of the iconic red cups also brings the beloved Starbucks holiday beverages, including:

• Caramel Brulée Latte – A holiday show stopper, this combination of rich caramel, espresso and steamed milk is topped with a cloud of whipped cream and shimmery caramel pieces.
• Peppermint Mocha – For true peppermint fans, this combination of espresso with bittersweet chocolate, peppermint flavored syrup and steamed milk is topped by whipped cream and chocolate curls.
• Gingerbread Latte – With the flavor of freshly baked gingerbread, this beverage combines espresso, gingerbread flavored syrup and steamed milk, topped by whipped cream and ground nutmeg.
• Eggnog Latte – This wildly popular interpretation of holiday eggnog layers rich espresso with subtle spices, the perfect choice for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.

A Convenient Gifting Destination for Anyone on Your List

In collaboration with designer Jonathan Adler, Starbucks introduces exclusive offerings including the limited-edition (STARBUCKS)^RED Jonathan Adler Ceramic To-Go Cup and (STARBUCKS)^RED Jonathan Adler Card. Customers can join Starbucks in giving back this holiday season as the company will contribute to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa with every purchase of (STARBUCKS)^RED offerings. For last-minute gifts, fun stocking stuffers or just a personal treat, Starbucks has a variety of exceptional holiday merchandise, including beautiful coffee and tea gift sets, and the new Tazo Joy tea in full-leaf form – Starbucks has just the right gift for anyone on your list.

‘Tis the season for giving thanks, and this year Pizza Hut is most thankful for its loyal fans. To show appreciation for pizza lovers, Pizza Hut is launching a new deal — for just 10 days, Nov. 11-20, two medium pizzas with up to three toppings are just $6 each.  Pizza fans will be pleased to know that the offer is available for delivery, carryout or dine-in orders.

“At Pizza Hut, we know the best way to show our gratitude to our deserving fans is by giving them an incredible deal on our pizza,” said Brian Niccol, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “This is our way of saying thank you to consumers for making us their favorite pizza.”

To help extend the attitude of gratitude to loyal followers, @pizzahut (twitter.com/pizzahut) will celebrate “The 10 Days of Thanks” on Twitter Nov. 11-20. During “The 10 Days of Thanks,” @PizzaHut will enumerate the 10 reasons why Pizza Hut loves their fans. Followers are advised to be on the lookout for special surprises from @pizzahut during the celebration.

Pizza Hut also wants to let fans know of a special upcoming holiday in honor of all of their favorite pizza toppings — “National Pizza with Everything Except Anchovies Day” on Nov. 12.  Those partaking in festivities can keep in mind that Pizza Hut offers 14 toppings that create endless combinations of deliciousness (toppings vary by region, check with your local Pizza Hut for availability): from pepperoni, ham, pork, beef, Italian sausage, bacon pieces and chicken to mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapenos and pineapple.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin) today announced the addition of cupcakes in three different flavors to its variety of offerings this holiday season. Known as the place where friends and families celebrate all of life’s special occasions, Red Robin’s new So Very Vanilla, ChocoLOT and signature Freckled Lemonade cupcakes are the perfect dessert for restaurant guests to enjoy at the restaurant or to take home. Order one for $1.99 or three for $5.29.

For another sweet treat, Red Robin also is offering its popular holiday-time beverage, the Gingerbread Shake, which is blended with tasty graham cracker crumbs and topped with a ginger snap cookie, only $2.99 for the Classic size.

“We are proud to provide our guests with many choices while dining at Red Robin, including desserts,” said Dave Woolley, executive chef of culinary development for Red Robin. “By introducing cupcakes and bringing back the seasonal taste of gingerbread into our restaurants, our guests have a lot to crave this holiday.”

Additionally, in honor of the season of giving, Red Robin will offer $5 Bonus Bucks with the purchase of every $25 in Red Robin holiday gift cards for consumers to share with family, friends and co-workers. For every $25 gift card purchased between Tuesday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 26, guests will receive an additional $5 in Bonus Bucks they can use at Red Robin after the holidays, from Friday, Jan. 1 – Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, to treat themselves to any of Red Robin’s more than two dozen gourmet burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and entrees.

For more information on Red Robin and to find a restaurant location near you, visit www.redrobin.com.

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is celebrating the holiday season with a variety of ice cream cakes, including its wildly popular Turkey Cake, designed to complement any holiday feast.  Baskin-Robbins’ festive and delicious ice cream cakes are available once a year for a limited time and will make a gorgeous focal point for any dessert table this holiday season.  

Home chefs often feel pressure to breathe new life into their holiday meals, especially when they have been serving the same menu year after year.  Baskin-Robbins encourages holiday hosts to reinvent their dessert tables this year with a new tradition – a delicious Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake.

With its sweet glaze and sugar cone turkey legs, this popular Turkey Cake is making a highly anticipated return.  In addition, customer favorites such as the Harvest Roll, Turtle Pie and Praline Caramel ice cream cake are perfect for any holiday celebration.  The seasonal cakes are ready made and can be picked up in store. Ordering a Turkey Cake or any other customized ice cream cake couldn’t be easier.  Guests must place an order at their local Baskin-Robbins shop a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

“As a family-focused brand, we understand the importance of bringing people together during the holiday season to celebrate traditions,” said Brian O’Mara, Vice President of Marketing for Baskin-Robbins.  ”We think adding an ice cream cake to your holiday dessert table is a great way to start a new and delicious family tradition.

Baskin-Robbins Holiday Cakes Starting at $19.99:

These heart-warming ice cream cakes are sure to please this holiday season:

• Turkey Cake: Baskin-Robbins signature, classic all-ice cream cake shaped like a turkey will be the center piece of the dessert table. Choose the ice cream flavor glaze in chocolate/caramel and enjoy the sugar cone turkey legs.  Serves 12-to-16 for a suggested retail price of $31.99*.
• Harvest Roll Cake: Fudge frosted roll cake, finished with a seasonal decoration of leaves and pumpkins. Designs can be customized with seasonal ice cream favorites. Serves 6-to-8 for a suggested retail price of $19.99*.
• Turtle Pie: A classic holiday dessert served with Pralines ‘n Cream ice cream on a chocolate pie crust covered in a caramel glaze and finished with pecans and a fudge border. Serves 6-to-8 for a suggested retail price of $19.99*.
• Praline Caramel Ice Cream Cake: A fully decorated 9-inch round Devil’s Food cake in between layers of Vanilla and Pralines ‘n Cream ice creams frosted with whipped topping, garnished with a caramel glaze. Serves up to 16 guests for a suggested retail price of $29.99*.

To learn more about Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes as well as flavor combinations and innovations, consumers can visit the Baskin-Robbins Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BaskinRobbins or follow Baskin-Robbins on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BaskinRobbins. To enter the Baskin-Robbins Flavor Contest to create a personal favorite flavor combination, visit www.baskinrobbins.com/flavorcreator.

Wendy’s announces the nationwide launch of its new natural-cut fries with sea salt, marking the first complete redesign of the company’s classic fries in its 41-year history. Designed to give French fry lovers a hotter, crispier taste experience with an enhanced potato flavor and texture, Wendy’s new fries are the only ones to be offered by a national fast food chain with the natural “skin-on” cut and seasoned with sea salt.

The new fries incorporate a range of new ingredients and preparation methods to meet consumers’ demand for a better-tasting, higher-quality French fry. They are made 100% from Russet potatoes and sliced “natural-style” with the skin on for additional texture and taste, then cooked in proprietary oil that contains no allergens and has 0 grams trans fat per serving.  They are finished with a dusting of natural sea salt to further enhance the flavor.

“A year ago, Wendy’s launched its Real brand position that is the foundation of our company — real products with authentic, high integrity ingredients, fresh preparation and exciting tastes and flavors for every main food item we serve.  We challenged ourselves to translate this brand promise into even better French fries. The result is hotter, crispier, and tastier natural-cut fries, seasoned with sea salt.  We think our sea salt fries will set a new standard in the QSR industry,” said Ken Calwell, Wendy’s chief marketing officer.

Wendy’s based its redesign on extensive consumer research on what they wanted in a great-tasting French fry, which includes an even golden color, a real potato taste, and one that stays hot longer.  After several months in the company’s R&D labs, the new natural-cut fries were test marketed in three cities across the U.S.  Consumers gave very high ratings for quality, taste and overall value. Fry sales were above expectations and continued to be strong even after the test marketing advertising ended.

Wendy’s new natural-cut fries will be priced the same as their current French fries and be offered in the same four serving sizes. Introduction of the new fries begins nationwide on November 11, with all restaurants expected to be serving the new fries by the end of the following week.

The launch will be supported by nationwide marketing activities, which include a Facebook “Fry for All” campaign at www.facebook.com/wendys and a holiday gift card promotion awarding a coupon for free fries of any size with the purchase of each $15 Wendy’s gift card.

IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has joined Healthy Dining, an innovative program with an online resource that makes it quick and easy for guests to find healthy options while eating out. Available now at HealthyDiningFinder.com, guests can find twelve dietitian-approved IHOP menu items to meet their nutrition needs. 

“IHOP understands guests are looking for smart yet simple solutions that balance their craving for delicious meals with their interest in eating right when dining out,” said Carolyn O’Keefe, IHOP’s senior vice president, marketing. ”IHOP’s partnership with Healthy Dining is one of several steps we have taken to provide guests with tools to make informed decisions at mealtime.”

Today’s announcement rounds out IHOP’s new menu launch. IHOP has freshened up its signature menu with an exciting new look, helpful nutrition tools and even more lower-calorie options. IHOP now offers more than 30 SIMPLE & FIT under 600 calorie selections including every item on the Just for Kids menu, as well as a number of tips on how to enjoy lower calorie versions of IHOP classics. 

“Nutrition-minded diners will appreciate how many entrée options at IHOP meet the Healthy Dining nutrition criteria,” said Anita Jones-Mueller, founder/president of Healthy Dining. ”HealthyDiningFinder.com takes the guesswork out of identifying healthy choices on the menu and empowers health-conscious guests to make informed decisions.” 

Whether guests are looking for something sweet or savory for breakfast, lunch or dinner, HealthyDiningFinder.com now features twelve IHOP dishes. Five of these dishes are highlighted on the site’s new “Sodium Savvy” section as entrées that contain 750 mg. of sodium or less, and appetizers, side dishes and desserts that contain 250 mg. of sodium or less. The twelve IHOP dishes include:

• SIMPLE & FIT Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Bowl — A light and refreshing bowl of seasonal fresh fruit topped with low-fat strawberry yogurt and granola (2 servings fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Blueberry Harvest Grain ‘N Nut Combo — Two Harvest Grain ‘N Nut pancakes loaded with blueberries and topped with fresh slices of banana. Served with scrambled egg substitute (.75 serving fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Fresh Fruit Crepe — Two crepes topped with fresh fruit, low-fat strawberry yogurt and granola (1.5 servings fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Whole Wheat French Toast Combo — Two slices of whole wheat French toast topped with fresh slices of banana. Served with scrambled egg substitute and two strips of turkey bacon (.75 serving fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Two-Egg Breakfast — Scrambled egg substitute, two strips of turkey bacon, whole wheat toast and fresh fruit (1 serving fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Two X Two X Two — Egg substitute with two buttermilk pancakes and two strips of turkey bacon
• SIMPLE & FIT Veggie Omelette with Fresh Fruit – Made with mushrooms, green peppers, onions and oven-roasted tomatoes (2 servings fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Spinach, Mushroom & Tomato Omelette with Fresh Fruit — Made with fresh spinach, mushrooms, onions and Swiss cheese, and is topped with diced tomatoes (2.5 servings fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Simply Chicken Sandwich — A tender grilled chicken breast on a toasted Romano-Parmesan bun with lettuce and fresh tomato includes a side of fresh fruit (1.5 servings fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Take Two Combo with Half Turkey Sandwich and Fresh Fruit — (1.25 servings fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Grilled Balsamic-Glazed Chicken — Grilled tender boneless chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, diced tomatoes and a balsamic glaze. Served with a side of broccoli and a house salad with reduced-fat Italian dressing (2.75 servings fruit/veg)
• SIMPLE & FIT Grilled Tilapia — Seasoned fish grilled to perfection then topped with a medley of sautéed mushrooms, onions and diced tomatoes. Served with a side of broccoli and a house salad with reduced-fat Italian dressing (2.75 servings fruit/veg)

In addition to the nutritional information for specific items available on HealthyDiningFinder.com, nutritional information for IHOP menu items is available at IHOP.com. 

To find an IHOP restaurant near you, please visit www.ihop.com. Follow IHOP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ihop.

Blair River stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 600 pounds. His weight and his enthusiasm for the food at Chandler’s Heart Attack Grill have won him a $100-an-hour modeling contract.

This week he shot a YouTube video commercial to promote the grill, which invites anyone over 350 pounds to eat for free.

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