Best Houston Mexican Restaurant Offers Chance to Win Free Birthday Party

Houston, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Houston’s best Mexican restaurant and Tex-Mex grill, Paco Joe’s (http://www.pacojoes.com) is offering area residents the chance to win free party to celebrate their birthday.

The Houston, TX 77034 grill and cantina, known for quality food, great parties and friendly atmosphere says the idea behind the party giveaway is to bring family and friends together.

“Family is very important in our community so any chance we have to celebrate with our family and friends is wonderful,” said Gil Ramirez, Jr., General Manager of Paco Joe’s Grill & Cantina.

He said his restaurant will select winners and treat them to two (2) party platters of food for them to enjoy with their family and friends.

“We also have party favor for the guest, family and friends, free birthday balloons for the occasion, birthday cake for the celebrant and free photos,” Gil Ramirez said.

He added that to receive the birthday cake, the winner must have a party of 20 or more guests.

Paco Joe’s Grill & Cantina will select a winner first Monday of every month from among those signed up at http://pacojoes.com/win-a-party.

“We will select a winner every month and notify them that they have won. All anyone needs to do is to complete the form on the website and we will notify them when they win the prize,” Ramirez said.

Besides birthday parties, Paco Joe’s Grill & Cantina also hosts special events, sweet sixteen parties and more. The restaurant is also famous for its Happy Hour.

“We are Houston’s Party headquarters. We are equipped to host all kinds of parties including corporate and business luncheons, social events, holiday and graduation parties. To schedule your parties or other events, call us at 713-987-7300” Ramirez added.

Paco Joe’s has rooms specially designed to host large gatherings including Agave Room, Celebrity Room, Flaming Room, Patio Deck, Sun Room and VIP Lounge.

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Jack in the Box Inc. Reports Second Quarter FY 2012 Earnings; Updates Guidance for FY 2012

San Diego, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) today reported net earnings of $21.6 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended April 15, 2012, compared with net earnings of $6.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

Operating earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure which the company defines as diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis less gains from refranchising, were $0.27 per diluted share compared with $0.12 per diluted share in the prior year quarter. A reconciliation of non-GAAP measurements to GAAP results is attached to this release. Included in operating earnings per share were re-image incentive payments of $0.8 million, or approximately $0.01 per share in the second quarter of 2012 as compared to $1.4 million, or approximately $0.02 per share in the prior year quarter.

During fiscal 2012, the company has been engaged in a comprehensive review of its overhead structure, including evaluating opportunities for outsourcing, restructuring of certain functions and workforce reductions. As a result, restructuring charges of $1.5 million, or approximately $0.02 per share, were recorded during the quarter which relate primarily to severance costs for positions that were eliminated. These charges are included in “impairment and other charges, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of earnings. The company expects to incur additional restructuring charges during fiscal 2012 relating to this review.

Gains from refranchising contributed approximately $0.21 per diluted share for the quarter as compared with approximately $0.01 per diluted share in the prior year quarter.

Increase (decrease) in same-store sales:

Linda A. Lang, chairman and chief executive officer, said, “Jack in the Box company same-store sales increased 5.6 percent in the second quarter, driven by a combination of traffic growth and an increase in average check. We believe these results have been largely driven by the investments we have made to enhance the entire guest experience at the Jack in the Box brand, including the substantial completion of our system-wide re-image program in January.

“Qdoba’s same-store sales in the second quarter increased 3.8 percent for company restaurants and 3.0 percent system-wide. Importantly, company restaurant operating margin at Qdoba improved substantially during the quarter,” Lang said.

Consolidated restaurant operating margin was 15.5 percent of sales in the second quarter of 2012, compared with 12.3 percent of sales in the year-ago quarter.

Food and packaging costs in the quarter were 80 basis points lower than prior year. The decrease resulted from the benefit of price increases and favorable product mix as well as a greater proportion of Qdoba company restaurants which combined to more than offset commodity inflation. Overall commodity costs were approximately 3 percent higher in the quarter, driven by higher costs for most commodities other than produce and poultry.

Payroll and employee benefits costs were 120 basis points lower than the year-ago quarter, reflecting the leverage from same-store sales increases and the benefits of refranchising. These decreases were offset by higher levels of incentive compensation.

Occupancy and other costs decreased 130 basis points in the second quarter due primarily to leverage from same-store sales increases and the benefits of refranchising. These decreases were partially offset by higher debit card fees, higher depreciation expense related to the Jack in the Box re-image program and higher rent expense as a percentage of sales due to the greater proportion of company-operated Qdoba restaurants versus the prior year.

SG&A expense for the second quarter increased by $1.9 million and was 10.8 percent of revenues as compared to 10.4 percent in the prior year quarter. The increase in SG&A was attributable primarily to higher incentive compensation accruals, increased G&A related to Qdoba growth, and higher pension and pre-opening costs which were partially offset by lower advertising and overhead costs resulting from the company’s refranchising strategy. Mark-to-market adjustments on investments supporting the company’s non-qualified retirement plans positively impacted SG&A by $1.1 million in the second quarter as compared to a positive impact of $1.3 million in last year’s second quarter, resulting in a year-over-year increase in SG&A of $0.2 million.

Gains on the sale of 37 company-operated Jack in the Box restaurants to franchisees totaled $14.1 million in the second quarter, or approximately $0.21 per diluted share, compared with $0.9 million, or approximately $0.01 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter from the sale of 26 restaurants. For the second quarter of 2012 average gains were $380,000 per restaurant, and total proceeds related to refranchising were $20.7 million, or an average of $560,000 per restaurant.

Impairment and other charges increased in the quarter to $5.1 million from $4.5 million a year ago. This increase related primarily to restructuring charges of $1.5 million discussed above, the impairment of one underperforming Jack in the Box restaurant in 2012 and an increase in costs associated with closed restaurants. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in accelerated depreciation related to the company’s re-image program.

As previously disclosed, the company acquired 25 franchised Qdoba restaurants in two markets during the second quarter of 2012 for $33.0 million. These acquisitions are expected to be accretive to fiscal 2012 restaurant operating margin and earnings per share.

In November 2011, the company’s board of directors approved a new $100 million stock-buyback program that expires in November 2013. The company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the second quarter; and as of April 15, 2012, $100 million remains available under this authorization.

Restaurant openings

Seven new Jack in the Box restaurants opened in the second quarter, including 3 franchised locations, compared with 8 new restaurants opened system-wide during the same quarter last year, of which 6 were franchised.

In the second quarter, 8 Qdoba restaurants opened, including 6 franchised locations, versus 10 new restaurants in the year-ago quarter, of which 5 were franchised.

At April 15, 2012, the company’s system total comprised 2,242 Jack in the Box restaurants, including 1,641 franchised locations, and 605 Qdoba restaurants, including 316 franchised locations.

Guidance

The following guidance and underlying assumptions reflect the company’s current expectations for the third quarter ending July 8, 2012, and the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012. Fiscal 2012 is a 52-week year, with 16 weeks in the first quarter, and 12 weeks in each of the second, third and fourth quarters.

Third quarter fiscal year 2012 guidance

• Same-store sales are expected to increase approximately 3 to 4 percent at Jack in the Box company restaurants versus a 4.7 percent increase in the year-ago quarter.
• Same-store sales are expected to increase approximately 3 to 4 percent at Qdoba system restaurants versus a 5.1 percent increase in the year-ago quarter.

Fiscal year 2012 guidance

• Same-store sales are expected to increase approximately 3.5 to 4.5 percent at Jack in the Box company restaurants.
• Same-store sales are expected to increase approximately 3.5 to 4.5 percent at Qdoba system restaurants.
• Overall commodity costs are now expected to increase by approximately 3 to 4 percent for the full year, with lower inflation in the second half of the fiscal year.
• Restaurant operating margin for the full year is expected to be approximately 14.5 to 15.0 percent, depending on same-store sales and commodity inflation.
• 30 to 35 new Jack in the Box restaurants are expected to open, including approximately 15 company locations.
• 60 to 70 new Qdoba restaurants are expected to open, of which approximately 25 to 30 are expected to be company locations.
• The company expects to sell 80 to 120 Jack in the Box restaurants to franchisees with expected gains of $20 to $25 million and total proceeds of $40 to $50 million resulting from the sales.
• Capital expenditures are expected to be $85 to $95 million.
• SG&A is expected to be in the high-10 percent range with the increase from prior guidance due primarily to higher incentive compensation.
• Impairment and other charges are expected to be approximately 60 basis points, excluding additional restructuring charges in the third and fourth quarters.
• The tax rate is expected to be approximately 35 to 36 percent.
• Diluted earnings per share are expected to range from $1.28 to $1.50, excluding additional restructuring charges in the third and fourth quarters. Operating earnings per share, which the company defines as diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis less gains from refranchising, are expected to range from $1.00 to $1.15 per diluted share, excluding additional restructuring charges in the third and fourth quarters. Gains from refranchising are expected to contribute $0.28 to $0.35 to diluted earnings per share, as compared to approximately $0.78 in fiscal 2011.
• Diluted earnings per share includes approximately $0.10 to $0.11 of re-image incentive payments to Jack in the Box franchisees in fiscal 2012 to complete the re-image program as compared to $0.11 in fiscal 2011.

Conference call

The company will host a conference call for financial analysts and investors on Thursday, May 17, 2012, beginning at 7:30 a.m. PT (10:30 a.m. ET). The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet via the Jack in the Box website. To access the live call through the Internet, log onto the Investors section of the Jack in the Box Inc. website at http://investors.jackinthebox.com at least 15 minutes prior to the event in order to download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the call will be available through the Jack in the Box Inc. corporate website for 21 days, beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. PT on May 17.

About Jack in the Box Inc.

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 20 states. Additionally, through a wholly owned subsidiary, the company operates and franchises Qdoba Mexican Grill^®, a leader in fast-casual dining, with more than 600 restaurants in 42 states and the District of Columbia. For more information on Jack in the Box and Qdoba, including franchising opportunities, visit www.jackinthebox.com or www.qdoba.com.

Safe harbor statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. A variety of factors could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including the success of new products and marketing initiatives, the impact of competition, unemployment, trends in consumer spending patterns, commodity costs, the timing of sales of Jack in the Box restaurants to franchisees, and stock market volatility. These and other factors are discussed in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K and its periodic reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission which are available online at www.jackinthebox.com or in hard copy upon request. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as the result of new information or otherwise.

RestaurantNews.com

Local Franchisee, Brian Herczeg, Opens First Cousins Subs® Location on Thursday, May 17

Cousins Subs Unwraps New Store In Glendale

Menomonee Falls, WI  (RestaurantNews.com)  Cousins Subs® has announced they will be unwrapping a new location in Glendale, Ariz. on Thursday, May 17. Wisconsin native, Brian Herczeg and his partners – father Les Herczeg, sister Christina Herczeg, and brother-in-law Matt Walsh – will be opening their first Cousins Subs location at 5350 W. Bell Road, Suite 108, Glendale, Ariz. 85308. Matt will be leading the efforts as part owner and manager of the new store.

The newest Cousins Subs store will offer deli-style sandwiches with freshly sliced meats and vegetables, and will be one of the first stores in the area to serve-up fries and grilled sandwiches. The new location will also be one of the first in the Phoenix area to feature a new store aesthetic.

“Our family is proud to unveil the new Cousins Subs location in Glendale,” said Matt Walsh. “There is opportunity for substantial growth and we are thrilled to be a part of the Cousins Subs momentum in Arizona.”

The family has signed on with local franchise developer, Cliff Jones, to open two new stores in the next year. Jones will be opening a total of 10 stores in the next three years.

About Cousins Subs

Cousins Subs, based in Menomonee Falls in suburban Milwaukee, is a restaurant specializing in East Coast-style submarine sandwiches made with the finest ingredients served on a variety of freshly baked breads, along with salads, soups, chips and soft drinks. The tradition of Cousins Subs started in 1972, when two transplanted cousins from Atlantic City saw the need for an East Coast-style sub shop in their new hometown. They patterned their subs after the hoagie, grinder, hero and sub sandwiches they enjoyed back East. And with a dedication to delivering quality subs at fair prices, they opened their first restaurant. From the start, the two used bread baked fresh every morning and insisted on using only the finest, freshest ingredients. For more information, visit www.cousinssubs.com. You can also find Cousins Subs on Facebook and Twitter.

RestaurantNews.com

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John Grady, Ninety Nine Restaurants, 2012 Recipient of Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers' (CHART) Commitment to People Award

Chicago, IL  (RestaurantNews.com)  The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) (www.chart.org) will present the 2012 Commitment to People Award to John Grady, President of Ninety Nine Restaurants. He will be honored at the Commitment to People Awards Gala on Monday evening, July 23, 2012, during CHART’s 84th semi-annual Hospitality Training Conference to be held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, IL.

“Created in 1993, this prestigious award is given annually to a CHART member’s CEO/president in the hospitality industry who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the development of his or her associates,” explained Jen Swan, CHART President and Director of Learning and Development for CSM Corporation. Jen added, “Beyond supporting training, development, and mentoring programs, and fostering a people focused strategy, John’s commitment to people can be seen in many small ways as well. John exemplifies this award.”

John Grady began his career at Ninety Nine as a bartender. He rose through restaurant management ranks, multi unit supervisor ranks, spent ten years leading the training department and in 2004 was named President. These experiences allowed John to set the example of what one can achieve through personal motivation and development. He is committed to recognizing the value of all team members.

“John counsels patience and looks at people for their potential, commitment and energy. He understands that mistakes will be made but that mistakes are things to learn and develop from,” said Greg Witmer, Senior Director of Training, Ninety Nine.

Ninety Nine employs more than 6,000 people, many of whom have worked for the organization for more than 15 years. Approximately 50 percent of Ninety Nine’s entire management staff started out as hourly team members. The company attributes its high employee retention figures to a structure that places great value on its team members and offers unlimited growth opportunities

The restaurant’s motto is “We Treat People Right with A Passion to Serve”, which has been a guiding principle for John.

John’s commitment to people goes well beyond the walls of the Ninety Nine restaurants. John has always encouraged active participation by all team members in supporting causes that benefit those less fortunate. Under John’s leadership the restaurant won the National Award of Merit from The Boys and Girls Club in 2008 and Health Partner of the Year Award from Boston Business Journal in 2007 for its contributions to Pine Street Inn, a Boston area homeless shelter. Ninety Nine, through the efforts of its team members, has contributed close to $3 million dollars to such worthy causes as the Pine Street Inn, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

CHART’s award selection committee reviewed and ranked the Commitment to People nominees in four categories:

• Effective communication of the organization’s culture;
• Programs that demonstrate a commitment to people;
• Efforts to be involved in the development of people; and
• Ability to break down barriers to create opportunities.

The past recipients of this prestigious CHART award are:

2011 David Scrivano, President and CEO, Little Caesars Pizza

2010 Mark Running, President, Roy’s Restaurant

2009 David Overton, Chairman and CEO, The Cheesecake Factory Inc.

2008 Skip Fox, President, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

2007 Cameron Mitchell, President and founder, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

2006 Colin V. Reed, Chairman, President and CEO, Gaylord Entertainment

2005 Julia Stewart, President and CEO, IHOP Corporation

2004 Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield, co-CEOs, California Pizza Kitchen

2003 Harry Bond, FMP, President, Monical Pizza Corporation

2002 Kerry Kramp, President, Buffets, Inc.

2001 Robert Dedman, Founder and Chairman of the Board, and Robert Dedman Jr., President and CEO, Club Corp. Inc.

2000 William Walton, Holiday Inn

1999 Molly Hancock, Chief Operating Officer, Consolidated Restaurants, Inc.

1998 David C. Novak, President and Vice Chairman, Yum! Brands, formerly Tricon Global Restaurants

1997 Wally Doolin, President and Chief Executive, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide

1996 Bob Jameson, President and General Manager, The Worthington Hotel

1995 Simon Cooper, President and CEO, Delta Hotel and Resorts

1994 Joe Byrum, President, Morrison’s Hospitality

1993 Donald N. Smith, Chairman, President and CEO, Friendly’s Ice Cream

Other awards to be presented during CHART’s hospitality training conference in Chicago include the Spirit of CHART award as well as the CHART/NRAEF Scholarship and CHART/AHLEF Scholarship awards.

For more information on the CHART conference and/or award presentation, please call 312-405-2634, email lmarovec@ameritech.net or visit www.chart.org.

CHART (www.chart.org), a non-profit professional association founded in 1970, is the leading resource for the development and advancement of hospitality training professional and their organizations. With more than 450 members from more than 300 multi-unit restaurant and hotel companies, CHART represents a workforce of almost five million. CHART includes all facets of hospitality training, learning and performance professionals; from entry level to senior executive. CHART’s mission is to develop hospitality training professionals to advance industry training practices and improve operational results by providing access to education, tools and resources.

Ninety-Nine Restaurants (www.99restaurants.com)

With more than 20 million guests served each year, the Ninety Nine Restaurants is a friendly, comfortable place to gather and enjoy great American food and drink at a terrific price. Known for their signature hand-breaded Boneless Buffalo Wings, smothered with the Ninety Nine’s own special sauce, and Broiled Sirloin Tips in a special marinade, the Ninety Nine Restaurants menu has something for everyone and offers a wide selection of appetizers, entrees, delicious desserts and signature cocktails.

The Ninety Nine Restaurants is New England’s first locally-based casual restaurant chain, established in 1952 at 99 State Street in Boston. Headquartered in Woburn, Mass., Ninety Nine Restaurant currently operates 105 restaurants throughout New England and New York, and employs over 6,000 team members.

Contact

CHART
Tara Davey, Executive Director
800.463.5918
chart@chart.org
or
Lisa L. Marovec, FMP, Senior Director of Marketing
312.405.2634
lmarovec@ameritech.net
or
Ninety Nine Restaurants
Brad Schiff, V.P. Marketing
781.932.5120
bschiff@99restaurants.com

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RestaurantNews.com has been providing the latest online restaurant news for over twelve years.  RestaurantNews.com offers press release services and exposure for restaurant owners and operators looking to market their restaurants.  For diners, RestaurantNews.com offers current and upcoming restaurant deals, specials and promotions.  For more information, please visit http://www.restaurantnews.com/press-release/.

Free Wine Tasting Compliments of Five O'Clock Steakhouse

Milwaukee, WI  (RestaurantNews.com)  Milwaukee’s iconic Five O’Clock Steakhouse recently unveiled an all new wine list featuring an artful blend of full-bodied wines which pair with hearty steakhouse cuisine, as well as, refreshing summer sippers.

From now until Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 26, 2012, Five O’Clock Steakhouse invites you to enjoy a complimentary 2 oz. sample of any wine available by the glass when you dine in the lounge or dining room.

Choose From New Wine Selections Including:

Caymus Conundrum White Blend – Mango, papaya, kiwi fresh peaches and ripe pears.

Lo Duca Mamertino – A slightly sweet Chardonnay with crisp apple flavors.

Rosenblum Cuvee Zinfandel – Raspberry, Plum, Bing Cherry & Vanilla Spices. Ideal pairing with BBQ Baby Back Ribs.

Jay Lohr “Seven Oaks” Cabernet Sauvignon – A Cabernet heavy on the plum and blueberry.

Catena “Alamos” Malbec – Argentinean Malbec with bold flavors of tea, leather and blackberries. Perfect pairing with a thick, juicy steak.

Visit http://www.fiveoclocksteakhouse.com/wi/events-promotions to browse the full wine list or to make reservations. Five O’Clock Steakhouse is open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner.

Five O’Clock Steakhouse
414-342-3553
2416 W. State St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
www.FiveOClockSteakhouse.com

One of America’s Best Steakhouses – Culinary TV Host/Author Rachel Ray
A Classic Steakhouse Experience – Zagat Survey
One of the Top Ten Steakhouses in the U.S. – CNN’s Money Magazine
Milwaukee’s Best Steak – OnMilwaukee.com
Voted Best Steak – Shepherd Express & Milwaukee Magazine
Top Seven Favorite Steakhouses in the U.S. – Saveur Magazine
Best Restaurant – CitySearch Milwaukee

About Five O’ Clock Steakhouse

Five O’ Clock Steakhouse, formerly Coerper’s Five O’ Clock Club, has been a Milwaukee staple since 1948, serving the finest steaks paired with outstanding service. They were recently named one of “America’s Best Steakhouses” by TV host and author Rachael Ray, CNN’s Money Magazine and Saveur Magazine, as well as, “Best Steak in Milwaukee” courtesy of Zagat Survey, CitySearch, OnMilwaukee.com and Shepherd Express. More information on the Five O’ Clock Steakhouse can be found at www.fiveoclocksteakhouse.com.

RestaurantNews.com

RestaurantNews.com has been providing the latest online restaurant news for over twelve years.  RestaurantNews.com offers press release services and exposure for restaurant owners and operators looking to market their restaurants.  For diners, RestaurantNews.com offers current and upcoming restaurant deals, specials and promotions.  For more information, please visit http://www.restaurantnews.com/press-release/.