BURGER KING Kicks off Championship Weekend by Giving Away Free Onion Rings to Fans Nationwide on Feb. 4th and 5th

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  New York and New England may be vying for bragging rights and championship rings on Sunday, but BURGER KING^® fans nationwide will also have the chance to get their own “rings” during the championship weekend – crispy, golden BK^® onion rings that is! On February 4^th and 5^th, BURGER KING^® restaurants across the country will offer every guest a free value size order of the brand’s new signature onion rings. NFL Hall of Famer and Four Time Super Bowl Champion, Lynn Swann, who earned his own coveted collection of four championship rings during his famed career, wants to make sure that everyone in America has something to cheer about this weekend, no matter who wins the big game.

“I am happy to work with BURGER KING^® to make sure that everyone knows how to get their free onion rings during this weekend of championship football,” said Lynn Swann, NFL Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver. “Since I have my rings, I wanted to make sure you could get yours. And you don’t have to stop at four!!”

Whether fans want something delicious to snack on during the big game, or just want new “bling” for their ring fingers, BURGER KING^® onion rings are served hot and crispy and can satisfy everyone’s weekend cravings. As one of the top QSRs serving onion rings on their menu, BURGER KING^® wants to share their exclusivity with all of America. Each guest visiting a participating restaurant will receive a free value size onion ring, no purchase necessary. Guests can also dip their rings in a variety of BK^® sauces, from ketchup to zesty sauce, and everything in between. The free value size onion rings offer is good while supplies last and excludes breakfast hours.

About BURGER KING Corporation

Founded in 1954, BURGER KING^® is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER^®, the BURGER KING^® system operates approximately 12,400 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 79 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING^® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. For more information on 3G Capital, please go to http://www.3g-capital.com. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the company’s website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The door-to-door Whopper may soon be on the menu.

Burger King, the No. 2 burger chain, has quietly begun testing home delivery of its burgers, fries and other sandwiches since fall at four of its restaurants in the greater Washington, D.C., area, with an eye on expanding beyond that.

Should home delivery catch on for the burger giants — as it has for the pizza kingpins — it could be an industry changer. But it runs counter to long-held consumer perception that fast-food burgers and fries travel poorly — and don’t warm up well in the microwave. It also would require millions of hungry folks to change their at-home eating habits.

Continue reading . . .

Response to our first ever year in review (Top 20 Restaurant News Stories 2011) was so great, we just couldn’t help but serve up another heapin’ helping.

Following is a list of the Top 100 restaurant news stories read on RestaurantNews.com for 2011.

100) The Cheesecake Factory Serves National Cheesecake Day Deal

99) Whataburger Launches New All-Time Favorites Menu

98) Steak ‘n Shake: The History of Hamburger Restaurant Chains

97) Chipotle Unveils Details about New Asian Restaurant Concept

96) California Tortilla Dishes Up Advice on Successfully Using Social Media

95) Original BUBBA burger Grill Restaurants Under Development in Jacksonville, FL

94) Red Robin’s Prime Chophouse Burger Returns

93) 50 Best Brunches in the U.S. Chosen by OpenTable Diners

92) Wingstop Opens First Location in Monterrey, Mexico

91) Furr’s Fresh Buffet to Open in Spring, Texas

90) Successful Startup Restaurant Business Plans

89) U.S. Foodservice Is Now US Foods – Keeping Kitchens Cooking Across America

88) Red Mango Celebrates 100th Store With Introduction of Dark Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Nationwide

87) Restaurant Consultant Reveals 80 Most Common Restaurant Mistakes

86) CiCi’s Pizza Announces American Classics Line with Introduction of New Cheeseburger Pizza

85) White Castle: The History of Hamburger Restaurant Chains

84) United Capital Finances $2 million for Five Guys Burgers and Fries Operator

83) Top 10 Mistakes for a Startup Restaurant

82) Food Network Magazine Reveals the Best Pizza in Every State

81) Dining Out with Food Allergies & Intolerances: Now There’s an App for That

80) Papa John’s Continues Valentine’s Day Tradition with Heart-Shaped Pizza

79) Restaurants, Burger Lovers Celebrate National Hamburger Month

78) Shops at Starwood brings Smashburger to Frisco

77) Red Robin Debuts New Oktoberfest Bürger for a Limited Time Only

76) Panera Bread Enhances Spring Menu with Addition of Sirloin Steak Offerings

75) Panda Express Launches New Golden Treasure Shrimp with Free Offer March 9

74) Famous Dave’s Introduces Six New Menu Items Under 600 Calories

73) Hooters Partners with Kenny Chesney’s Goin’ Coastal Tour

72) Restaurateurs Think Yelp, Groupon Are Hurting Business

71) FREEBIRDS World Burrito Opening Restaurant Across from USC

70) Darden Restaurants to Buy Two Seafood Brands for $59 Million

69) Bru’s Room Sports Grill To Open Two New Locations In Stuart and Pembroke Pines in 2011

68) Dunkin’ Donuts Introduces Frozen Hot Chocolate

67) T.G.I. Friday’s Now Serving Brunch

66) Facebook, Twitter, and Smartphones Lead Social Media-Fueled Innovation Within U.S. Foodservice

65) Hurricane Grill & Wings Inks Deals for 223 New Restaurants

64) Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010

63) T.G.I. Friday’s Introduces New Pick 2 for $10 Menu

62) Restaurant Marketing Tips for the Holiday Season

61) Friendly’s Enters Chapter 11, Closes 63 Restaurants

60) Wingstop Debuts Glider Chicken Sandwiches

59) McDonald’s Under Storm

58) Chili’s New Lunch Break is Recess for Adults

57) Domino’s Introduces New Wings and Boneless Chicken

56) Houston Man Selected as Tasti D-Lite’s September ‘Healthy Habit’ Winner

55) “Free Fries Friday” at Burger King December 16th

54) P.F. Chang’s Provides Tax Day Relief by Rewarding All Customers with 15 Percent Savings on April 18

53) Winner of Chipotle’s “Wrap What You Love” Contest Takes Home $10K

52) Perkins & Marie Callender’s Files Bankruptcy, Announces Restaurant Closings

51) IHOP Open on Thanksgiving Day and Giving Thanks With Bounceback Coupon

50) Church’s Chicken Beat Popeyes in a National Spicy Chicken Taste Test

49) World’s Largest Buffalo Wild Wings Opening in Brea

48) Wolfgang Puck’s CUT Las Vegas Debuts iPad Wine List

47) Blue Coast Burrito Opens in Cookeville

46) New York Bagel Café & Deli continues its expansion throughout the East Coast

45) Starbucks and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to Start Partnership

44) Burger King Offers Two-for-One Original Chicken Sandwich Deal

43) Philly Pizza Restaurant Rolling in the Dough with Text Message Marketing

42) Restaurant Operators to Get More Social at NRA Show 2011

41) BJ’s Restaurant Sets New Opening Day Sales Record in Tyler, Texas

40) Lucky Mint, Baskin-Robbins March Flavor of the Month

39) Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse to Open in Boston’s Seaport District

38) McDonald’s Monopoly Returns with Millions of Prizes

37) Coffee Chain Loyalty Survey Brews Surprising Results

36) OpenTable Diners Reveal the Hottest Restaurants in the US

35) CiCi’s Pizza Signs Agreement for 16 New Restaurants in Texas

34) Seven Leading U.S. Restaurant Trends for 2012

33) Baja Fresh CEO David Kim Goes Undercover on CBS’s “Undercover Boss”

32) Whataburger Releases Online Survey Results Naming Customer Favorite

31) Bankrupt Restaurant Chain Lays Off 1,260 Overnight

30) Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S. with the Most Scenic Views

29) Restaurant Deals and Specials for Veterans Day

28) National Restaurant Association Member Tells Congress New 1099 Mandate Will Overwhelm Small Businesses, Urges Immediate Repeal

27) Arby’s Announces New “It’s Good Mood Food” Marketing Campaign

26) Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2010 Results

25) The Power of a Loyal Customer Base

24) Wendy’s Introduces Berry Almond Chicken Salad

23) Restaurant Manager’s Handbook a Restaurant Operations Bestseller

22) Oporto to Open First Location in Rancho Cucamonga, California

21) BJ’s Restaurants Opens at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, California

20) Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant Owners Receive 2011 Faces of Diversity Award

19) Seafood Specialties, Culinary Confections Ring In The New Year At The Grand Central Oyster Bar

18) Outback Steakhouse Free Steak Dinner Deal a Restaurant Marketing Win

17) National Restaurant Association Responds to the State of the Union Address

16) Restaurants Tossing a Summer of Salads

15) KFC Launches New 10-Piece Buckets, Helps Cash-Strapped Choirs

14) IHOP Offers New Chicken and Waffles For Limited Time

13) McDonald’s Introduces New McCafe Shakes

12) McDonald’s Reintroduces the Asian Salad

11) Restaurants Serving Up Social Media Connections

10) Cracker Barrel and The Grascals Celebrate #1 Debut on Billboard Bluegrass Chart

9) Five Emerging Trends in the Foodservice Industry

8) IHOP’s All You Can Eat Pancakes Promotion is Back

7) McDonald’s Offers New Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

6) SONIC Adds Four New Premium Beef Hot Dogs to Menu

5) After 119 Years, the Ice Cream Sundae Still a Restaurant Favorite

4) Burger King Offers Original Chicken Sandwich Deal for Fourth of July Weekend

3) Pizza Hut Launches Ultimate Cheese Lover’s with $10.99 Any Lover’s Deal and Facebook Sweepstakes

2) Golden Corral Restaurants Launch Endless Baby Back Ribs Promo

1) Phillips Seafood Opens Two New Airport Restaurants

Syracuse, NY  (RestaurantNews.com)  Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: TAST) today announced that the Company will present at the 14^th Annual ICR XChange Conference at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Florida. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2012 and will begin at 1:35 pm Eastern Time.

Investors and interested parties may listen to a live webcast of this presentation by visiting the Company’s website at www.carrols.com , under the investor relations section or directly through ICR XChange website at http://icrxchange.com/2012.

About the Company

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., operating through its subsidiaries, including Carrols Corporation, is one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States. The Company operates three restaurant brands in the quick-casual and quick-service restaurant segments with 551 company-owned and operated restaurants in 17 states as of October 2, 2011, and 35 franchised restaurants in the United States, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Honduras, Trinidad, Venezuela and the Bahamas. Carrols Restaurant Group, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns and operates the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurant businesses. Carrols Restaurant Group is also the largest Burger King franchisee, based on number of restaurants, and has operated Burger King restaurants since 1976.

Top 20 Restaurant News Stories 2011

Stick a fork in it.  2011 is done.  And almost every media outlet in the world has put together some type of Top Stories list.  RestaurantNews.com has been serving up online restaurant news for over 12 years, but this is the first time we’ve stepped up to the Year in  Review buffet.

Following is a list of the Top 20 stories read on RestaurantNews.com over the past year.

Update: Top 100 stories of 2011.


20) Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant Owners Receive 2011 Faces of Diversity Award
In April, the National Restaurant Association honored Ethiopian sisters Berekti and Akberet Mengistu, owner-operators of Mesob restaurant in Montclair, N.J., with its 2011 Faces of Diversity American Dream Award.  The Mengistu sisters have operated Mesob for over seven years with Berekti handling the business operations and Akberet serving as chef.

19) Seafood Specialties, Culinary Confections Ring In The New Year At The Grand Central Oyster Bar
Grand Central Oyster Bar made a surprising, last minute jump into our Top 20 with the annoucement of executive chef Sandy Ingber special New Year’s Eve menu of seafood delicacies available for lunch and dinner at the historic restaurant “below sea level” in Grand Central Terminal.

18) Outback Steakhouse Free Steak Dinner Deal a Restaurant Marketing Win
Outback Steakhouse made a move that dominated restaurant marketing news in August by giving away one million free steak dinners in its Great Aussie Steak Out promotion.  The promotion was designed to introduce Outback’s new wood-fire grill steak preparation and new menu options.  RestaurantNews.com served up a tasty review of the campaign.

17) National Restaurant Association Responds to the State of the Union Address
The National Restaurant Association responded to President Obama’s job creation speech in January, and called attention to its “America Works Here” campaign which was formed to help educate opinion leaders, policymakers, and their staff members about the breadth, depth, scope and influence of the restaurant industry on the American economy.

16) Restaurants Tossing a Summer of Salads
It was the Summer of Salads as restaurants across America offered up a super summer salad fiesta. If you’re a salad lover, then you were in for a summer of tasty green treats.  RestaurantNews.com took a look at the salad offerings of several national restaurant chains.

15) KFC Launches New 10-Piece Buckets, Helps Cash-Strapped Choirs
To launch its new 10-piece 10 Buck Sunday Bucket deal in March, Kentucky Fried Chicken offered 11 struggling choirs across the country $1,000 grants to help keep their harmonies alive.  Members of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs kicked off the program at a KFC restaurant in St. Louis.

14) IHOP Offers New Chicken and Waffles For Limited Time
In March, IHOP rolled out its Chicken and Waffles, becoming the first restaurant chain to offer the combination nationwide.  The Chicken and Waffles, a limited time promotion, included four golden all white meat chicken tenders with four light and crisp Belgian waffle quarters.

13) McDonald’s Introduces New McCafe Shakes
In February, McDonald’s announced plans to “shake things up” with the introduction of the McCafe Shake in its restaurants.  The McCafe Shakes feature the three classic milkshake flavors (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry) in a clear McCafe cup, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

12) McDonald’s Reintroduces the Asian Salad
McDonald’s brought back its popular Asian Salad in May for a limited time.  The Asian Salad consists of greens, edamame, snow peas, red bell peppers, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds and an orange-glazed grilled or crispy white meat chicken breast filet.

11) Restaurants Serving Up Social Media Connections
Many restaurants today are still left sitting at the cutting board trying to figure out a successful recipe for social marketing, while the early adopters are reaping the rewards of a lucrative, successful social media push.  People are hungry for much more than food. They want to feel connected, and social media allows them to feel as if they are a part of the whole restaurant family.

10) Cracker Barrel and The Grascals Celebrate #1 Debut on Billboard Bluegrass Chart
In January, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and The Grascals announced the #1 debut of The Grascals & Friends – Country Classics with a Bluegrass Spin on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart.  The CD is part of Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program.

9) Five Emerging Trends in the Foodservice Industry
In today’s competitive foodservice industry, it’s becoming increasingly important for brands to engage guests and employees in a more meaningful and personal manner.  Steve Prodger, Vice President of Food Services with Empathica, reviewed how restaurants could gain a better understanding of the ways customers want to be engaged and how that information can be used to earn lifelong, loyal clientele.

8) IHOP’s All You Can Eat Pancakes Promotion is Back
IHOP brought back its limited time All You Can Eat Pancakes promotion at the beginning of the year.  IHOP guests could order unlimited pancakes, served three at a time, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

7) McDonald’s Offers New Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
McDonald’s kicked off the year with the introduction of its Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, made with whole grains, light cream, brown sugar, red and green apples, cranberries, and two varieties of raisins.  The breakfast item is available throughout the day at any McDonald’s location, comes with or without brown sugar, and is also available in a less sweetened version.

6) SONIC Adds Four New Premium Beef Hot Dogs to Menu
Hot dogs have been an American favorite for generations. At the beginning of the year, Every Day with Rachael Ray declared 2011 as the Year of the Hot Dog.  SONIC agreed, rolling out a new line of Premium Beef Hot Dogs with a variety of toppings.  The drive-in restaurant chain offered up a Chicago Dog, a New York Dog, an All-American Dog and the Chili Cheese Coney for $1.99 each.

5) After 119 Years, the Ice Cream Sundae Still a Restaurant Favorite
In April, the ice cream sundae celebrated its 119th birthday.  Over the years, they became a mainstay in the restaurant industry, evolving and giving birth to a new generation of restaurant sundaes including the McFlurry and the Blizzard.  RestaurantNews.com took a look at ice cream sundaes offered up by some of your favorite restaurants.

4) Burger King Offers Original Chicken Sandwich Deal for Fourth of July Weekend
Burger King’s flame-broiled Whopper may be the burger chain’s most famous menu item, but with a price point of $1.04, the Original Chicken Sandwich ruled the roost during a Fourth of July weekend promotion.  The crispy, premium white meat chicken patty topped with shredded lettuce and mayo on a bakery-style, sesame seed bun has been a menu favorite since 1979.

3) Pizza Hut Launches Ultimate Cheese Lover’s with $10.99 Any Lover’s Deal and Facebook Sweepstakes
Pizza Hut launched its Ultimate Cheese Lover’s pizza in May.  The company offered up the Ultimate Cheese Lover’s, the Pepperoni Lover’s, the Meat Lover’s, and the Veggie Lover’s for $10.99.  The pizza chain also began running its Ultimate Lover’s Lover Facebook sweepstakes, awarding a $50 Pizza Hut gift cards daily and free pizza for a year for weekly winners.

2) Golden Corral Restaurants Launch Endless Baby Back Ribs Promo
Golden Corral rolled out an abundance of new ribs products in April, including Baby Back Ribs. This array of  freshly-prepared BBQ ribs products was in addition to the buffet chain’s 150-item, every day dinner buffet, which includes slow-cooked Pot Roast, made-from-scratch Meatloaf, and grilled-to-order USDA dinner buffet Sirloin Steaks.

1) Phillips Seafood Opens Two New Airport Restaurants
In July, Phillips Seafood announced the opening of two new airport restaurant locations: Newark Liberty International as well as Harrisburg International Airport bringing the total to nine successful airport restaurant operations.  Both full service locations feature a traditional Phillips menu offering signature crab dishes, genuine Maryland style favorites and specialty drinks.  The restaurants are franchises with two leading concessionaires.

McDonald’s and two other fast-food chains have stopped using an ammonia-treated burger ingredient that meat industry critics deride as “pink slime.”

The product remains widely used as low-fat beef filling in burger meat, including in school meals. But some consumer advocates worry that attacks on the product by food activist Jamie Oliver and others will discourage food manufacturers from developing new methods of keeping deadly pathogens out of their products.

The beef is processed by Beef Products Inc. of Dakota Dunes at plants at Waterloo, Iowa, and in three other states. One of the company’s chief innovations is to cleanse the beef of E. coli bacteria and other dangerous microbes by treating it with ammonium hydroxide, one of many chemicals used at various stages in the meat industry to kill pathogens.

Continue reading . . .

Burger King, the perennial No. 2 in the burger wars, is about to be beaten out by a pigtailed girl.

Wendy’s Co. is poised to pass Burger King Holdings Inc. in U.S. sales, trailing only industry behemoth McDonald’s Corp., in the first reordering of the industry-leading trio since Wendy’s was founded in 1969.

Americans are expected to spend more than $175 billion at fast-food restaurants this year, up about 3% from 2010. Wendy’s U.S. same-store sales are forecast to rise 1.1%, while Burger King’s U.S. and Canada same-store sales will drop 3.9%, according to market-research firm Technomic Inc.

That means sales at Wendy’s U.S. restaurants—both franchised and company-owned—are on track to be $8.42 billion or $53 million higher than Burger King’s this year, according to an analysis conducted for The Wall Street Journal by Technomic. That’s in line with expectations from some other analysts. The outcome will become clear when the two companies report fourth-quarter results early next year.

Continue reading . . .

"Free Fries Friday" at Burger King December 16th

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  It’s a fry for all at BURGER KING restaurants nationwide! Burger King Corp. is staking its claim as the authority on all things food by delivering a new golden, crispy fry that promises to create a whole new level of irresistible.

The new fries at BURGER KING offer restaurant guests a high-quality, perfectly balanced product. A thicker cut of potato gives each bite more fluffy, potato flavor on the inside and crispy, golden-brown deliciousness on the outside. The new fries have been available at most BURGER KINGrestaurants across North America since December 5^th.

In honor of the new Fry, BURGER KING has declared Friday, December 16^th “Free Fries Friday.” Consumers will be able to go to a BURGER KINGrestaurant nationwide and enjoy a complimentary value size order of new fries, with no purchase necessary, while supplies last.

“With the launch of our new fries, the home of America’s favorite burger now has the best fries in the business,” stated Leo Leon, vice president, global innovation, Burger King Corp. “At BURGER KING we constantly strive to make every item on our menu the best it can be. We believe our new fries are the latest example of our commitment to quality and innovation, and we invite everyone to visit our restaurants and taste the difference.”

About BURGER KING Corporation

Founded in 1954, BURGER KING is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER, the BURGER KING system operates approximately 12,400 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 79 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KINGrestaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. For more information on 3G Capital, please go to http://www.3g-capital.com. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the company’s website at www.bk.com.

Restaurant News Bites: 2012 Menu Trends, Breakfast, Restaurant Domain Names

The National Restaurant Association has released its report on the trends that will shape menus the most in 2012. The top trends include seafood and meat from local sources, healthier meal options for children, allergy conscious foods and sustainability as a main theme. As consumers are becoming more concerned about the ingredients in each dish, chefs are changing to accommodate them.

New information from Technomic shows that dining out for breakfast is on the rise. Breakfast sales generate about $42 billion in sales each year and this number is growing. Any restaurant that can provide a fast and convenient way to fuel up in the morning can join in on this growing trend and improve their profits.

A plan by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers to roll out a new domain name system is being strongly opposed by the National Restaurant Association. If approved, the new plan could cost restaurants huge amounts of money as they would be forced to apply for and register new domain names in order to protect their trademarks and brands.

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Cosi, Inc. has appointed Carin Stutz as their newest Chief Executive Officer. Stutz resigned her position as President of Global Business Development for Brinker International to take the position with Cosi. While at Brinker, she oversaw operations and franchise development for 240 Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants worldwide.  She has also held executive positions with Applebee’s International, Wendy’s International, Sodexo and NutriSystem.

P.F. Chang’s is testing a new prototype in Irving, California. The restaurant in the Irving Spectrum Center was recently renovated to give it a unique look. The menu now focuses primarily on small plates and specialty Asian dishes and has a wider selection of wines, drinks and loose leafed brewed tea.  The new store will serve as testing ground for new beverages and dishes which may see national rollouts.

Starbucks released a mobile payment program about a year ago which allows customers to pay for purchases with their smart phone. Since that release, over 26 million transactions have taken place in the 9,000 U.S. locations. Nearly $2.5 billion dollars were loaded onto the payment app for use during 2011.

Domino’s Pizza processed over 1 million orders in the week following Thanksgiving this year through its mobile and web ordering apps. The company has been accepting mobile and web orders for four years and generates about 30% of all orders.

Burger King is bringing the new Coca-Cola Freestyle machine to its restaurants around the country. The Freestyle offers over 100 unique drink combinations.  Burger King will be the largest franchise system in America to offer the fountains in all company owned restaurants.

Burger King Russia dances to its own beat in bizarre, fun commercial

Russian hipsters.  Unicorn riding fairy princess.  Rockabilly cashiers.  Levitating burger girl.  BK tattoo artist.  Burger spinning DJ.  Fire breathing cook.  Burger poker.  Dining room rave party.  Ballerina bursting into flames.  Burger King Russia looks like it really knows how to party.

BURGER KING Restaurants to Launch Coca-Cola Freestyle across the U.S.

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  The BURGER KING^® brand has always been known for its customized menu options. And now the same holds true for refreshing beverages. Guests at BURGER KING^® restaurants will now be able to pair America’s favorite burger, the WHOPPER^® Sandwich, with more than 100 different beverage brands.

With the debut of Coca-Cola Freestyle^® fountains in all Burger King Corporation company-owned restaurant locations across the U.S., guests at BURGER KING® restaurants will be able to enjoy a distinctive, high-quality beverage experience along with their favorite burgers, fries and other sandwich options.

“The ability to customize your own beverages combined with the quality that Coca-Cola Freestyle delivers to our guests is a perfect addition to our most recent new menu offerings,” said Steve Wiborg, president North America, Burger King Corporation. “Adding Coca-Cola Freestyle further enhances our guests’ experience when they visit BURGER KING^® restaurants. We’re excited to be the largest franchise system in the U.S. to roll out the fountains in all company owned restaurants and look forward to further growing our business with Coca-Cola as our partner.”

Coca-Cola Freestyle provides more than 100 sparkling and still beverage brands from a single freestanding unit. Sleek and stylish, the dispenser is touch-screen operated and serves regular and low-calorie beverage brands, flavored waters, sports drinks, lemonades and other options, many exclusive to Coca-Cola Freestyle. An ideal match for BURGER KING® restaurants’ high-quality, prepared to order burgers, Coca-Cola Freestyle allows guests to choose from endless possibilities, many never before available in the U.S., including brands such as caffeine-free Diet Coke^® with Lime, Fanta^® Peach, Minute Maid^® Light Orange Lemonade and more.

“After extensive market testing, Burger King Corporation recognizes Coca-Cola Freestyle as a perfect complement to the BURGER KING^® restaurant experience. With the nationwide expansion of Coca-Cola Freestyle, more people than ever will be able to select the ideal beverage to accompany their meal at BURGER KING^®,” said Dagmar Boggs, vice president, BURGER KING^® Global Customer Team, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “Coca-Cola Freestyle offers people something they’ve never experienced before and helps our partners like Burger King Corporation grow both their beverage business and their total business.”

About Coca-Cola Freestyle

Coca-Cola Freestyle allows people to select from more than 100 regular and low-calorie brands. Many varieties of waters, sports drinks, lemonades and sparkling beverages are now available to people in the U.S. exclusively on Coca-Cola Freestyle. The dispensers use unique, proprietary PUREPOUR TECHNOLOGY™and have the capacity to offer more than 100 brands in the same footprint as a standard eight-valve machine. Coca-Cola Freestyle can be found in many markets across the U.S., including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. To learn more about Coca-Cola Freestyle, visit www.coca-colafreestyle.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cocacolafreestyle and Twitter @ccfreestyle.

About Burger King Corporation

Founded in 1954, BURGER KING^® is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER^®, the BURGER KING^® system operates in approximately 12,400 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 79 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING^® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. For more information on 3G Capital, please go to http://www.3g-capital.com. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the company’s website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our Company’s portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.

BURGER KING Declares There's a New Fry in Town!

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  It’s a fry for all at BURGER KING^® restaurants nationwide! Burger King Corp. is staking its claim as the authority on all things food by delivering a new golden, crispy fry that promises to create a whole new level of irresistible.

The new fries at BURGER KING^® offer restaurant guests a high-quality, perfectly balanced product. A thicker cut of potato gives each bite more fluffy, potato flavor on the inside and crispy, golden-brown deliciousness on the outside. The new fries will be available at most BURGER KING^® restaurants across North America by December 5^th.

In honor of the new Fry, BURGER KING^® has declared Friday, December 16^th “Free Fries Friday.” Consumers will be able to go to a BURGER KING^® restaurant nationwide and enjoy a complimentary value size order of new fries, with no purchase necessary, while supplies last.

“With the launch of our new fries, the home of America’s favorite burger now has the best fries in the business,” stated Leo Leon, vice president, global innovation, Burger King Corp. “At BURGER KING^® we constantly strive to make every item on our menu the best it can be. We believe our new fries are the latest example of our commitment to quality and innovation, and we invite everyone to visit our restaurants and taste the difference.”

About BURGER KING Corporation

Founded in 1954, BURGER KING^® is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER^®, the BURGER KING^® system operates approximately 12,400 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 79 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING^® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. For more information on 3G Capital, please go to http://www.3g-capital.com. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the company’s website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Wendy’s is on track to overtake Burger King as the United States’ second-largest fast-food burger chain next to McDonald’s, according to an analyst’s report released on Tuesday.

“We expect Wendy’s to overtake privately-held Burger King for the number-two market-share position within the limited-service hamburger sector, perhaps as soon as this year,” Mark Kalinowski, an analyst with Janney Capital Markets wrote in his report, according to the Orange County Register. Janney Capital has a buy rating on Wendy’s.

Kalinowski wrote in his analysis that Wendy’s increased share has been driven by a focus on premium foods and the reshaping of restaurants.

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Burger King Serves up New BK Chef's Choice Burger

Burger King restaurants today unwrapped the new BK Chef’s Choice burger, its newest premium flame-grilled beef sandwich appearing on menus nationwide. Superior from every angle, this 5.5 ounce flame-grilled burger is made with 100% ground chuck and is topped with thick-cut bacon, American cheese, crisp red onions, sliced tomatoes, Romaine leaf lettuce and savory Griller sauce, all on an artisan-style bun that will surprise and delight taste buds. Available at participating Burger King restaurants nationwide at a suggested retail price of $4.99, the BK Chef’s Choice burger reinforces the Burger King brand’s commitment to flavorful menu items made with premium ingredients.

“Our guests expect nothing but the freshest and highest quality ingredients with that same flame-grilled flavor they know and love from Burger King restaurants,” said Alex Macedo, senior vice president, North America marketing, Burger King Corp. “The new BK Chef’s Choice burger provides a premium, made fresh-to-order sandwich which brings a whole new level of excitement to our menu.”

The BK Chef’s Choice burger will be supported by national TV and radio advertising that begins today and represents a continuation of Burger King Corporation’s new food-centric approach. The television spot highlights the premium ingredients and mouthwatering build, allowing quality and flavor to shine in the spotlight.

Restaurant News Bites: Wingstop, Noodles & Company, Legal Seafood

Krispy Kreme has developed a new line of Halloween themed products just in time for the fall holiday. Three of their most popular spooky doughnuts will return, along with the new pumpkin flavored coffee. The donuts include a pumpkin spice cake, the Jack-O-Lantern and the chocolate iced donuts covered with icing spider webs or black and orange sprinkles.

Noodles & Company is bringing its unique menu of noodle dishes, salads and sandwiches to the Deerfield community. The restaurant will open on October 18 and is located in the Deerbrook Mall area. This brings yet another location to the region around Chicago. The menu combines flavors from American, Asian and Mediterranean cultures.

Drew Gooden, a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, has become the newest franchisee with Wingstop. His first agreement with the company secured him the rights to open four restaurants around Orlando, Florida. He’s been a part of the NBA for nearly a decade and is continuing to grow his own brand.

Boundless Brands has opened another combination location of Scooter’s Coffeehouse and Yoji Frozen Yogurt. The location opened in Omaha, Nebraska. There are two other co-branded stores in the state, and over 35 locations for Scooter’s Coffeehouse around Omaha. The Scooter’s brand is growing rapidly across the Midwest.

Elicott City’s Crab Shanty has changed its name and identity after over 30 years of business. The new Shanty Grille will feature an improved and updated interior and a broadened menu. Old classics like crab cakes will remain, but high-end small plates and appetizers are being added. The restaurant hopes to please both new and old customers with the changes.

Legal Sea Foods has released a new ad campaign that has environmentalists up in arms. On the heels of their Blacklist Fish Dinner, the television and radio ads mimic public service announcements about preserving the habitats for seafood. Instead of encouraging conservation, the ads encourage customers to eat the seafood instead of worrying about it.

Towns across the country are offering attractive tax breaks to bring some of Darden Restaurants‘ biggest brands to them. Restaurants like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse are causing towns like Decatur, Alabama and Bristol, Virginia to offer $300,000 or more in tax incentives. This is helping Darden pursue a continuing expansion plan.

The Coca-Cola Freestyle offers over 100 unique beverage options in a compact fountain machine. It has been testing in limited markets for a few months and customers are wowed by it. The touch screen allows customers to view a hundred different flavor options including natural fruit juice and rare European soda options.

Despite the effect that the failing economy has had on the restaurant industry for the past three years, the bakery cafe section has been finding higher growth and profits. The segment produces about $5 billion each year in sales and has about 3,600 units in the country. Bakery cafes are a new segment that largely emerged in the past five years.

As Burger King builds new restaurants, like the one in Ionia, they’re integrating technology in better ways. The Ionia location offers LCD screens in place of normal menus, allowing for quick changes and high quality displays of food images. It also offers Wi-Fi and the new Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.

After a few months of construction, the new Burger King restaurant has opened its doors to the Ionia community and is offering a new atmosphere, complete with technological upgrades.

The new building is located on the west side of M-66 next to the Ionia Free Fairgrounds, kitty-corner to its old location.

Jerry Fitzpatrick, the chief operating officer for the new establishment under owner Quality Dining, said the transition has been smooth.

“Part of building a new store is taking advantage of the new things available,” said Fitzpatrick.

One of the first things customers will notice as they enter the building, are the 46-inch LED screens showcasing a variety of new items as well as the classics.

Fitzpatrick said the screens are easy to read and easy to change using a computer, instead of the old way of changing them manually. It also allows more options to be shown and promoted.

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When Wendy’s began Project Gold Hamburger two years ago, they knew that they couldn’t totally reinvent a classic. However, the new Dave’s Hot N’ Juicy is a drastically updated and improved cheeseburger featuring two patties made from fresh beef, and toppings like fresh lettuce and red onion on a buttered, toasted bun. Crinkle cut pickles were also added while mustard was removed.

Smashburger first introduced the Windy City Burger in Chicago, the town that inspired it. Now its growing popularity has brought it to the rest of the country. The burger, which features a pretzel roll and haystack onions, will be available nationally until October 30th. The 100% Angus Beef patty is included on this Smashburger as well.

Popeyes recently debuted their fourth, limited-time only promotion for the year. The Dip’n Chick’n features Popeye’s signature fresh chicken breast and comes with a Cajun-inspired Blackened Ranch dipping sauce. The promotion will give customers an order of Dip’n Chick’n, fries, a biscuit and dipping sauce for $3.99.

Domino’s has expanded their menu by adding three new Artisan flavor combinations. The high-quality Tuscan Salami & Roasted Veggie, Spinach & Feta and Italian Sausage & Pepper toppings are laid over a square, hand-tossed crust. Domino’s is promoting the new pizzas through television ads and suggestions on their online ordering apps.

Denny’s is serving up a limited time, special menu for serious cheese lovers. The “Let’s Get Cheesy” menu features six new dishes like the Mac N’ Cheese Big Daddy Patty Melt, the Cheese Please Omelette, the Winner Winner Cheesy Dinner, the Chessy Breakfast Sampler, the Say Cheese Sizzlin’ Skillet and the Big Cheese Country-Fried Steak and Eggs.

Participating Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants rolled out special $5.99 lunch options. Each weekday features a different lunch special, including the Country House Salad, Baked Chicken n’ Dressing, Chicken Pot Pie, Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes and Turkey n’ Dressing.

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill will be celebrating Oktoberfest in an unusual way. The “Woktoberfest” will combine the beer and bratwurst of the German festival and combine it with fresh Asian flavors. Dishes like Wokin’ Hot Brats will be served with Widmer Brothers beer.

Twin chains Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. have added new Steakhouse Burgers to their menus. The Steakhouse Burgers come in Six Dollar Burger and Thickburger options, both topped with blue cheese, A1 steak sauce, fried onion strings and Swiss cheese. Black Angus ground beef is used exclusively for the patties on these burgers.

KFC is promoting their 100% breast meat Popcorn Chicken with a new deal. For a limited time, customers can pick up a large order of bite-sized Popcorn Chicken for just $2.99.

Del Taco introduced its new slow simmered, shredded Pork Carnitas menu, including the Carnitas Combo Burrito, the Carnitas Taco al Carbon and the Carnitas Macho Nachos, for a limited time. Guests who would like to try the new items can pick up a coupon for a free Carnitas Taco al Carbon on Del Taco’s Facebook page.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers introduced its new Oktoberfest Burger, featuring a pretzel bun, beer mustard, Black Forest ham and sauteed onions on a fire grilled beef patty. Sweet Potato Fries round out the offering.

Genghis Grill is featuring a new protein option on the Khan’s Kitchen food bar through November 6th. The Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken is marinated and covered in the chain’s signature BBQ sauce with the real flavor of Dr Pepper. Guests can combine this new chicken option with 70 other fresh ingredients.

Quiznos brought back their popular Black Angus sub with new toppings and bread. The sub features sliced steak on Rosemary Parmesan topped bread. Two types of melted cheese and sauteed mushrooms and onions finish the sandwich. The sandwich will only be available for a limited time at all Quiznos locations.

Sweet Potato Fries, Naked and Dusted, have returned to Good Times Restaurant & Frozen Custard for a limited time. Customers can enjoy the waffle-cut fries plain or dusted with cinnamon sugar until the end of December. The return of these fries brings the chain’s total fry options to four, with other favorites including the Green Chile Cheese fry.

Burger King added new soft serve dessert items to its national menu. Vanilla soft serve cones and cups come plain for only 89 cents, with premium and traditional sundaes also available. Customers can get a free soft serve cone or cup with purchase of a BK Value Meal through October 9th.

Dunkin’ Donuts has brought back some old favorite flavors and releasing new ones just in time for the beginning of Fall. Customers can enjoy a cup of hot or iced spiced Apple Cider with a new Pumpkin Muffin, Pumpkin Donut or Caramel Apple donut. Pumpkin flavored pre-packaged coffee is also available.

Yogurt Mountain added two new flavors to their national line-up that are inspired by sweet camping treats. The S’mores flavored frozen yogurt and the Graham Cracker flavor blend well together or stand alone. Each flavor has only 120 calories per serving. New toppings also include S’Mores Crunch bits and mini marshmallows.

The hamburger category may be dominated by the big three — McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s — but smaller chains such as Five Guys, and even smaller chains like Smashburger and The Counter, have bright-looking futures.

Most of the biggest burger chains have spent their recent efforts advertising items that broaden the menu and customer base. That lack of focus on burgers, as well as the boom in fast-casual restaurants, has left an opening for small and medium-size fast-casual chains with burger-focused menus to swoop in and take advantage.

“Because they don’t serve breakfast and focus on burgers, they have a greater tendency to bring in the customer who is looking for a burger,” said Darren Tristano, exec VP at Technomic.

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The National Restaurant Association is pairing up with the Texas Restaurant Association to help raise money for veteran rehabilitation. The “Freedom is Sweet” campaign with be tested in Texas and will expand to the rest of the nation next year. Participating restaurants will donate part of their profits on November 11^th.

Domino’s Pizza launched an iPhone app to allow more smart phone users to order pizza on the go just three months ago. In those three months the app has processed over $1 million in orders in a single week. The first $1 million marker in total sales was reached just 28 days after the launch. The app is free to download through the iTunes’ App Store.

CEO Steve Ells, the leader of the popular Chipotle Mexican Grill, was inspired to create a new fast-casual brand by a two-week trip to Thailand and Singapore. ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen serves dishes inspired by the noodles and other local dishes he ate on his trip. The first ShopHouse location opened last week in Washington.

As technology prices drop, high-tech devices like iPads are making their way into more and more restaurants. Places like Stacked, a burger and pizza restaurant, ask customers to build their meals on the touch-sensitive devices instead of ordering with a waiter. Steakhouses have also embraced the iPad as an easy way to keep an updated and informational wine list available.

The French-inspired Mimi’s Cafe chain is increasing their value offerings with their Cafe Express Lunch lunch menu. Guests can get two lunch meals for under $15, and the meals are guaranteed to be ready in less than 15 minutes or they’re free. Time-pressed workers can still enjoy a sit-down lunch without getting back to work late with the Express Lunch menu at Mimi’s Cafe.

A recent survey from YouGov’s BrandIndex shows that Burger King’s consumer perception has risen recently for the first time in months. This rise comes directly after the first television commercial from McGarryBowen for the chain. Burger King picked a new ad agency after losing fans due to racy and controversial ads that were part of a plan to appeal to young males.

Hurricane Grill & Wings is bringing its jumbo chicken wings and flavor options to Wellington, Florida. The new location offers the full menu, a larger building and live music events. 32 wing flavors are available at Hurricane Grill & Wings, along with a wide variety of side dishes, salads, and grilled sandwiches.

Fazoli’s is investing in its executive team with the appointment of a new Vice President of Operations. Al Hodges has over 30 years of cumulative experience in the restaurant industry with companies like Dunkin’ Brands. As VP of Operations, he’ll be responsible for overseeing all franchise and company-owned store operations.

El Pollo Loco also named a new Vice President of Research and Development to keep their flame-grilled chicken brand fresh. Heather Gardea will help develop the menu and will ensure that all food items served by El Pollo Loco are as good as they can be. She came to the position from the Catalina Restaurant Group.

LongHorn Steakhouse expands again with the grand opening of a location in Roanoke, Virginia. The Friends and Family Night fundraiser brought in over $1,500 worth of donations for Boys & Girls Clubs  in the area. 85 jobs were created for the restaurant and nearly 250 guests can dine at once.

Wendy’s was winning with some of its other innovative menu items, but their classic hamburger was in need of a makeover. The chain has released the results of their burger renovation today. The Dave’s Hot N’ Juicy features a buttered, toasted bun over two fresh beef patties. Crinkle cut pickles were added while mustard was removed.

On The Border is expanding their Club Cantina loyalty rewards program. The casual service Mexican chain added the Key Ring Rewards Card to their program for 150 locations. Developing their smart phone engagement with Key Ring helped the chain capture over 40,000 new members to the loyalty program.

Burger King added new soft serve dessert items to its national menu recently. Vanilla soft serve cones and cups come plain for only 89 cents, and adding toppings like granola, fresh fruit and M&M’s costs an extra dollar. The soft serve will also serve as the basis for higher quality milkshakes and sundaes topped with chocolate or caramel.

CiCi’s Pizza is staying on top through variety and dedication to keeping prices low, but the brand is enlisting the help of two industry insiders to continue to growth. Their new growth initiative began last year and aims to add another 500 stores to the pizza buffet chain within a decade. Clif Geisler was hired as the Director of Operational Systems and Rebecca Stone is the new Senior Director of Food and Beverage.

Pizza Inn plans to expand their innovative fast service brand Pie Five Pizza Co. The company hopes to add 8 new restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Within the next two years expansion could bring as many as 15 more stores as well. Franchising for the fast food pizza brand will begin this October in select markets.

TCBy is gearing up to celebrate their 30^th anniversary. The celebration begins on September 30^th when all customers can get a small cup of frozen yogurt for just $.30 at self-serve locations and $1.30 in traditional ones. The official TCBY Facebook page will also feature give aways for free frozen yogurt and valuable coupons.

Reggie Bush is Pizza Hut’s newest commercial star. The running back is traded for a Pizza Hut $10 deal in the chain’s television ad. The promotional campaign is designed to share the $10 Any Pizza Deal that allows customers to pick any combination of toppings, crust and size options for a flat rate of $10.

Buttermilk Falls Inn + Spa has added the new Henry’s Farm to Table restaurant to turn their bed and breakfast into a full featured resort. The restaurant features a menu based solely around the fresh produce and herbs that the kitchen staff can gather each morning. The menu changes seasonally and is supported by the local farms and food artisans.

Louisville, Kentucky is the latest city to play home to the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit chain. Joe Roberts signed a franchise agreement with the company to develop his first location, which will also be a first for the city. There is one other Dickey’s Pit Barbeque location in Kentucky.

When Burger King’s first spot by McGarryBowen broke, many industry people had a lot to say about it. “It could be for any burger joint out there,” said one commenter on AdAge.com. “First time in a long time I’ve seen anything that made me want to eat at Burger King,” said another.

But did it leave a good impression on average consumers?

One study suggests yes. Recent consumer perception of Burger King is up, according to a survey by YouGov’s BrandIndex. Among people who had visited fast-food restaurants in the hamburger category in the last month — the same time that Burger King’s first aired McGarryBowen’s ad for the California Whopper — their perception of Burger King had gone from a 24.2 before the ad aired to a 34.3 just two days after the launch of the spot. (YouGov BrandIndex’s scores range from 100 to -100 and are compiled by subtracting negative feedback from positive.)

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Burger King Corp. celebrates the end of the summer season with the launch of a new, premium soft serve dessert menu to satisfy every sweet tooth across the country. From now through Oct. 9, guests who purchase a BK Value Meal at participating Burger King restaurants nationwide can top off their meal with a sweet treat – a free soft serve cone or cup.

“Our new soft serve dessert menu is just one of many ways we are evolving our menu and offering a sweet deal to attract and connect with a broader range of consumers,” said Alex Macedo, senior vice president, North America marketing, Burger King Corp.

The new desserts feature the rich vanilla taste and creamy texture of BK soft serve in a variety of builds:

• Premium sundaes are extra sweet with indulgent topping choices of peach and granola for a suggested retail price of $1.79 and double brownie, OREO or M&M’S for a suggested retail price of $2.49.
• Classic soft serve cones and cups bring the creamy vanilla taste front and center for a suggested retail price of 89 cents.
• Traditional sundaes feature decadent toppings such as chocolate fudge, caramel and strawberry for a suggested retail price of $1.
• Timeless, hand-spun shakes feature tasty strawberry, chocolate or vanilla flavors finished with whipped topping for a suggested retail price of $2.99 for a regular and $3.49 for a large.

The promotion will be supported by national TV and radio advertising that begins today and represents a continuation of Burger King Corp.’s new food-centric approach. The television spot highlights the creamy texture and refreshing taste of the new soft serve, and showcases the new, premium dessert line as delicious brownies, tasty peaches and classic OREO cookies take center stage.

The Quaker Oats Company, a division of PepsiCo, today announced the launch of their new offering: hearty, great tasting, 100 percent whole grain Quaker Oatmeal as a new addition to the breakfast menu at Burger King restaurants nationwide.  Served in Original and Fruit Topped Maple flavors, Quaker Oatmeal is a wholesome, easy option for those on-the-go consumers who are looking for a great start to the day.

“For more than 130 years, Quaker Oatmeal has been a staple breakfast food in American homes,” said Margery Schelling, global innovation officer, PepsiCo Foodservice.  ”At a time when so many families are looking for better-for-you meal offerings on-the-go, Quaker’s partnership with Burger King Corporation provides a flavorful, whole grain choice when eating outside the home.”

Now, consumers who enjoy Quaker oatmeal have options to enjoy their favorite breakfast both inside and outside of the home. For the first time, Quaker’s branded Oatmeal will be available nationally at all Burger King locations during regular breakfast hours, from 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at a suggested retail price of $1.99 per individual serving.  Each serving of oatmeal offered at BK restaurants is made-to-order and available in Original and Fruit Topped Maple flavors. The Fruit Topped version features dried fruit toppings, including cranberries, raisins, cherries and blueberries.

“BKC is committed to offering Burger King guests quality, great-tasting food beginning with breakfast,” said Leo Leon, vice president, Global Innovation. “Our restaurant guests want a variety of items to choose from for every meal of the day and Quaker Oatmeal is a welcome, tasty addition to our breakfast menu at BK.”

Even Burger King is embracing the freshy-changey thing.

In the first of many steps to reinvent itself over the next year, the struggling fast-feeder Friday will announce that it’s dethroning the creepy King character — and other wacky, teen-targeting stuff — and refocusing on a customer it had all but forgotten: Mom.

In a new ad campaign set to air this weekend, Burger King will nationally roll out the California Whopper on Monday, made with what’s arguably the gastronomic trend of 2011: guacamole. In a serious image twist, the entire commercial shows only the sights and sounds of the fresh ingredients being washed, sliced and diced. There are no words, just pulsating music.

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Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., the parent company of Carrols Corporation, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended July 3, 2011.

Highlights for the second quarter of 2011 versus the second quarter of 2010 include:

• Total revenues increased 2.6% to $209.8 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $204.5 million in the second quarter of 2010. Revenues for Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company that owns and operates the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurant businesses, increased 9.2% to $121.2 million from $111.0 million in the same period last year.
• Comparable restaurant sales increased 10.7% at Pollo Tropical, increased 4.5% at Taco Cabana, and decreased 3.6% at Burger King;
• Net income for the second quarter of 2011 was $5.5 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2010.
• Earnings in the second quarter of 2011 included certain non-recurring items which reduced earnings before taxes by $0.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share after tax, and a favorable income tax adjustment of $0.2 million, which increased net income by $0.01 per diluted share. Earnings in the second quarter of 2010 included impairment and other lease charges totaling $3.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, after tax.

As of July 3, 2011, the Company owned and operated 550 restaurants, including 303 Burger King, 90 Pollo Tropical and 157 Taco Cabana restaurants, and also franchised 35 restaurants.

Alan Vituli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. commented, “We were pleased with results for the second quarter at our Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana brands as each posted strong top line growth and solid earnings. These brands continue to demonstrate their strong and growing appeal. Our Burger King restaurants continued to show weakness in the quarter. However, we have begun to see signs of stabilizing trends within that business and believe that it will continue to improve as the year progresses.”

Mr. Vituli added, “While our sales increases enabled us to leverage costs on an overall basis, commodity inflation has been persistent and did have some negative impact on margins in the quarter. We have recently taken price increases at Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana. Both brands have historically benefited from high value scores from our customers, and from their initial reaction, we believe that our customers will absorb these modest price increases with minimal effect on customer frequency.”

Second Quarter 2011 Results

Total revenues increased 2.6% to $209.8 million in the second quarter of 2011 from $204.5 million in the second quarter of 2010, with revenues from Fiesta Restaurant Group increasing 9.2% to $121.2 million from $111.0 million.

Pollo Tropical revenues increased 12.5% to $52.6 million in the second quarter of 2011 from $46.8 million in the second quarter of 2010. Pollo Tropical comparable restaurant sales increased 10.7%.

Taco Cabana revenues increased 6.9% to $68.6 million in the second quarter of 2011 from $64.2 million in the second quarter of 2010. Taco Cabana comparable restaurant sales increased 4.5%. Two Taco Cabana restaurants were opened and one Taco Cabana restaurant was closed during the period.

Burger King revenues decreased 5.2% to $88.6 million in the second quarter of 2011 from $93.5 million in the second quarter of 2010. Burger King comparable restaurant sales decreased 3.6%. The Company also added one new restaurant through the lease assumption of a non-operating Burger King restaurant and closed two Burger King restaurants during the period.

Income from operations increased to $12.0 million during the second quarter of 2011 from $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2010, and as a percentage of total revenues, increased from 4.1% to 5.7%.

Interest expense decreased to $4.6 million during the second quarter of 2011 from $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2010.

Impairment and other lease charges were $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2011 consisting primarily of lease charges related to the closing of a Taco Cabana restaurant late in the quarter and increases to lease reserves for previously closed Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurants. Other non-recurring items included a $0.3 million gain from the sale of a property previously operated as a Burger King and $0.2 million of expenses related to the planned spin-off of Fiesta Restaurant Group. In the second quarter of 2010, impairment and other lease charges totaled $3.6 million.

Net income for the second quarter of 2011 was $5.5 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in the prior year. Earnings in the second quarter of 2011 included the non-recurring items discussed above which reduced earnings before taxes by $0.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share after tax, and a favorable income tax adjustment which increased net income by $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share. Earnings in the second quarter of 2010 included $3.6 million in impairment and other lease charges, or $0.11 per diluted share, after tax.

Six Months Results

For the six months ended June 30, 2011, total revenues increased 1.9% to $407.1 million from $399.6 million in the same period last year and revenues for Fiesta Restaurant Group increased 8.4% to $236.9 million from $218.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2010. Net income was $7.8 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to $4.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Refinancing

On August 5, 2011, the Company completed a refinancing of its existing indebtedness. Carrols LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Carrols Corporation that operates the Company’s Burger King restaurants) and Fiesta Restaurant Group each entered into new and independent financing arrangements. The proceeds from these financings were or will be used to repay amounts outstanding under the Company’s senior credit facility and its 9% senior subordinated notes, as well as to pay all related fees and expenses. Excess cash from the financings is expected to be approximately $10 million to $11 million.

Fiesta Restaurant Group sold $200 million of 8.875% senior secured second lien notes due 2016 and entered into a $25 million secured revolving credit facility which was undrawn at closing. Carrols LLC entered into an $85 million secured credit facility including term loan borrowings of $65 million and an undrawn $20 million revolving credit facility. Proceeds from these borrowings were used to repay approximately $80.2 million outstanding under Carrols Corporation’s senior credit facility, to repurchase $118.4 million of the 9% senior subordinated notes tendered pursuant to a cash tender offer (such tender offer is not yet complete), to pay accrued interest and to pay related fees and expenses. In addition, the $46.6 million of 9% senior subordinated notes not yet tendered will be repurchased upon completion of the cash tender offer or redeemed subsequent to its expiration along with payment for accrued interest and fees related to the tender offer.

2011 Outlook

The Company is not providing specific earnings guidance for 2011. However, the Company is providing the following updated information which does not include any impact from the planned spin-off of Fiesta Restaurant Group or any loss on extinguishment of debt related to the refinancing completed in the third quarter of 2011:

• Comparable restaurant sales are now expected to increase approximately 7% to 9% for Pollo Tropical (compared to 6% to 8% announced previously) and to increase approximately 3% to 5% for Taco Cabana (compared to 2% to 3% announced previously). Burger King comparable restaurant sales are expected to improve in the second half of the year and to be approximately 1% to 3% negative for the full year;
• Commodity costs are now expected to increase 5% to 6% for Pollo Tropical, 8% to 9% for Taco Cabana and 5% to 6% for Burger King;
• In 2011, the Company plans to open five to seven new Hispanic Brand restaurants, one new Burger King restaurant and to relocate one Burger King restaurant. The Company also plans to close two Pollo Tropical, one Taco Cabana and five Burger King restaurants (excluding the relocated restaurant);
• Total capital expenditures are now estimated to be in the $45 million to $50 million range;
• Total interest expense is anticipated to increase approximately $2.0 million to $2.5 million in the second half of 2011 as a result of the recently completed refinancing of the Company’s debt; and
• The Company’s annual effective tax rate is now estimated to be 28% to 30%.

Mr. Vituli concluded, “Our plan to spin-off Fiesta Restaurant Group to our shareholders is moving forward and we believe that we are on track to create an independent publicly-owned company containing our Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana brands by year-end. The effect of the spin-off would leave Carrols Restaurant Group with its Burger King restaurant business. A critical step in this process, separate debt financings for each of these two companies, has been completed. We also recently named industry veteran Tim Taft as Fiesta’s new CEO effective August 15, 2011 while I will remain as Chairman of the Board for Fiesta. Tim is a proven marketer and operator, and he brings considerable experience to continue building the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana brands. We also expect that Dan Accordino will be appointed CEO of Carrols Restaurant Group at the time of the spin-off. His deep understanding of our Burger King operations and the overall Burger King system make him well-suited for this role.”

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., operating through its subsidiaries, including Carrols Corporation and Fiesta Restaurant Group, is one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States. The Company operates three restaurant brands in the quick-casual and quick-service restaurant segments with 550 company-owned and operated restaurants in 16 states as of July 3, 2011, and 35 franchised restaurants in the United States, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Honduras, Trinidad, the Bahamas and Venezuela. Carrols Restaurant Group, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Fiesta Restaurant Group, owns and operates the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurant businesses. Carrols Restaurant Group is also the largest Burger King franchisee, based on number of restaurants, and has operated Burger King restaurants since 1976.

Even the best educated, smartest and most talented restaurant managers and owners are prone to developing blind spots. These blind spots make it difficult to achieve true restaurant success because you can’t even notice that they’re a problem. Asking for the input of an outside source, whether its a friend or a professional consultant, helps work around these problems.

Private equity firm Advent International has purchased the ownership interest held by Falfurrias Capital Partners in the Bojangles’ Restaurant Company. Falfurrias Capital Partners first bought the chain four years ago. Advent International plans to work with the current management team of the company and has no plans for drastic changes to the structure or menu of the chain.

Burger King restaurants have added the BK Minis sandwich packs to their national menu. Each BK Minis set contains four, eight or 12 tiny burgers or chicken sandwiches. Snackers can share a set of mini-sandwiches or chow down all by themselves. The four pack begins at just $2.99, with the 12 pack costing only $7.99.

Red Mango, a quickly growing chain specializing in frozen yogurt and smoothies, has appointed a new CEO. Barry M. Barron will take over as the head of the chain and will bring his extensive experience in the restaurant industry to the chain. He spent six years as the head of expansion at Papa Johns and learned how to be a top-notch CEO at the ACE Cash Express chain.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is making tasty, freshly fried chicken fun again with the new Rip’n Chick’n. The meal features chicken tenders pre-cut so you can tear them apart and dip into the ranch dipping sauce. For just $3.99 diners will receive a buttermilk biscuit, ranch dip, the chain’s signature Cajun fries and a Rip’n Chick’n breast piece.

Chik-fil-A is expanding its breakfast menu across the country with health-conscious consumers in mind. The newest menu addition is the slow-cooked Multi-Grain oatmeal. Four types of grains, including rolled oats and flax, are used to increase fiber and nutrients. Topping choices include mixed nuts, dried fruit and brown sugar with cinnamon.

Domino’s Pizza is taking a unique and daring step to win customer loyalty. The pizza chain is adding a live display in Times Square that shows customer feedback from the online ordering program as it is added. Negative and neutral reviews will be displayed along with positive feedback. Customers also get to use the Domino’s Tracker to see which employees prepared their pizza at each step.

Taco Bell restaurants around the country launched the new Big Box Remixed meal today. The meal also gives consumers access to exclusive music content through a partnership with the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards. A Quick Response, or QR, code on the box gives your smart phone access to a mobile site with music downloads and other exciting content.

Hardee’s and the My Coke Rewards program have teamed again to help diners win one of two $5,000 gift cards. Large fountain drinks, including those with large sized combo meals, feature promotional codes that are redeemable for free menu items and My Coke Reward points. The promotion will run until September 18^th.

Growing demand for healthy dining variety has led the Zoup! Fresh Soup Company to grow rapidly. Franchisees Don and Pat Hoag are developing their second location with the brand that will open in October in Cleveland, Ohio. The chain currently has 35 restaurants mainly located in the Midwestern states like Michigan.

Burger King Corp. is teaching the important skill of sharing with the rollout of BK Minis. These miniature sandwich packs put quality beef or white-meat chicken into tasty bites – making these minis the perfect size for sharing with friends and family. To satisfy every appetite, BK Minis are available, starting today, in four, eight and 12 packs at a suggested retail price of $2.99, $5.99 and $7.99, respectively, at participating restaurants nationwide.

“BK Minis may be small in size, but they are big on flavor and full of great taste,” said Steve Wiborg, president, North America, Burger King Corp. “Their versatility makes them the perfect snacking option for our guests to enjoy with their friends and families.”

With both beef and chicken available, along with a variety of pack sizes, BK® Minis are the perfect food option for any occasion.

• Minis at Mini Golf: Grab an eight-pack of BK Burger Minis for the perfect snack to share with friends and family while scoring a hole-in-one around the windmill.
• Celebrate with Your Mini: Whether it’s hitting a home run in little league or learning how to swim this summer, an eight-pack of BK Minis is perfect for moms to celebrate life’s accomplishments with their minis.
• Mini Getaway: Whether heading to the beach or traveling over state lines to the lake house, families can start off their weekend trips right with an easy 12-pack meal of BK Minis, soft drinks and French Fries.
• Enjoy a Mini Break: Take a breather from busy schedules this summer and relax at the pool with a friend and a four-pack meal of BK Burger Minis while you work on the perfect tan.

Founded in 1954, Burger King is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original Home of the Whopper, the Burger King system operates more than 12,250 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 76 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of Burger King restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses.

 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is taking actions to cut costs for the national restaurant chain. One step of this plan includes cutting 60 positions in both management and staff. Almost all of the employees that lost their jobs worked at the company’s headquarters. This will improve the efficiency of the administrative duties of the company.

Perkins & Marie Callender’s has filed their plan of reorganization as part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings. If the filing goes as planned the company will be exiting bankruptcy by the fall of this year. The bankruptcy deals with all of the 14% Senior Secured Notes and almost all of the 10%  Senior Secured Notes.

Bugaboo Creek Steak House, a small steakhouse chain with 12 locations located in the Eastern Corridor, has been purchased by Capitol BC Restaurants. The new ownership entails few changes for the restaurant chain but menu improvements and higher quality service are on the way. The chain will also be holding its annual “LobsterFest” until August.

Tilman J. Fertitta has announced the end of the standing acquisition offer to buy common stocks from McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants. The deal, which he first started at the beginning of this year, offered $9.25 in cash tender for each stock. He has dropped the purchase order to participate in the buyout process the company is currently undergoing.

Domino’s Pizza Vice President of multimedia marketing, Dennis Maloney, gave concrete evidence of how he helped boost the brand through social media marketing. His talk at the ANA Social Media Conference helped large and small business owners alike understand the importance of social networking. The chain combined the marketing with improvements in the pizza quality.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is the world’s second largest fried chicken fast food chain. The new restaurant location opening in Memphis, Tennessee on July 18^th will be the chain’s 2000^th location. The restaurant will celebrate being number 2000 by giving away 2000 pieces of original fried chicken to guests on grand opening day.

Burger King spends $300 million dollars a year on multimedia marketing, and it has shifted the bulk of this spending to Starcom. Mindshare was the company’s media agency of record for a few years, but the two companies have decided to terminate their agreement. Mindshare will manage existing campaigns for a few more months as Starcom transitions to the major agency.

Dunkin’ Donuts is targeting Arkansas as their next location for growth. Two new franchisees will develop a total of 11 locations in the state within the next few years. Seven of them will be located in Northwest Arkansas around Little Rock and Ft. Smith. The rest will open in Hot Springs and Benton.

Iowa will also see new Dunkin’ Donuts locations popping up in the next few years as well. A new agreement with Eastern Iowa Food Services will bring 12 locations to Cedar Rapids, Iowa by 2018. The chain is also seeking other franchisees for markets like Ottumwa, Des Moines and Sioux City.

Arkansas only has one Dickey’s Barbecue Pit currently in operation, so new franchisee Por Yang saw a great opportunity for success. Yang will open his restaurant next week in Siloam Springs. The only other location is in Lowell. The company has other opportunities within the state for motivated franchisees.

A new opening of a Five Guys Burgers and Fries causes visitors to line up for hours just for a taste. Other “better fast food” chains like Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill are stealing more traffic from casual restaurants like Applebee’s than from fast food giants. Customers are enjoying the combination of low prices, fast service and fresh ingredients.

Americans may be used to picking up nothing but a burger and fries at their favorite fast food joints, but beer and wine may soon be available too. Burger King locations in large towns like Las Vegas and Miami are now testing a “Whopper Bar” concept. Two South Florida Sonic restaurants will be adding alcohol to their menu as well.

Darden Restaurants, the parent company behind Olive Garden, is increasing the value priced menu offerings of the popular Italian food chain. Recent research demonstrated that the chain could capture more of the households with an annual income of under $60,000 by offering lower priced meals. They’re planning to maintain the same profit margins even with new menu items.

The founder of the Phillips Seafood Restaurants chain, Brice R. Phillips, has passed away at age 90. With the help of his wife Shirley he was able to open Phillips Crab House in 1956. The small restaurant grew into a chain of 19 locations and a line of retail seafood products. Their flagship store also constantly ranked highly in the top 100 highest grossing independently owned restaurants.

Two restaurants from Muskegon, Michigan have been featured on the Food Network’s new show “Outrageous Food”. Bernie O’s Pizza and Papa Bear’s Restaurant have both enjoyed increased business from the positive publicity. Customers traveled from neighboring states to try the incredibly hot Firebird pizza or the massive stuffed hash browns known as the Grizzly.

The Cheesecake Factory has announced that July is now National Cheesecake History Month. The restaurant’s Facebook page will share interesting stories and facts about the development of the famous dessert. The end of the month culminates with the National Cheesecake Day Celebration and the new Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake.

Dairy Queen’s newest ad campaign features a commercial with Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton in a pinata. The commercial is part of the new “So Good It’s RIDQulous” concept. A DQ manager hits the pinata and Mary Lou Retton comes tumbling out of it. Retton was chosen for her iconic status and for being a Gen-X mother of four.

Benihana, America’s largest and most popular Japanese steakhouse chain, has announced the monthly Chef’s Special for July. Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two will be available at the discounted price of $36. The meal includes five courses and drinks. Classic Benihana sides like onion soup, Benihana salad and hot green tea is all included.

The Wienerschnitzel chain turns 50 this summer just in time for National Hot Dog Month. The company is starting a “Chili Dog Days of Summer” promotion by sending the Wiener Wagon out to give away 5,000 free chili dogs. The truck will make 20 stops across Southern California in areas like Los Angeles and San Diego.

Pizza Inn is expanding in the Midwest again. The newest location for the chain opened in Springdale, Arkansas in a larger travel center. The location cooks full sized pizzas from scratch despite being part of the convenience store. The chain is now in three states including Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama.