OpenTable’s main focus is on providing diners with an online method for making reservations, but they are now hosting over 10 million reviews of participating restaurants. This makes the website one of the internet’s biggest collection of dining reviews. Visitors can easily check the opinions of other diners as they make a reservation.
Red Mango is growing quickly throughout the United States and the chain has introduced a new line of Spoonable Smoothies. These thinner, yet still tasty, smoothies also include a granola topping and fresh fruit. This turns a simple drink into a heartier meal. Flavors include the Spoonable Mango Pineapple and Spoonable Strawberry Banana.
Burger King is signing a new master franchise agreement with a Vinci Partners affiliate. This will create a new company that have the current Burger King general manager for Brazil in the chief corporate officer position. Iuri Miranda will become the CEO and will manage the brand in the largest country in South America.
Quiznos, the fast growing sandwich quick service chain, has also signed a new master franchise agreement in Brazil. Over 200 new restaurants will be added in the Midwest and Northern regions of the country. Seven of these will be open before the end of the year. The rest will open over the life of the master agreement.
The Iowa Restaurant Association has named a new CEO and President. Jessica Dunker will help organize the efforts of the group that promotes over 6,000 restaurants in the state. The volunteer Board of Directors nominated the successful non-profit organization manager to give the group a more cohesive lead.
Orlando will soon be introduced to the unique Louisiana style seafood of the Hot N Juicy Crawfish chain. The company will open their fourth location in Central Florida. Three existing locations include one in Washington D.C. and two in Las Vegas. Cajun spices are added to the freshest seafood, either acquired locally or flown in.
The Harper’s Restaurants chain is gearing up for their 12th summer of the “Annual Tomato Fest”. Only locally sourced tomatoes from the highest quality farms will be used in their signature dishes. New menu items include the Crab and Avocado Stack combining fresh tomato slices, crab meat, avocado and basil slices.
The winners of the Mini Blizzard TREATment Video Contest will soon receive their awards from Dairy Queen. Six creative and lucky video creators won new Mini Cooper Countrymen cars for their efforts. All six will be delivered on June 21st to the homes of the winners. If you missed the competition, you can still watch the best videos at the Dairy Queen website.
Dave & Buster’s has released their first quarter financial reports. Total revenues rose 5.0%, and comparable store sales grew by 6.2%. Unfortunately, a loss of $2.7 million of these revenues was caused by the flooding of a Nashville location. Amusements and Other sales accounted for a 5.9% rise in revenue alone.