Guests are using their cellphones to check into social media sites like Facebook or Foursquare and share photos and reviews in real time. However, some restaurants are moving to ban the use of cellphones in their establishments. The owner of Rogue 24 in Washington has banned them, and other high end places are following suit.
Darden Restaurant Group has only owned the LongHorn Steakhouse chain since 2007, but the company has found the chain to be their next big success. They are now pushing to expand and grow the chain to compete with top national steakhouses like Outback Steakhouse. The chain currently has over 350 locations but the company wants to reach at least 600.
Quiznos is facing some financial issues after a sharp increase in competition ate into their profits. Debt problems and dropping sales are also troubling the company. This information comes from analysts who have been tracking the company, but it remains a rumor. The company doesn’t release financial details itself.
There aren’t any national guidelines covering the cleanliness or care of fast food playground equipment. Kids may love to play on them, but they often go without proper cleaning or inspection. This makes them dangerous places to play sometimes and spreads illness quickly. A number of concerned parents are working together to increase the inspection of these structures.
UFood Grill is working through their partnership with a London-based company to bring their chain to international markets. The partnership will build new restaurants in the Middle East and many parts of Europe. The chain offers healthy foods using fresh ingredients and fast cooking methods like grilling.
Wilson L. Craft, the former Concept President for O’Charley’s, has resigned to pursue another position. The current CEO and President will take over the position until a replacement can be hired. Craft helped the company weather a number of challenges in the two years he served as Concept President. The brand also includes the Ninety Nine restaurant chain.
HoneyBaked Ham has named their Franchisee of the Year for 2011. Kathy and David Crawford received the award for their location in Richmond, Virginia. They were chosen above the other 178 franchisees in the brand. The award was given for following the high quality standards in service and providing mentoring to other stores.
Taco Cabana is adding new menu items to expand the tasty Mexican dishes currently offered. The steak and chicken fajitas puebla tacos will be available for a limited time at all Taco Cabana locations. A creamy avocado sauce and crumbled bacon tops the marinated, grilled fajita style meat in each taco.
GFG Management owns and operates both the MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream and Marble Slab Creamery brands. The company has decided to combine the two separate concepts into one ice cream brand. This will bring Marble Slab Creamery into second place for the largest ice cream chain in America. The menus will combine and the new brand will take on the MaggieMoo mascot character.
Whataburger is adding two new dessert items to its menu for a limited time. The banana shake combines the tropical flavors of banana with a creamy milkshake base. The banana pie is also geared towards fruit lovers who want a break from the chocolate, cherry and lemon flavors currently available.