DineEquity may be the parent company of both Applebee’s and IHOP, but they are selling 66 of the company-owned restaurants in the Applebee’s brand. Franchisee Apple American Group will purchase the restaurants located in the New England area, including Vermont, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In exchange, the group agrees to remodel all 66 locations by the end of 2012.
More servers are working to memorize customer orders rather than writing on an old-fashioned pad. Restaurant owners feel that this creates a deeper connection between the server and the customer, but it does require waitstaff with a good memory. The trend is taking off the most in the New York City area and works best in restaurants with small menus.
Despite high fuel costs that increase transportation fees and rising food prices, the forecast for restaurants around the country is actually improving. Analysts at Keybanc noted that the stocks of 125 restaurants, monitored by the firm rose more than the average for the S&P 500 in April. A recent payroll tax cut, coupled with spenders who are tired of cutting out all luxuries, may be responsible for the rise.
McDonald’s has promoted the current Vice President of Global External Communications, Bridget Coffing, to the Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations position. This will place her in charge of all internal and external communications for the company. She will be responsible for setting the tone of all marketing campaigns and other media relations.
Papa Murphy’s has hired a new President. Ken Caldwell will report directly to the head Chairman and CEO of the company John Barr. Caldwell has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including a stint as the Chief Marketing Officer for Wendy’s. He will help America’s fifth largest pizza company grow even larger.
Baskin-Robbins is looking for new franchisees in the Los Angeles area to help expand the brand in Southern California. The chain will hold a meeting on June 8th to help interested business owners learn more about the company at a special “Becoming a Baskin-Robbins Franchisee” event. It will be hosted at the Hilton Los Angeles and anyone is welcome to register.
Caribou Coffee is kicking off a summer of fun with giveaways and new drinks. All guests who register at the company’s website at CaribouCoffee.com will be entered to win a $200 gift card good at their favorite Caribou coffee location. Other summer giveaways will include Kindles, grilling equipment and other summer goodies.
Two new restaurants in West Los Angeles are opening to offer both top quality barbeque and exciting Mexican food to residents of the neighborhood. Customers can order off both the Crossroads BBQ and Bubba Diego’s menus because they are conjoined, yet separate, restaurants. The double grand opening celebration for the two will take place on June 9th.
Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern is opening their sixth chain location in Cascade Township, Missouri. Diversified Restaurant Holdings, the owner/operator company that owns the brand, plans to remodel a building and property that was the former home of a Big Boy location. The new restaurant will serve the Greater Grand Rapids area.
Nicksons Eatery has released their new summer menu just in time for rising temperatures. New items use fresh produce from local farms and top quality exotic ingredients. The summer menu features dishes like the tropically inspired Maui Lettuce Wraps, Creole Sausage Hash, and House Pickled Red Onions. The menu is designed to appeal to foodies and culinary adventurists.