The Chipotle Mexican Grill chain has announced new details surrounding their newly developed Asian theme restaurant project. The chain will be called ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen and is inspired by the fresh markets of Asia where owners live in the level above their store. Fresh grilled meats and a variety of toppings and garnishes straight from Asian cuisine will create the core of the menu.
33 million Americans have announced their plans to eat out at a favorite restaurant this Easter Sunday. The National Restaurant Association says that the lunch and dinner meals are the busiest times on Easter, and that buffets will be big due to families with different tastes and dietary needs dining together. 14 of adults surveyed said that they planned to eat out at least once over the Easter holiday.
As the interest in nutrition and healthy eating habits picks up among consumers, even the most unlikely restaurants are revealing healthier menus. Denny’s, Applebee’s and IHOP are all developing new low calorie and low fat dishes to balance out the cheesy, greasy or fattening offerings on their existing menus. Applebee’s even saw one of their steak and shrimp diet meals become a monthly best seller.
The mass coupon sales model developed by websites like Groupon has spread like wildfire, and restaurants are being bombarded with sales pitches. Unfortunately, while the restaurants do get exposure, they usually cut their profits so low on the deals that running then regularly would put them out of business. Also, recent research is showing that coupon users may not always return to make a full priced purchase.
The two day extension on tax filings this years pushes the deadline to April 18th and ensures that many Americans will be working furiously to complete returns starting the 15th. Arby’s has decided to help time strapped tax payers by designating the 15th Free FryDay. All visitors to the restaurant chain will receive a free small fry with a print out of the online coupon available from their Facebook page.
Dunkin’ Donuts has redesigned their website to help consumers find nutritional information and new store locations. The Trip Planner highlights Dunkin’ Donuts locations along the path of your next road or airplane trip. All of the drinks and foods at their chain locations is now listed with correct nutritional information to help visitors make diet choices. Each visitor will also see localized content on the homepage of the site.
Carl’s Jr. has opened its first location in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the thriving hub of Istanbul, is the first of 25 planned locations in the country. Carl’s Jr. is popular in many international locations. After 70 years of development the company is now focusing on the international market.
The fifth location of the new chain Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill opened in Boise, Idaho recently. Other locations are spread across Colorado and Arizona. The restaurant concept combines fresh Asian cuisine, an extended drink menu and an energetic atmosphere. The locations combine American and Asian styles in both the menu and décor.
Lynne Zappone has been named the Chief Talent Officer for AFC Enterprises. AFC manages the national chain Popeyes, and Ms. Zappone will be in charge of finding and hiring the best talent to help promote and grow the brand. She’s had more than 20 years of human resource management experience, both in the restaurant industry and others.