Consumer Reports has published their first ever review and ranking of the major fast food chains in the U.S. Over 36,000 subscribers were polled about their fast food preferences. In-N-Out Burger topped the entire list, and Chipotle Mexican Grill topped the Mexican category. Chick-fil-a and Firehouse Subs also reached high positions in their respective categories.
Restaurant owners are slowly losing their optimism about the improvement of the restaurant industry as same-store sales continue to drop. The Restaurant Performance Index, measured by the National Restaurant Association, dropped below 100 for the first time in six months. May showed a slowing and contracting of the entire industry.
Jason Chodash, the President of Tossed Franchise Corporation, was recently named one of South Florida’s top “40 Under 40” young business professionals. A gala ceremony will be held by the South Florida Business Review at the Hyatt Regency in Fort Lauderdale on July 28th. Chodash and other winners will be recognized for their efforts.
Boddie-Noell Enterprises, a Hardee’s franchisee was recently recognized for their excellence in all parts of operation with the 2011 Restaurant Operation Excellence Award. 9 of the 12 awards given at the celebration dinner were bestowed on restaurants owned by the company.
Whataburger is promoting their current Chief Operating Officer and President Preston Atkinson to the Chief Executive Officer. The change will take place on January 1st, 2012. Current CEO Tom Dobson will step down but will remain the Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. Dobson will train Atkinson in the role for the rest of the year.
Del Taco has also instituted some high level executive role changes. Micheal Vogel is the Mexican chain’s new Vice President of Franchise Sales. He’ll develop market planning strategies and oversee the sales of new franchise contracts. He’ll report directly to the Chief Development Officer Jim Lyons.
Yoshinoya, a leading Japanese style fast service chain, is expanding once again. A new store will open on August 13th in Dallas, Texas. Guests will enjoy raffles, giveaways and a live radio broadcast from KISS 106.1. Customers who purchase a Yoshinoya Bowl meal will receive another for free.
Zeppe’s Pizzeria and Still Riding Pizza are partnering together to bring gluten-free pizza crust to all locations of the restaurant. The cooks at Zeppe’s are being trained on how to keep the special dough clean and free from gluten contaminates in the kitchen.
U-Swirl Inc., the parent company of the U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt Cafes, has announced that four new locations were added as part of franchise expansion in June. The chain is now comprised of 16 stores. New locations opened in Reno, Nevada, Boise, Idaho, Phoenix, Arizona and Chico, California. The last three locations all opened in the past six months.
Dave & Buster’s is inviting everyone to visit their local branch to have some affordable summer fun. Guests will receive $10 of free game play just for coming by. The website offers a printable certificate that can be redeemed at any Dave & Buster’s location. Half-Price Games will also happen each Wednesday for the rest of the summer.