OpenTable pulled information from over 10 million user reviews on 12,000 restaurants to compile their new Diner’s Choice Awards list. This recently released list shows the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. according to their wine lists. 21 states offered winners on the list, with wine-producer California accounting for 11 of them.
Social media has a surprisingly large impact on brand perception according to new research from Ogilvy-ChatThreads. Consumption and spending rose between two times and seven times as much when consumers encountered social media advertisements. TV advertising had a much greater effect when combined with these forms of media.
Chocolate fans have another reason to visit their local Golden Corral restaurant. The Chocolate Wonderfall, a chocolate fountain, is part of the regular buffet and comes with a variety of items for dipping, including pineapple, strawberries, Rice Krispies treats and marshmallows.
A Golden Corral franchisee has also received over $18 million in their latest round of funding. GC Partners will use the funding to help remodel many of their existing restaurants and build new ones. The loan for the North Carolina based company was given by GE Capital’s Franchise Finance division.
KFC is now offering another addition to their Famous Bowls line-up. The Cheesy Bacon Bowl starts with mashed potatoes, followed by a layer of corn and popcorn chicken. Three shredded cheeses and homemade gravy top it off, with a final sprinkling of smoky bacon. Famous Bowls were first introduced in 2005.
Wingstop has added a new flavor to their wing sauce menu for the first time in five years. The new flavor is a dry rub known as the Louisiana Rub. It combines tangy Cajun-style spices and herbs for a unique, slightly spicy flavor. The rub can be added to any wings, Glider sandwiches or chicken strips from Wingstop.
The Krystal restaurant chain is aiming for rapid expansion over the next half decade. The company wants to double its locations to 760 in total within five years. However, the company is also attempting to sell the chain. The expansion is part of a plan to add stores in more profitable locations where the brand’s food is in demand.
Four new development agreements will create Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurants in 65 different locations. The planned restaurants will be scattered across the South and in Minnesota. The deals involve opening 22 locations in Northern Alabama and Georgia, 17 in Minnesota and 15 in the Central Florida region.
Pizza Inn is going to China. The chain has announced their plans to expand internationally by introducing their brand to China’s Zhejiang province. The new restaurant opening in Hangzhou recently and four more will open over the next two years. The menu offers a wide range of ingredients that US customers don’t have access to.