The upcoming Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show held by the National Restaurant Association in May will feature a strong emphasis on social media marketing due to the rise in popularity of this new internet tool. Restaurant owners will get to mingle with some of the biggest names in online media like Google, Facebook and Yelp. Social media experts will highlight marketing strategies and ideas to help the restaurant industry grow.
Sunny Street Cafe may focus on breakfast, but this hasn’t held them back. The chain recently signed a new 40 location development contract to build new locations in Western Canada. This is the company’s first expansion out of the United States. Canada’s breakfast and early lunch market is growing steadily and the Sunny Street Cafe brand will adapt well to the Western part of the country.
Fast-casual chain Veggie Grill has nominated their new CEO and is drawing up plans for explosive expansion. Greg Dollarhyde is the new CEO and brings a large equity investment with him. The vegetarian and vegan menu focuses on comfort foods like plant based sandwiches and soups, and is primed for a rise in popularity as health becomes a major concern for many diners.
Asian fast-casual dining is also experiencing a boom in popularity and the Mama Fu’s Asian House chain is riding the wave. Six new locations are in development in the El Paso, Texas and New Mexico areas. Mama’s Alamo, a franchisee that already operates popular chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and Smashburgers in 7 states, will develop the six new restaurants.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has had the same menu for over 50 years, and has only grown in popularity for it. However, the chain is finally breaking tradition by adding a single new permanent item to the menu. The new Spicy Cheddar Sausage will be added in all national locations after limited release in February. The last addition to the chain’s menu occurred in 1952.
The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit chain is also expanding with a new restaurant location. Initial plans have placed the location in Draper, Utah. Two Pit locations are already operating in Utah, but this will be the first opportunity with the company in Draper. Dickey’s plans to open over 60 new restaurants across the country by the end of 2011.
Venus Williams has signed a Letter of Intent with the popular Jamba Juice chain to open as many as 5 new locations in the Washington D.C. area. If the deal is finalized, Ms. Williams will also gain rights to franchise the brand exclusively in that area. The first location will open later this summer. Venus Williams chose the Jamba Juice chain because as an athlete, she wanted a franchise that focuses on nutrition and good health.
If the lucky lady you are taking out for Mother’s Day likes Middle Eastern cuisine, the Arya Global Cuisine in Cupertino is featuring a special buffet for the holiday. A smooth jazz brunch with menu items like champagne, omelets and fresh fish will be served early in the day. A four course dinner is also available that combines American, Persian and Italian cuisine.
Blue on Highland, in Needham Massachusetts, will also hold a special Mother’s Day brunch. Menu specials will include French toast, sirloin steak with eggs and lobster bisque. Dinner will also feature holiday specials and all women will be honored with a complimentary rose. Live jazz will compliment the Mother’s Day meal.
Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila is ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live music and drink specials. Beginning at 11:30 am two live bands will perform, customers will be encouraged to dance and hourly drink and menu specials will be announced. The Brea, California restaurant has amped up their Cinco de Mayo celebration this year to be bigger and better than ever.