Olive Garden is giving away an 8 day tour of Italy, complete with a visit to the Culinary Institute of Tuscany. A daily first prize will also be awarded consisting of a $20 gift card. Visitors can enter through the company’s Facebook page, and additional entries will be granted for guests who check in during their visit to Foursquare or Facebook.
Denny’s restaurants have issued a challenge to ‘Man vs. Food’ star Adam Richman. The challenge involves him eating at least $40 worth of food from their $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu. Denny’s has also pledged to donate $12,468 to the Special Olympics if he takes the challenge. 16 items are featured on the menu.
The National Restaurant Association has spoken up to oppose S. 575, which will allow card swipe companies to put off revealing and restructuring their fee structures for another two years. Banks would be forced to compete for business, or could only charge fair and reasonable fees without compeition. The regulations only affect banks with assets over $10 billion. Representatives from the Association say that the delay would cost the restaurant industry $1.3 billion a month.
The new Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, containing over 100 drink options in the same footprint as a regular 8 nozzle drink dispenser, launched on March 15th at Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta in Denver. 50 more machines will be tested for four years in restaurants throughout Georgia and Southern California. The new drink options include flavored waters and sparkling fruit juice beverages.
Smashburger is a multi-national chain that focuses on regional options and favorites in each of their restaurants. Currently available in 19 states, each location offers visitors the signature combinations and flavors of their city. For example, the local burger of San Diego features avocado and sour cream, while the Las Vegas version is topped with fried egg and bacon.
Saladworks, a new chain franchise specializing in tossed salads, is offering personal visits from the top three executives of the company to new franchisee owners. The team will take two trips a month to visit new developments in previously untapped markets. The franchisee can combine their knowledge of the local market with the executives’ expertise in the brand. Franchisees may find new expansion locations due to the real estate knowledge of the company.
New smoothies from Jamba Juice are designed to provide at least three full servings of fruits and vegetables in a 16 oz size cup. The three new flavors include Orange Carrot Karma, Apple n’ Greens and Berry UpBEET. The recipes combine vegetables and fruits to make sweet, tasty smoothies with a greater health benefit.
Dunkin’ Donuts has renewed their focus on new franchisee growth this year. Their main focus lies in Iowa this time, specifically around the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City. Operators in these marketers can take advantage of reduced royalties for three years and generous local marketing help if the stores open on time.
Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequilas, located in Brea, California, is holding a celebration for Erendida Jacobo, a bartender who has been with the restaurant since the opening. Due to her recent diagnosis with breast cancer, the restaurant will donate 25% of all bar sales on the upcoming Erendida Day to help her pay for medical expenses. Local philanthropist Dwight Manley will match the restaurant’s donations.
On March 17th and 18th the first rounds of March Madness will be played, and Hooters is inviting basketball fans to visit their restaurants to watch the games. The chain is providing a joke Doctor’s Note for workers who are supposed to report to work, as well as a variety of coupons. Visitors can watch the first round games and enjoy wonderful food and a wide variety of beer and mixed drinks.