Fox’s “Kitchen Nightmares” may not sound like a good source of positive publicity, but it has turned around some restaurants. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay helps restaurant owners pinpoint why their business is failing and implements key changes. Mike and Nellie’s, an Italian eatery on Route 35, has changed to a steakhouse following their appearance on the show.
The owner of one of Philadelphia’s most famous Philly cheesesteak shops has passed away. Joey Vento, who opened Geno’s Steaks in 1966, passed away of a heart attack at the age of 71. The shop is still open today and runs opposite the Pat’s King of Steaks Restaurant that claims to have invented the Philly cheesesteak.
Subway may be the world’s largest fast food chain, but they’re not resting on their laurels. The company is testing a new, larger, more sophisticated layout with their Cafe style restaurant layout. The artwork is updated and the cafes feature better seating. Subway is hoping to draw in coffee shop fans and invite guests to extend their stays.
P.F. Chang’s remains popular due to its combination of upscale dining and Chinese dishes. However, the chain did suffer somewhat as the economy fell over the past 4 years. The company expects another slight fall in sales of 2-3%, but is working hard on a number of new initiatives to bring profits and traffic up again.
The economic downturn has hit restaurants around the country, but independent restaurant owners are struggling the most. In Augusta, Georgia many restaurants like Blue Sky Kitchen and Soy Noodle House are struggling to pay for the rising costs of food while keeping their menus affordable. Some restaurants are cutting staff while others are resorting to menu price increases.
Food trucks are the culinary world’s next big thing and the trend is about to crest. Restaurant owners can learn a lot from these mobile cafes and taquerias. Food trucks build interest and traffic by utilizing social media to its maximum potential. They also make dining out more exciting because diners never know when or where they’ll spot their favorite food truck.
If you’re concerned about calorie counts and nutrition, but would like to enjoy a McDonald’s hamburger without guilt, try the free Nutrition Calculator App. Recently developed by McDonald’s Canada, the free app helps visitors combine menu items to find a meal that fits their dietary needs and restrictions.
A large franchisee of Domino’s Pizza, the company known as Pizza Project, has received $2.15 million in funding from GE Capital and Franchise Finance. This will help the company purchase existing Domino’s locations and develop new ones. The decision was made to fund the project because the executives of Pizza Project already have loans with GE Capital under a different franchisee company.
Del Taco is growing in Colorado Springs and has doubled the number of restaurants in the city in just six months. The fourth location for the area opened on August 25th on Academy Drive. The new restaurant is owned and operated by the same franchisees as the other three. The chain has proved popular due to its healthy and affordable menu.
Krispy Kreme may be the next big thing in Japan. The company has signed an agreement with a Japanese franchisee to bring over 70 new stores to the country. Most of the locations will be built in the Chubu, Kanto and Kansai regions in the next five years. The chain is also adding 70 new locations in Mexico.