In advance of the full release of the MICHELIN Guide New York City 2012, Michelin has announced that over 100 restaurants in New York City were listed in the Bib Gourmand category. This includes restaurants that offer at least two courses, with wine, for under $40. These restaurants are both affordable and top class establishments.
The Country’s Best Yogurt, or TCBY, has signed new expansion contracts that will bring it into South Carolina and North Carolina. The 10 year agreement will bring at least 23 new stores into the two states over the next three years. The company already has over 30 restaurants in both states combined.
Darden Restaurants, the parent company of brands like Olive Garden, is struggling to keep profits up as food costs rise. The chains reported a total fall in revenue of roughly five percent for the fiscal quarter. Guests are also in decline at restaurants like Olive Garden due to the lack of value menu items and tight budgets.
Great American Cookies is expanding their franchise program by adding new opportunities for veterans through their Great American Patriot Program. Qualifying veterans will receive a 40% discount on all franchise related fees. The chain knows that veterans have learned valuable discipline and management skills through their time in the armed forces.
Quiznos is expanding their co-branded retail stores with a new agreement with Meijer, a supercenter and grocery store chain based in Michigan. The Meijer stores in the state will soon have Quiznos locations opening in them. The chains decided to work together due to the popularity of the sandwich shop format for supercenters.
Famous Dave’s BBQ is breaking out of the United States on their first attempt at international expansion. Famous Ribs of Canada will bring the chain to the Great White North. The first restaurant is planned to open in July of next year in Winnipeg. The company that will handle the expansion has brought a number of other brands into Canada.
Old Homestead Steakhouse, located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, is now offering a new $22 lunch special. The “Burger Diamonds” features a Kobe beef burger, a sirloin steak burger and a filet mignon burger. The burger trio also comes with a Caesar salad and special tater tots, all for under $30.
October may be National Cookie Month, but Max & Erma’s decided to celebrate early. Customers can enjoy a free chocolate chip cookie each Wednesday until the chain decides to end the promotion. The plan is to give away at least one million cookies before the beginning of 2012.
Straw Hat Pizza has a new mascot, but he’s a familiar face to millions of Americans. The chain has licensed Garfield for their new marketing and promotional materials. The fat, orange cat was chosen for being recognizable to multiple generations and for his strong connection with food. Children’s meal products will also feature him.