The burger giant McDonald’s is investing just over $1 billion dollars in redesigns for stores around the country, and Tampa, Florida area stores are being used as a model. While restaurants in the chain once used hard benches to deter loitering, the release of the McCafe line has the company competing with relaxing places like Starbucks. Once revamped many McDonald’s locations will be more comfortable for longer visits.
As many state governments crack down on Happy Meals and children become more technologically savvy, the 48 year old icon of the McDonald’s brand has fallen flat. Ronald McDonald was featured in an ad campaign earlier this year, but failed to inspire new sales. A group called Corporate Accountability International plans to ask the company to retire the character because he encourages children to eat unhealthy foods.
The new Zagat 2011/12 survey for the Long Island area has been released recently. 901 restaurants were reviewed by over 6,000 diners. Southold’s North Fork Table received a rare and impressive rating of 29 points out of 30, and Peter Luger remained for the 18th straight year in the Most Popular spot. The average meal cost for the area dropped about a dollar to $40.42.
Flame grilled chicken chain El Pollo Loco is struggling to maintain their profits in the face of rising costs and slow growth in sales. The chain has already increased advertising and added exciting new dishes to the menu, but so far efforts have not proved fruitful. A new advertising agency has been hired to revitalize the brand and an architectural firm will help redesign many of the chain’s 400 locations.
Presenting a coupon at a high class restaurant can be embarrassing, so many group deal and coupon web services are exploring new ways to let customers notify the restaurant. ReservePerks doesn’t require a printed coupon, but rather saves the diner 30% of the bill when they reserve through the website. Young adults are the most embarrassed by using a restaurant coupon, while older adults feel more comfortable with the practice.
Elaine Kaufman’s New York restaurant Elaine’s was an iconic piece of the culinary landscape of the city. When she passed away last year, the restaurant’s manager attempted to keep it open and running. However, the restaurant has announced this week that it will be closing on May 26th because it is no longer a viable business due to increasing financial difficulties.
Abuelo’s, one of America’s favorite Mexican dining chains, is adding new options to their lunch menus across the country. More than 25 dishes were added, with the base price starting at $5.99. Health conscious Mexican cuisine lovers can order the Espanola Shrimp Salad, or a number of hand rolled enchiladas, tostadas and other classic Tex Mex dishes.
The new Tulsa location of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is holding their grand opening this Friday. Customers can enjoy a one dollar barbecue sandwich until 1 pm. The first customer through the door will also win a free year’s worth of barbecue from the chain.