Most Active Articles 2009-11-26T01:11:58.109-05:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:restaurant-industry Michael Arndt marndt561 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:16998478721319506103-c4269dd0b5162f1e7a89de5218a94c22 2009-11-06T09:50:42.924-05:00

If you think McDonalds sells the same burgers and fries everywhere in the world, think again – here in Asia they’ve had to make some concessions to local tastes and come up with some peculiar fast food variations on Asian favourites. It all started with the Samurai Pork Burger. I saw this advertised outside a McDonalds in Bangkok back in 2004 and was somewhat perplexed. Why is it a Japanese name when I’m in Thailand? And what do Samurai have to do with pork? Actually, why is it called Samurai at all? Sadly, I never actually found out any of the answers, but it made me start paying closer attention to McDonalds everytime I went to another country in Asia.

If you think McDonalds sells the same burgers and fries everywhere in the world, think again – here in Asia they’ve had to make some concessions to local tastes and come up with some peculiar fast food variations on Asian favourites. It all started with the Samurai Pork Burger. I saw this advertised outside a McDonalds in Bangkok back in 2004 and was somewhat perplexed. Why is it a Japanese name when I’m in Thailand? And what do Samurai have to do with pork? Actually, why is it called Samurai at all? Sadly, I never actually found out any of the answers, but it made me start paying closer attention to McDonalds everytime I went to another country in Asia. http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009/11/weird-stuff-mcdonalds-sells-around.html Michael Arndt marndt561 59 59 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2234981086144942620-ffa63521d078afa89259e54d8ade7942 2009-11-08T21:52:33.109-05:00

McDonald's Corp. is setting a course to add a dollar menu for breakfast starting in January, according to a document reviewed by Dow Jones Newswires, as it looks to head off a slowdown in morning sales.

McDonald's Corp. is setting a course to add a dollar menu for breakfast starting in January, according to a document reviewed by Dow Jones Newswires, as it looks to head off a slowdown in morning sales. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125762544635136139.html Michael Arndt marndt561 33 33 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17425205750316416422-b3c97d50dd829f509dd376c8fa868220 2009-11-04T09:54:09.179-05:00

Herewith is a modest list of dos and dont's for servers at any restaurant.

Herewith is a modest list of dos and dont's for servers at any restaurant. http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/one-hundred-things-restaurant-staffers-should-never-do-part-one/?em Steve Hans shans652 44 44 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7801053976730124783-5ca62b0da3b657463b0c2490be98e8df 2009-11-08T21:47:43.722-05:00

Shawn Poynter for The New York Times Ruby IF you heard Sandy Beall order lunch at a Ruby Tuesday here one recent afternoon,...

Shawn Poynter for The New York Times Ruby IF you heard Sandy Beall order lunch at a Ruby Tuesday here one recent afternoon,... http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/business/08ruby.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=ruby%20tuesday%20restaurant&st=cse Michael Arndt marndt561 23 23 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5208856535916183257-dc3a8bd058850a8d4211c924ed38226f 2009-11-06T09:47:41.086-05:00

Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- At a McDonald’s Corp. test kitchen in an unmarked Illinois warehouse, next year’s menu plan for the U.K. has hit a snag. When the visiting British team adds wrap sandwiches, service slows. “This is the place to find out,” said...

Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- At a McDonald’s Corp. test kitchen in an unmarked Illinois warehouse, next year’s menu plan for the U.K. has hit a snag. When the visiting British team adds wrap sandwiches, service slows. “This is the place to find out,” said... http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aZPWWwqq1.lA&pos=7 Michael Arndt marndt561 18 18 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6711869265318805354-d6e739175477915d9ad3f4b09a23e747 2009-10-26T11:16:10.382-04:00

-- Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to seek out covert items at fast food chains around the country. Be warned, this mission includes very real dangers such as hardening arteries and skyrocketing cholesterol. We've compiled a list to get...

-- Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to seek out covert items at fast food chains around the country. Be warned, this mission includes very real dangers such as hardening arteries and skyrocketing cholesterol. We've compiled a list to get... http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/24/mf.10.secret.menu.items/ Michael Arndt marndt561 41 41 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:16190413087022009999-d57055caec4f489855fe26e68e1ff186 2009-10-22T10:02:27.555-04:00

CHICAGO — Fortunes at chain restaurants are tumbling, the fallout from a strategy of slashing menu prices in the hopes that a cheap meal will be enough to entice diners back to their booths. Instead, diners are ringing up smaller checks, or simply staying home. And the deep discounts, like the two meals for $20 being offered at places such as Chili's and Applebee's, come with a high cost for sales and profits. Some worry the chains are creating a culture of diners looking only for a cheap meal.

CHICAGO — Fortunes at chain restaurants are tumbling, the fallout from a strategy of slashing menu prices in the hopes that a cheap meal will be enough to entice diners back to their booths. Instead, diners are ringing up smaller checks, or simply staying home. And the deep discounts, like the two meals for $20 being offered at places such as Chili's and Applebee's, come with a high cost for sales and profits. Some worry the chains are creating a culture of diners looking only for a cheap meal. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g8y2Up5RlquOp50iAi9UZrdoxEpwD9BFN1382 Michael Arndt marndt561 49 49 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9598066552193924774-9892eeca7a051ab83cf75ee388b8c534 2009-10-30T10:29:27.609-04:00

CHICAGO — Business slowed at Burger King Corp. for the second straight quarter as the recession hit even fast-food restaurants and their cheap menus. The nation's No. 2 burger chain, which has about 12,000 restaurants around the world, blamed still-rising unemployment — along with menu markdowns by competitors — for the financial results it announced Thursday, which were worse than expected.

CHICAGO — Business slowed at Burger King Corp. for the second straight quarter as the recession hit even fast-food restaurants and their cheap menus. The nation's No. 2 burger chain, which has about 12,000 restaurants around the world, blamed still-rising unemployment — along with menu markdowns by competitors — for the financial results it announced Thursday, which were worse than expected. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ggvlpp0NMSJFMUFoNZ3YVpY2LLswD9BKU4T81 Michael Arndt marndt561 20 20 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6123365556208912612-cfbcd00b7d416ef600ad5a6eed21a393 2009-10-28T11:07:51.043-04:00

Adult perceptions of leading QSRs have been improving for the past year -- and the latest BrandIndex data show brand loyalty, in particular, rising dramatically during the past month. BrandIndex tracks loyalty by asking consumers whether they would...

Adult perceptions of leading QSRs have been improving for the past year -- and the latest BrandIndex data show brand loyalty, in particular, rising dramatically during the past month. BrandIndex tracks loyalty by asking consumers whether they would... http://www.drewkerrpress.com/2009/10/place-brandindex-research-in-mediapost.html Drew Kerr dkerr475 17 17 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5629724132530179729-1e46193f5901c8c2b82deb283864bd3a 2009-11-04T11:58:19.516-05:00

Independent researchers reported that New York City’s ground-breaking calorie labeling law had had absolutely no effect on the caloric content of meals bought at chain restaurants in poor neighborhoods.

Independent researchers reported that New York City’s ground-breaking calorie labeling law had had absolutely no effect on the caloric content of meals bought at chain restaurants in poor neighborhoods. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03nutrition.html?ref=dining Steve Hans shans652 6 6 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2349133930169803613-ceab20c36c91ea73bd8093ed5c248309 2009-10-27T18:13:53.114-04:00

Price is the key lever decision-makers can operate to influence revenue, and a growing number of businesses seek to do so via active price strategies like demand management and revenue optimization. However fair pricing also matters - in other words prices that do not violate widely held individual or social norms. Fortunately for decision-makers, fair pricing and optimal pricing are not at odds with each other but can comfortably coexist.

Price is the key lever decision-makers can operate to influence revenue, and a growing number of businesses seek to do so via active price strategies like demand management and revenue optimization. However fair pricing also matters - in other words prices that do not violate widely held individual or social norms. Fortunately for decision-makers, fair pricing and optimal pricing are not at odds with each other but can comfortably coexist. http://blog.sentrana.com/2009/10/27/fair-price-optimal-price/ Joe Smiley jsmiley701 16 16 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:368626621834160733-1b06a3a2d395ff778268db0fc38ec260 2009-11-03T09:54:55.539-05:00

Published: November 2, 2009 Just a few weeks ago, independent researchers reported that New York City’s ground-breaking calorie labeling law had had absolutely no effect on the caloric content of meals bought at chain restaurants in poor...

Published: November 2, 2009 Just a few weeks ago, independent researchers reported that New York City’s ground-breaking calorie labeling law had had absolutely no effect on the caloric content of meals bought at chain restaurants in poor... http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03nutrition.html?_r=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8192047185294824189-f590d25af5c5b01c37c51a372ade3557 2009-10-30T10:32:42.277-04:00

Improving service, innovating quickly and consistently, and staying “customer-centric” are the key priorities for McDonald’s amid the recession, according to the fast-food giant’s top executive. “The downturn we’re in cannot be an excuse for sitting...

Improving service, innovating quickly and consistently, and staying “customer-centric” are the key priorities for McDonald’s amid the recession, according to the fast-food giant’s top executive. “The downturn we’re in cannot be an excuse for sitting... http://news.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20091028chief_talks_mcdonalds_biz_recipe/srvc=home&position=also Michael Arndt marndt561 8 8 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12701859675001897484-8f0370267d409d626d891e1604275778 2009-11-04T10:37:47.182-05:00

Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. owners or part-owners and managers of 49 luxury hotels, restaurants, tourist, trains and river cruise properties operating in 25 countries, today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. owners or part-owners and managers of 49 luxury hotels, restaurants, tourist, trains and river cruise properties operating in 25 countries, today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS217316+03-Nov-2009+PRN20091103 Charles Dubow cdubow602 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9415453638565465436-4540c04b63e70facea0892814214ec98 2009-10-27T10:31:11.623-04:00

Yet, with Halloween just around the corner, many American households are stocking up on sacks of Hershey(HSY Quote) bars to hand out to trick-or-treaters. Snickers are appropriate for giving away and Starbucks(SBUX Quote) chocolate bars are fine...

Yet, with Halloween just around the corner, many American households are stocking up on sacks of Hershey(HSY Quote) bars to hand out to trick-or-treaters. Snickers are appropriate for giving away and Starbucks(SBUX Quote) chocolate bars are fine... http://www.thestreet.com/story/10617117/1/take-out-second-mortgage-for-this-chocolate.html Travels in Taste ttaste651 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1633681921907260406-c0263bea65d35fe86007599dc5273443 2009-10-20T15:14:59.324-04:00

UNTIL recently, Singapore’s food scene was ruled by two very different eating experiences: the city’s venerated street stalls, appropriately glorified by food writers like Calvin Trillin; and upscale European-style restaurants like Iggy’s and Au Jardin. But a small group of chefs is reinventing the city’s traditional food culture, finding a balancing point between the city’s cheap but hard to navigate street food and the expensive white-tablecloth spots.

UNTIL recently, Singapore’s food scene was ruled by two very different eating experiences: the city’s venerated street stalls, appropriately glorified by food writers like Calvin Trillin; and upscale European-style restaurants like Iggy’s and Au Jardin. But a small group of chefs is reinventing the city’s traditional food culture, finding a balancing point between the city’s cheap but hard to navigate street food and the expensive white-tablecloth spots. http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/travel/18choice.html?ref=dining Steve Hans shans652 4 3 1 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15231188565581413936-67cdcad53ccf8da1c04463ac6d06db83 2009-10-29T11:22:44.383-04:00

) took plenty of flak years ago for its super-size meals. But Microsoft's (MSFT) strategy for building buzz in Japan gives new meaning to the term. Beginning on Oct. 22, to mark the launch of its Windows 7 in Japan, Microsoft has teamed up with...

) took plenty of flak years ago for its super-size meals. But Microsoft's (MSFT) strategy for building buzz in Japan gives new meaning to the term. Beginning on Oct. 22, to mark the launch of its Windows 7 in Japan, Microsoft has teamed up with... http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/oct2009/gb20091028_626293.htm Michael Arndt marndt561 3 3 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5868734372890089212-ec2d76c0149e87223c7aa35e4c526c34 2009-11-01T07:43:55.673-05:00

The shortlists for the inaugural Caterer Middle East Awards will be unveiled online at HME.com over the course of the next three weeks. After a long process of whittling down the hundreds of nominations submitted by outlets around the region,...

The shortlists for the inaugural Caterer Middle East Awards will be unveiled online at HME.com over the course of the next three weeks. After a long process of whittling down the hundreds of nominations submitted by outlets around the region,... http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/article-6265-caterer-awards-countdown-individual-awards-1/ Kashif Rehmat krehmat465 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15201239822690624628-15d4efa9d5d6e56e5955dc852923450b 2009-10-20T14:57:43.136-04:00

In August, Slate's Daniel Gross wrote that McDonald's won the recession. But the burger leader certainly didn't cross the finish line unscathed. U.S. same-store sales, though still positive, are down. And foreign currency exchange rates have...

In August, Slate's Daniel Gross wrote that McDonald's won the recession. But the burger leader certainly didn't cross the finish line unscathed. U.S. same-store sales, though still positive, are down. And foreign currency exchange rates have... http://www.qsrweb.com/article.php?id=16194&prc=52&page=56 Michael Arndt marndt561 8 8 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3895783236003649568-0bb87440b5ae3a700256c9c99ffecd30 2009-10-21T12:17:21.775-04:00

Leo Burnett in London classes up McDonald's in this poetic U.K. spot about the types of people who pass by (or rather, through) the Golden Arches on a typical day. By focusing on the patrons, and not on the food, the ad does a nice job of presenting McDonald's as something slightly more than a boring, omnipresent fast-food chain serving unidentifiable meat to people in a hurry.

Leo Burnett in London classes up McDonald's in this poetic U.K. spot about the types of people who pass by (or rather, through) the Golden Arches on a typical day. By focusing on the patrons, and not on the food, the ad does a nice job of presenting McDonald's as something slightly more than a boring, omnipresent fast-food chain serving unidentifiable meat to people in a hurry. http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/2009/10/burnett-moved-to-poetry-in-mcdonalds-spot.html Michael Arndt marndt561 2 1 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15436240851490926021-20a959aacfd9d4c588204c5b9ec9e4b2 2009-10-24T22:14:40.023-04:00

What can Romano’s Macaroni Grill’s re-engineering of its tomato bruschetta dish teach us about innovation in a recession? Most marketers are relying on price and promotional shifts to re-position their brands for value. By contrast, savvy marketers...

What can Romano’s Macaroni Grill’s re-engineering of its tomato bruschetta dish teach us about innovation in a recession? Most marketers are relying on price and promotional shifts to re-position their brands for value. By contrast, savvy marketers... http://mlcwideangle.exbdblogs.com/2009/09/17/of-tomato-bruschetta-and-recession-innovation/ Marketing Leadership Council tkoopersmith354 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2067046563369908135-7b156a00aec4a6b2d6907a97191ebd9d 2009-05-21T18:34:08.624-04:00

Smoking bans do not significantly affect employment in bars and restaurants, according to research released Tuesday by the University of Minnesota and Ohio State University. That result runs contrary to the arguments made by bar and restaurant owners as they’ve fought such bans at state legislatures and city halls across the country.

Smoking bans do not significantly affect employment in bars and restaurants, according to research released Tuesday by the University of Minnesota and Ohio State University. That result runs contrary to the arguments made by bar and restaurant owners as they’ve fought such bans at state legislatures and city halls across the country. http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/05/18/daily19.html Michael Arndt marndt561 56 42 0 14 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:188421806424114799-6c498f3a94fd6fed663681aada47a042 2009-10-27T10:47:17.964-04:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New York's mandate that fast-food restaurants post calorie information on their menus has changed consumer habits, the city said on Monday, contradicting a recent independent study showing no effect. The city's Department of...

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New York's mandate that fast-food restaurants post calorie information on their menus has changed consumer habits, the city said on Monday, contradicting a recent independent study showing no effect. The city's Department of... http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE59P4O720091026 Michael Arndt marndt561 2 2 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10943231344221809673-f753fb62b8ca0835ee1173638dfc0520 2009-10-27T10:30:06.151-04:00

Taste the Vineyards of Style at the Palazzo Taste the “Vineyards of Style” at The Palazzo to Benefit Local Charity Tickets On Sale NOW - $20 advance and $25 at the door! WHAT: Toast to prevent hunger at Vineyards of Style,...

Taste the Vineyards of Style at the Palazzo Taste the “Vineyards of Style” at The Palazzo to Benefit Local Charity Tickets On Sale NOW - $20 advance and $25 at the door! WHAT: Toast to prevent hunger at Vineyards of Style,... http://www.travelsintaste.com/blog/index.php/2009/10/27/taste-the-vineyards-of-style-at-the-palazzo/ Travels in Taste ttaste651 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8143457299824065961-2e11e939cb49e21e68a55bf3e8199202 2009-10-21T12:14:06.134-04:00

You can tell a lot about people by tracking their mobile Web searches--like the fact that BlackBerry users like to hunt for low gas prices and iPhone users are Starbucks addicts. Boston start-up uLocate Communications says BlackBerry users are more...

You can tell a lot about people by tracking their mobile Web searches--like the fact that BlackBerry users like to hunt for low gas prices and iPhone users are Starbucks addicts. Boston start-up uLocate Communications says BlackBerry users are more... http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/20/iphone-blackberry-android-technology-mobile-search.html Michael Arndt marndt561 5 5 0 0