Fast Five: Need-to-Know News in Full-Service this Week

Chefs: James Beard award winners were announced. Outstanding Restaurant went to The Slanted Door in San Francisco, while Nancy Silverton of Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles won Outstanding Chef.
Meals: Chefs spent the week preparing for Mother's Day, one of the biggest dining days of the year, while restaurants experiment with build-your-own beverage bars during brunch hours.
Finance: Chuy's revenues increased 20 percent during its first quarter. An expert spoke with FSR about top tips to control food costs.
Chain news: Bob Evans' CFO and treasurer tendered his resignation, and Applebee's introduced its seasonal menu, built around Vidalia onions. A TGI Fridays in Brooklyn that was forced to close during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 reopened.
Policy: Healthcare, immigration reform, and minimum wage hikes were among the top issues restaurateurs discussed with members of Congress during the NRA’s Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

New Japanese Concept Omakase Shoji Opens in Chicago’s West Town Neighborhood

With a rich background steeped in Japanese culinary tradition, Takashi Iida and Shoji Takahashi bring their unparalleled expertise to the heart of Chicago’s West Town neighborhood with the grand opening of Omakase Shoji (1641 W Chicago Ave). The concept is a collaborative effort led by the guidance of Takashi Iida, with the execution overseen by […]

Rock & Brews Continues to Grow Nationwide

Rock & Brews, the rock-inspired restaurant and entertainment concept founded by music legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, continues to grow its national footprint within the hospitality and casino industries. With 24 locations across the country, the company has six casino restaurant locations in development to open in the next 18 months in […]

El Naranjo in Austin Celebrates 12 Years of Business

On May 1, 2024, El Naranjo, Austin’s beloved authentic Mexican restaurant, helmed by James Beard Award-winning and Bar and Restaurant Expo’s 2024 Chef of the Year Chef Iliana de la Vega and her daughter Chef de Cuisine Ana Torrealba, commemorates 12 years of exceptional cuisine, service, and dedication to culinary tradition in Austin, Texas. Chef de […]

World’s Largest Applebee’s Franchisee Flynn Group Signs 25-Unit Deal

Applebee’s, one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, recently signed an agreement with the world’s largest restaurant franchise operator, Flynn Group, with the goal to open 25 new Applebee’s restaurants in the U.S. over the next seven years. This expansion goal is part of Applebee’s development strategy to return the brand to net new unit openings. Tony […]

Matt Marcus Named Executive Chef at The Woodall

John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality, welcomed Matt Marcus as the new executive chef at his Westside Village restaurant the Woodall. Marcus, who previously served as the executive chef of The Farm at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, and as the executive chef-owner of famed Atlanta dining institution Watershed, brings […]

David Burke to Debut G.O.A.T Pizza in North Carolina

G.O.A.T. Pizza, the highly anticipated sports-themed restaurant developed by internationally celebrated chef David Burke, announced the unveiling of its flagship location on April 27 at 9623 Bailey Road in Cornelius, North Carolina. Crafted to cater to families, sports fans, and food enthusiasts alike, G.O.A.T. Pizza will serve pizza, pasta, sandwiches, smash burgers, and salads. The 4,100-square-foot restaurant will […]

QSR Automations Wins Honor at Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

QSR Automations, global industry leader in kitchen automation and guest management services since 1996, has been presented with a Bronze Stevie Award in the Customer Service Department of the Year category at the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world’s top honors […]

Houston’s Molihua is Now Accepting Reservations

Molihua, a captivating new addition to Houston’s culinary scene, announces it is now accepting reservations. Led by Michelin-Starred Chefs Ho Chee Boon and Hideki Hiwatashi, Molihua, meaning ‘Jasmine’ in Chinese, will serve Japanese cuisine, dim sum and dessert offerings in a stunning space on the second floor of Blossom Hotel Houston. The restaurant promises a refined […]

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Taps ParTech for Ordering and Loyalty Solutions

ParTech, Inc. (PAR), a global restaurant technology company providing unified commerce solutions for enterprise restaurants, announces that the renowned American restaurant franchise, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, has selected PAR MENU and PAR Punchh for its innovative omnichannel ordering and loyalty platforms. This marks a new chapter as Beef ‘O’ Brady’s returns to PAR’s ecosystem, harnessing the advanced capabilities of both solutions. […]

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