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December 30, 2011 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF Share | Sign up | Archive | Advertise On the Front Burner  NYC seeks casual operator for new Tavern on the Green New York City officials put out the call Thursday for a casual restaurant operator to open and run an eatery on the site of the former Tavern on the Green. The city aims to replace the upscale icon with a less-pricey casual concept that will operate under the same name. The Wall Street Journal (12/30)      Restaurant News  Chicago restaurant showcase slims down Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has cut the 30-year-old Taste of Chicago from 10 days to five and moved the restaurant showcase to later in July. Organizers also expect the event to take on a more upscale vibe, in keeping with the city's growing reputation as a "foodie town," says Cultural Affairs spokeswoman Cindy Gatziolis. Chicago Tribune (12/29)      Other News Friendly's wins court approval for plan to emerge from bankruptcy The Wall Street Journal (12/30)      Equity firm completes purchase of Pizza Hut's biggest franchisee American City Business Journals/Louisville, Ky. (12/29)      Happy Hour  Creative champagne cocktails to toast the New Year National Public Radio (12/31)      5 defining D.C. bar trends of 2011 The Washington Post/Going Out Gurus blog (12/29)      Cocktail trucks to rev their engines in 2012 QSRMagazine.com (12/29)      Leading Voices  Restaurant chains roll with travel center locations Huddle House and Fazoli's are in the process of opening new units at highway travel centers, and industry watchers say truck stops may provide expansion opportunities for other chains as well. Huddle House is tweaking its menu with "Big Rig" portions to feed truckers' heartier appetites and quicker meals that get them back on the road in less than 28 minutes, says chief development officer Mark Whittle. QSR Magazine (12/2011)      McDonald's goes mobile to sell hot beverages McDonald's has launched a mobile-advertising campaign around its McCafe and hot chocolate beverages that uses localized iPhone ads to drive in-store sales. The ads -- which follow similar campaigns publicizing the restaurant's breakfast items -- give users information about the nearest location and allow users to communicate via social media. The fast-food giant is distributing the ads via Pandora. MobileCommerceDaily.com (12/28)      Department-store restaurants become dining destinations Department-store restaurants were once upscale places to stop for a bite while shopping. They hit hard times in the '70s and '80s, but they're back on top at upscale New York stores including Saks, Bloomingdale's and Macy's. Bergdorf Goodman's Manhattan flagship boasts two eateries, including BG Restaurant where shoppers pay $35 for afternoon tea and scenic views of Central Park. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/29)      Culinary Spotlight  Prosperity, health are themes in many New Year's dishes Cultures throughout the world have New Year's meal traditions, but most include round-shaped foods such as grapes and lentils to represent prosperity. In Italy and Denmark, it is custom to throw old dishes outside -- in Denmark, it's a sign of friendship to smash plates on doors of friends and neighbors. National Public Radio/The Salt blog (12/29)      Other News 2011 brought new options for vegan diners The Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News (12/28)      Featured Content    5 Reasons People Resist Change an OPEN Forum Expert 6 Important Marketing Trends to Watch in 2012 Matthew E. May 5 E-Mail Marketing Services Help Businesses Grow Ramon Ray Why You Have To Hire Young Workers, And How To Do It Karlee Weinmann Small Business Snapshot: Small Biz Sues Amazon For Fraud Katie Morell Editor's Note  SmartBrief will not publish Monday In observance of the New Year's holiday, SmartBrief will not publish Monday, Jan. 2. Publication will resume Tuesday. Enjoy the holiday!      Position Title Company Name Location Director of Food and Beverage The Olde Farm Golf Club Bristol, VA Regional Catering Sales Manager Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Los Angeles, CA Click here to view more job listings. Food for Thought  There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy." --Mark Twain, American author and humorist      Restaurant SmartBrief Partners SmartBrief delivers need-to-know news in over 100 targeted email newsletters to over 3 million readers. All our industry briefings are FREE and open to everyone—sign up today! 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