Report: Casual chains take hit from higher payroll tax
Sales at casual restaurant chains fell 5.4% in February, a sign that consumers' higher payroll taxes may have driven a decline in dining out, according to the Knapp-Track Index of monthly restaurant sales. The drop capped the first three-month period with consecutive declines in almost three years, as consumers grew less confident. "People are acting fearfully, or you could almost say rationally in a way," said analyst Larry Miller. Bloomberg
(3/20)
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McDonald's to take aim at Subway with McWrap launch
McDonald's hopes its new McWrap will become a "Subway buster," much as McCafe products aimed at Starbucks. A national launch expected within the next few weeks will likely be the chain's biggest of the year. "McDonald's believes it has not capitalized sufficiently on the popularity of the sandwich category where it identifies Subway, Chick-Fil-A and KFC as having strong presence," Maureen Morrison writes. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model)
(3/20)
Other News
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What happens when you combine a mild, nutty, deliciously meltable Fontina with the bold, Parmesan-esque flavor of Asiago? Fontiago, of course: a cheese hybrid that’s creamy, tangy and aromatic, all at the same time. Add to a heavenly mixture of pastrami, caramelized onions and hot, piquanté peppers and bake, for a cheesesteak that’s beyond compare. Get the recipe. |
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What do you think influences consumers the most when deciding where to dine out?
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Cost |
40.47%
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Other |
27.42%
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Convenience |
20.07%
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Cleanliness |
12.04%
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Case study: Bakery owners consider health-care options
Baked in the Sun owners Rachel Shein and Steve Pilarski must decide soon whether to offer health insurance for all 95 employees at a cost of $108,000, opt instead to pay the $2,000-per-employee fine or make workers in some positions independent contractors to cut full-time staff to less than 50. "It's ironic that our success meant we could grow, and now we will be competing against smaller companies, with 50 employees or fewer, who will be able to charge less per item because they don’t have the financial burden of health insurance," Shein said. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(3/20)
Restaurant executives find ways to beat stress
Working out, getting enough sleep and taking the occasional long weekend can help executives beat the effects of stress, which can sap people's energy and creativity. "You come to the realization that it is going to be the same way week in and week out, and it’s not like you can overdo it one week and recover the next," said Pancheros Mexican Grill president Rodney Anderson. QSR Magazine
(3/2013)
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Burger joint books up fast in its Exotic Meat Month
Bull City Burger & Brewery in Durham, N.C., burned through its supply of alligator and caribou meat in hours during last year's inaugural Exotic Meat Month, prompting owner Seth Gross to double up on orders for those and others including iguana, goat and ostrich. His top tip for serving the perfect camel burger? Go easy on the toppings. "I think when you eat a camel burger, you want to taste the camel." BurgerBusiness.com
(3/20)
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There are some people who leave impressions not so lasting as the imprint of an oar upon the water."
-- Kate Chopin, American writer
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