ATLANTA  (Restaurant News Release)  The heat wave of 2011 continues to rage on, but Arby’s new Ultimate Angus Cool Deli Sandwich and Wrap are a delicious way to keep cool. To help Americans beat the heat and save some cash, Arby’s is rounding out customers’ meals with a free order of small Curly Fries and a small drink with the purchase of a new Ultimate Angus Cool Deli Sandwich or Wrap. The offer is valid from Friday, July 29 through Thursday, August 4 (coupon required).*

The Ultimate Angus Cool Deli features oven-roasted, thinly sliced USDA Choice Top Round Angus beef served cool. It is topped with Swiss cheese, banana peppers, garlicky pickles, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and onion, tangy herb vinaigrette and mayonnaise, served on a customer’s choice of either a toasted Italian-style roll or whole grain wrap.  

“Scorching temperatures are sweeping the nation and I can’t think of a better way to stay cool and refuel than with the new Ultimate Angus Cool Deli Sandwich or Wrap,” said Brian Kolodziej, Arby’s Executive Chef. “The Angus Cool Deli has all the ingredients that you’d expect in a great tasting sandwich, but with the addition of Arby’s new, premium sliced Angus beef.”

Arby’s introduced Angus beef, prized for its tenderness and flavor, nationwide in March 2011, with the Ultimate Angus Three Cheese & Bacon Sandwich. Arby’s Angus beef is lightly seasoned with just the right touch of cracked black pepper, garlic, salt and onion, then slowly roasted to a perfect medium rare and sliced thin. The new Ultimate Angus Cool Deli Sandwich and Wrap are available nationwide for a suggested price of $4.99, or as a combo for $6.99.

To download a coupon, please visit http://www.arbys.com/julyAngusCoolDeli07292011. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/arbys or http://twitter.com/Arbys.

*The coupon, which will be available for download beginning Friday, July 29, is valid only at participating locations. Offer includes one small order of Curly Fries and one small (22 oz.) beverage (excluding shakes) with the purchase of an Ultimate Angus Cool Deli Sandwich or Wrap. Limit one coupon or offer per transaction. Not valid with any other coupon or offer.  The coupon may be redeemed from July 29 – August 4, 2011, during regular business hours.

About Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.

Atlanta-based Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the second largest quick-service sandwich chain in the U.S. with more than 3,600 restaurants systemwide. In addition to its classic Roast Beef and Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwiches, slow-roasted and thinly sliced in store daily, Arby’s is also known for its deli-style Market Fresh® line of sandwiches, wraps and salads, Curly Fries and Jamocha Shakes. The latest news includes the 2011 introduction of Arby’s first premium Angus beef menu line called Ultimate Angus. To learn more about Arby’s, please visit www.arbys.com.

DALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  On August 1, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the fastest-growing barbecue restaurant in the country, will revolutionize their catering with 1-866-BARBECUE, a national catering hotline.

“Dickey’s is excited to officially launch our National Catering Hotline! With the kickoff of 1-866- BARBECUE, customers are able to obtain catering information and place orders easier and faster than ever across the country. They get to speak directly with our live catering experts, who are waiting to consult them on service, style and options, as well as answer any questions a client may have,” said Michelle Sarlls, the corporate catering manager.

The catering hotline goes national on August 1 and will take catering orders for any franchise location from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday with an ongoing answering service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Catering is a crucial part of our business model and the launch of a national hotline will only help us increase our catering sales at each franchise location. Our goal is to increase every store’s catering sales by $800 per day.  1-866-BARBECUE will make that goal viable,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., the President of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

The restaurant chain will continue expanding with a goal of 200 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations across the country before the end of the year.  

“The catering hotline will revolutionize Dickey’s Barbecue Pit by streamlining the ordering process. We have the resources to tailor every order to the specific client and/or event with the intention of superior service and great barbecue,” said Sarlls.

The catering service ranges from personal box lunches to full-service buffet catering for any size. Dickey’s catering experts will assist you with any of the available catering options and answer any questions.

“We have perfected the hotline and are excited to announce the official launch of the much-anticipated national campaign that will help the cohesion of all the franchise locations and coordinate the high volume of catering orders we receive on a daily basis,” Roland Dickey, Jr. said.

Texas-based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit opened in 1941 and began franchising in 1994. The restaurant is well-known for their hot pit-smoked signature meats, complimentary ice cream and the big yellow cups.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is located in 38 states with 160 locations.

The preparation prior to the launch for Dickey’s Catering Hotline was extensive, ensuring that everyone is thoroughly prepared to hit the ground running.

The original Dallas location is still open for business and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is still owned and operated by the Dickey Family.

Even today, Dickey’s still slow smokes all of their signature meats overnight in every restaurant.  

More information on Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is available at www.dickeys.com.

Franchising information is available at 866-340-6188.

MILFORD, Conn.  (Restaurant News Release)  In addition to its many healthier offerings, the SUBWAY® restaurant chain has now added calcium and vitamin D fortified bread to its menu, announced Mark Christiano, the SUBWAY® brand’s Global Baking Specialist.

Now, each 6-inch serving of bread in the 24,000-plus U.S. restaurants provides 30 percent of the daily recommended value of calcium and 20 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin D.

“Now, the calcium included in each 6-inch serving of bread has the nutritional equivalent of one glass of milk,” Mark said. “For years, our high-quality, fresh baked bread has been a signature item for the Subway brand. It is the perfect vehicle to complete the great tasting sandwiches that people have grown accustomed to when they visit a Subway restaurant. Now, we have raised the bar in providing healthier options to consumers by fortifying our bread to include calcium and vitamin D.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, on average, men and women in the U.S. consume less than the recommended daily amount of calcium they need. In addition, the Institute of Medicine states that less than 1/3 of older people meet the recommended adequate intake for vitamin D based on total intake, including supplements.

Adequate calcium is essential for children as they grow to insure strong bones. It is also important that women get enough calcium to maintain proper bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

“This is certainly exciting for us to now have our bread fortified with bone-building power houses calcium and vitamin D,” said SUBWAY® Corporate Dietician Lanette Kovachi, MS, RD.

“Already, each sandwich made to standard formula provides two full servings of fresh vegetables, essential nutrients vitamin A and iron and are free of artificial trans-fat and are rich in complex carbohydrates. When made on 9-Grain Wheat or Honey Oat bread, each sandwich contains at least 20% daily value of fiber.”

Lanette and Nutritional Consultant, Jessie Erwin, RD have co-written a column that can now be found on the Expert Advice section of Subway.com that explains the importance of calcium and vitamin D, as well as how consumers can find the best sources of both.

“Ninety-nine percent of your body’s calcium is stored in your bones and teeth. Not getting enough calcium means weak, porous bones and increases your risk of osteoporosis. Consuming adequate calcium is especially important for children and teenagers during their growing years, while they are building bone and storing calcium for the rest of their lives.  Getting plenty of calcium when you’re older can help minimize calcium loss from your bones. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and build and maintain strong bones,” the pair writes in their column.  

They also note, “You may have already known calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health, but did you know that they might also help your heart?  Researchers have linked low calcium levels to high blood pressure, and have linked vitamin D deficiency to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Fortifying the bread with calcium and vitamin D is only one step in the brand’s overall nutrition platform, which includes providing easily accessible nutrition information so consumers can make more informed meal choices. For those watching their calorie and fat intake, the SUBWAY® Fresh Fit menu offers eight delicious 6″ sandwiches under 400 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Two SUBWAY® sides – apple slices and low-fat yogurt – add more nutrients to a meal.  Fat free sauces and dressing are available to add a variety of flavors to sandwiches and all menu items are completely free of partially hydrogenated oil.

About SUBWAY® Restaurants

Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami and Singapore, the SUBWAY® chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. Their partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey — one that has made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business.

The SUBWAY® restaurant chain has been named the 2011 recipient of the Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters award for Healthful Innovations. The award recognizes the brand’s “Build Your Better Breakfast” selections by offering consumers a fully-customizable line of egg white omelet sandwiches.

In the 2010 Zagat® Fast Food Survey, the SUBWAY® brand was ranked by consumers  as “number one” in the “Most Popular,” “Top Service” and “Healthy Options” categories for food brands with 5,000 or more locations.

For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com.

OAK BROOK, Ill.  (Restaurant News Release)  McDonald’s USA president Jan Fields recently announced the company’s “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices.” The comprehensive plan aims to help customers — especially families and children — make nutrition-minded choices whether visiting McDonald’s or eating elsewhere.

Menu changes underway include the addition of more nutritionally-balanced choices that meet McDonald’s reputation for great taste and affordability, along with an increased focus on providing nutrition information that enable customers and employees to make simple, informed menu decisions.

“McDonald’s will always try to do the right thing, and we know we can help make a difference in our communities,” said Jan Fields, president, McDonald’s USA. “The commitments we’re announcing today will guide the future evolution of our menu and marketing.”

McDonald’s Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices include:

1. Championing children’s well-being: McDonald’s will automatically include produce or a low-fat dairy option in every Happy Meal® and promote options that meet the rigorous Council of Better Business Bureaus Food Pledge nutrition standards by Q1 2012. The impact will be an estimated 20 percent reduction in calories of the most popular Happy Meals, also reducing fat in the meal. In 2012, McDonald’s will also raise nutrition awareness among children and parents through national marketing initiatives. The company will promote nutrition messages in 100 percent of its national kids’ communications, including merchandising, advertising, digital and the Happy Meal packaging. McDonald’s will also provide funding for grass roots community nutrition awareness programs.
2. Expanding and improving nutritionally-balanced menu choices: By 2020, McDonald’s will reduce added sugars, saturated fat and calories through varied portion sizes, reformulations and innovations. Starting with the already completed 10 percent reduction in the majority of our chicken items, McDonald’s will reduce sodium an average of 15 percent across its national menu of food choices by 2015.  
3. Increasing customers’ and employees’ access to nutrition information: McDonald’s will expand new in-restaurant, website and mobile communications, and marketing vehicles, making access to this information even easier. To begin, McDonald’s is now making available its first mobile app so customers can access nutrition information on-the-go.

During the past two years, the McDonald’s system has significantly invested in nutritional menu innovations and communications. Examples include investing in scientific and customer research, expanded agricultural supply chain contracts, an expanded team of nutrition experts, and updating nutrition information on McDonald’s website.

“As a member of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, I applaud the commitments made by McDonald’s today,” said Roger Clemens, University of Southern California, Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “They have captured the intent of the Guidelines and have taken a reasoned, evidence-based approach that should have a positive impact on the millions of children and adults McDonald’s serves every day.”

“I welcome and support today’s announcement by McDonald’s.  These types of incremental improvements in popular meals can have a broad impact on public health,” said Adam Drewnowski, PhD, Director, University of Washington Center for Obesity Research.  “Better to improve the diets of many than to seek perfection for the few.”

Actions in support of the nutrition commitments are already underway at restaurants.  

Sodium Reduction: McDonald’s has already reduced sodium by 10 percent in the majority of its national chicken menu offerings – most recently Chicken McNuggets®, a Happy Meal favorite. Sodium reductions will continue across the menu in accordance with the Company’s 2015 commitments.  

New Happy Meal: McDonald’s will begin rolling out the new Happy Meal in September 2011, with the goal of having them available in all 14,000 restaurants during Q1 2012.  The new Happy Meal will automatically include both produce (apple slices, a quarter cup or half serving) and a new smaller size French fries (1.1 ounces) along with the choice of a Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Chicken McNuggets, and choice of beverage, including new fat-free chocolate milk and 1% low fat white milk. For those customers who prefer a side choice of apples only, two bags of apple slices will be available, upon request.

By adding fruit in every Happy Meal, McDonald’s hopes to address a challenge children face in meeting the recommended daily consumption of produce. McDonald’s has offered apples as a requested choice in Happy Meals since 2004. And, while recent research found that on average, 88 percent of McDonald’s customers are aware of the option, apples are chosen in only 11 percent of Happy Meal purchases.

“Recent research has shown that younger children are consuming more fruits and vegetables, but we still have a long way to go to increase consumption to meet daily recommendations for these important food groups,” said to Elizabeth Pivonka, PhD, RD, president and CEO of Produce for Better Health Foundation. “McDonald’s announcement to include apples in every Happy Meal and being the first quick service restaurant to do so — further strengthens their seven years of support in our campaign to educate children and their parents on the benefits of fruits and vegetables.”

For many months and in some cases, years, McDonald’s has been engaging suppliers, government and non-government organizations to determine ways it could play a role in helping society address today’s obesity concerns. McDonald’s will develop additional fruit and vegetable choices and expects them to roll out over the next few years. The company will continue to evaluate new scientific research, public health statistics and customer insights and behavior to determine further nutrition adaptations to Happy Meals.

“McDonald’s agrees with leading food and nutrition experts that making incremental lifestyle modifications with food consumption may lead to improvements in an individual’s well-being,” said Cindy Goody, PhD, MBA, RD, McDonald’s senior director of nutrition. “We support parents in their effort to encourage their children to enjoy the foods that are good for them along with the foods they love.”  

Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative: Since 2006, McDonald’s has supported the Council of Better Business Bureaus (“CBBB”) Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (“CFBAI”) involving a voluntary Food Pledge to only nationally advertise products to kids that represent healthier dietary choices. McDonald’s was actively engaged in the process to help develop CBBB’s recently announced more rigorous pledge standards, which include stricter sodium and sugar criteria, zero grams artificial trans fat per labeled serving, and requirements for nutrient components to encourage.

Listening Tour: To ensure that the company’s ongoing commitments are supporting parents and communities, Fields and McDonald’s U.S. executive leadership team will embark on a national listening tour in August. They will hear directly from parents and nutrition experts about how McDonald’s can play a role in this important topic. McDonald’s will launch a new online parents’ community that provides a forum for McDonald’s and parents to more frequently engage in dialog around these important topics.

Accountability and Measurement: To evaluate McDonald’s progress and the impacts of its nutrition commitments, McDonald’s will rely on independent third-party partners with expertise in children’s well-being. The company is establishing a Kids’ Food and Nutrition Advisory Board comprised of parents and experts in children’s nutrition, education and behavior to help develop effective nutrition and active lifestyle marketing messages and programming for kids. McDonald’s will also enter into an agreement with a third-party organization to collaborate on a comprehensive measurement process that sets benchmarks and annual progress against commitment goals, which will be reported publicly.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 12,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products. For nutrition-related questions, contact us at nutrition@us.mcd.com.

ATLANTA  (Restaurant News Release)  Recognizing the importance of a balanced breakfast, Chick-fil-A® is offering Multigrain Oatmeal as a new breakfast menu option for its health-conscious customers at its restaurants nationwide.

Starting at $2.49, Chick-fil-A’s wholesome oatmeal is served as a entree in an 8 oz. bowl or can be purchased as part of a Chick-fil-A Breakfast Meal, which includes a small coffee and medium fruit cup, starting at $5.65.

Choosing a different approach than most chains, who offer “instant oatmeal” that is prepared by adding hot water to the oatmeal, Chick-fil-A’s Multigrain Oatmeal is slow cooked in kettles to retain the nutritional value naturally found in oats. The mixture is a combination of steel-cut oats, rolled oats, flax, buckwheat flour and whole wheat flour. Customers can choose one of three toppings, including cinnamon brown sugar, roasted mixed nuts (almonds, pecans and walnuts) or a dried fruit blend (cranberries, blueberries, golden raisins and cherries). A serving of oatmeal contains 120 calories and 2.5 grams of fat without toppings and up to 290 calories and 11 grams of fat with the addition of toppings, all with no trans fat.

Woody Faulk, Chick-fil-A’s vice president of brand strategy and design, who oversees the chain’s menu strategy, says the Multigrain Oatmeal is a direct result of feedback Chick-fil-A has received from nutrition-minded customers.  

“Our customers have made it clear that they would like to have healthier alternatives for breakfast,” said Faulk. “Over the past few years we have tried to respond to those requests by diversifying our menu with healthier options, such as the Yogurt Parfait we introduced last year, and our Fruit Cup and Multigrain Bagel we added a few years ago. Our menu is all about choices – we offer our signature Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit for the more hearty appetite to the Cinnamon Cluster for those craving something sweet in the morning to the health-minded customer who now has an additional choice of our slow-cooked oatmeal.”  

Chick-fil-A’s full breakfast menu first appeared in 1986 with the construction of its stand-alone restaurants. Over the past five years, the chain has steadily focused on building the breakfast day-part by diversifying its morning menu with a variety of entree options, including Breakfast Burritos, Bagel Sandwiches, Spicy Chicken Biscuits, Fruit Cups and Yogurt Parfaits.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the nation’s second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain (based on sales), with more than 1,560 restaurants in 39 states. In 2010, Chick-fil-A produced record sales of $3.58 billion – an 11.37 percent overall increase and a 5.92 percent same-store sales gain that helped extend the chain’s streak of consecutive sales gains over its entire history of 43 years.

NEW YORK  (Restaurant News Release)  Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations in Fishkill and Queensbury will hold consecutive Grand Opening events this weekend, serving up hot pit-smoked meats, home-style sides and one dollar big barbecue sandwiches for all.

The event in Fishkill kicks off at 11 a.m. on Friday where patrons can enter to win free barbecue for a year. Three customers will be selected in the free barbecue for a year drawing in Fishkill.

Patrons can enjoy the same festivities on Saturday at the Queensbury location starting at 11 a.m. Both events will end at 1 p.m. “Our neighbors here in New York love great barbecue and judging from our success so far, they obviously love Dickey’s,” Franchise Owner Charles Cassara said. “This past month has been a great experience — a lot of hard work that is definitely paying off. I look forward to seeing everyone at the grand opening and officially marking a new era of this Dickey’s location.”

The New York entrepreneur said he decided to open the Fishkill location because he thought it would be a great business opportunity. “It’s hard to find barbecue in New York, much less, good barbecue,” said Reid Grubbs, the franchise owner in Queensbury. “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will bring delicious, quality barbecue to upstate New York.”

Dickey’s is growing at a rapid pace with 156 locations open in 38 states to date.

The first Dickey’s Barbecue opened in 1941 in Dallas, TX.

The original location is still open for business and Dickey’s Barbecue is still owned and operated by the Dickey Family.

Dickey’s only began franchising in 1994.

Even today, Dickey’s still slow smokes all of their signature meats overnight in every restaurant.  

For more information about Dickey’s, visit www.dickeys.com.

For Dickey’s franchising information call 866-340-6188.

OAK BROOK, Ill.  (Restaurant News Release)  McDonald’s Corporation, a Worldwide Olympic Partner and Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games, today announced  its sponsorship plans for London 2012 that will focus on championing happy, active kids. The new McDonald’s Champions of Play for the Olympic Games features five-time U.S. Olympic Swimmer and mom, Dara Torres, as the global ambassador.

McDonald’s Champions of Play for the Olympic Games

Building on the success of McDonald’s kids’ program at the Olympic Games in Beijing and Vancouver, McDonald’s Champions of Play for the Olympic Games will bring kids from around the world together for a unique experience in London. The new global program will encourage a balanced approach to nutrition and activity for children.  

Participating McDonald’s countries will initiate grassroots activities for children ages 6 to 10. Through a local market selection process, up to 200 children and a guardian will travel to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

“For the first time ever, McDonald’s Champions of Play for the Olympic Games will tour and play with athletes at the actual Olympic venues,” said Kevin Newell, McDonald’s Global Chief Brand Officer. “This will be an unforgettable, inspiring moment for our champions, along with attending the Games, seeing McDonald’s Chef demonstrations, taking an exclusive tour of the Olympic Village dining area, visiting London’s cultural sites, and making new friends.”  

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said, “McDonald’s has been a long-time and valued partner of the Olympic Movement. We appreciate McDonald’s incredible ability to reach millions of fans with innovative, inspiring programs that connect with the Olympic Spirit. We are working together to promote sport and inspire children around the world to lead balanced, active lifestyles.”

McDonald’s Champions of Play for the Olympic Games program also can be enjoyed by families across the globe through:  

• A website offering balanced eating and fun play facts, and challenges
• Digital engagement – allowing kids everywhere to track their physical activities online
• Special Happy Meal packaging featuring information and tips on balanced eating and fun play

Program ambassador Dara Torres said, “I want to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, so it’s a natural fit for me to join McDonald’s today, and in the years ahead, as we inspire happy and active kids.  Together, through the new McDonald’s Champions of Play for the Olympic Games, we can reach millions of people about the benefits of balanced food choices and play for kids everywhere.”

McDonald’s Quality Food Served at the Games

As the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games, McDonald’s is the only branded retail food service provider to feed the athletes. McDonald’s will have four new Olympic venue restaurants: one in the Olympic Village, one in the Main Press Center, and two in the Olympic Park for spectators – one of which will be the largest McDonald’s freestanding restaurant in the world.

McDonald’s will offer a variety of familiar favorites and popular items from the UK. To help celebrate the connection between the Olympics and families, McDonald’s will serve its Happy Meal® for the first time in its Olympic venue restaurants including fruit, vegetable and dairy options.

“Competing at the Olympic level is the result of thousands of hours of dedication in many areas, including nutrition. Having access to familiar, quality food in the Athlete’s Village can support our athletes’ success at the Games,” said, Dr. Nanna Meyer, RD, CSSD, United States Olympic Committee Senior Sports Dietician. “When it comes to food, athletes love options. It’s great that McDonald’s offers a range of balanced choices, which can easily fit into the eating patterns of athletes of all ages and different physical demands.”

McDonald’s UK Open Farms

As part of the company’s commitment to food quality, McDonald’s UK has opened its doors for customers and media to see some of the 17,500 British and Irish farms that provide the quality ingredients and food for McDonald’s UK menu, and the London 2012 Olympic Games.  

“By opening up our supply chain, we are allowing people to see for themselves the high-quality ingredients that make up our menu – everything from beef, to lettuce and potatoes,” said Jill McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, McDonald’s UK. “We are championing the farmers who supply our restaurants throughout the UK every day, and who will also help us supply food to our four Olympic restaurants at the Games.”

McDonald’s Olympic Champion Crew – Largest Team in Olympic History

McDonald’s best-of-the-best crew and managers will work at its Olympic venue restaurants. In the next year, McDonald’s will select 2,000 of its top-performing restaurant staff from the UK and around the world – the largest Olympic team ever assembled – to serve the world’s top athletes, coaches, spectators, media and officials at the Games. These brand ambassadors will have the opportunity to meet Olympic athletes, attend competitions, participate in their own sports and activities in the Royal Parks, visit cultural sites in London, and socialize with their international peers.

About McDonald’s and the Olympic Games

McDonald’s commitment to the Olympic Movement began in 1968, when the company airlifted hamburgers to U.S. athletes in Grenoble, France, after they reported being homesick for American food. McDonald’s has served its menu of choice and variety to millions of athletes, their coaches, families and fans, and will be doing so again in London. The London 2012 Olympic Games marks the ninth consecutive Games for McDonald’s as the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games and the only branded food service retailer feeding the athletes.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 locations serving more than 64 million customers in 117 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women. To learn more about the company, please visit www.aboutmcdonalds.com and follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/mcdonaldscorp) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/mcdonaldscorp). Click on Media Center to access our London 2012 Olympic Games online media resource center.

To view McDonald’s London 2012 One-Year-Out Global Olympic Webcast, please visit http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/epk/2012LondonOlympicGames.

COPPELL, Texas  (Restaurant News Release)  Put away the grill; there’s a new way to enjoy the nation’s favorite foods this summer – with CiCi’s Pizza’s American Classics Line. To launch the ongoing featured pizza category, CiCi’s is rolling out its new Cheeseburger Pizza to all of its restaurants nationwide this month – the first of four signature pizzas.

The Cheeseburger Pizza will take a place of honor on CiCi’s pizza buffet and features a tantalizing combination of ground beef, cheese, fresh chopped pickles and mustard, topped off with a drizzle of ketchup, all on a freshly-made crust. Popular American Classics favorites like the BBQ, Buffalo Chicken and the signature Macaroni and Cheese pizzas will also be featured in upcoming months.

Burgers are one of America’s most-ordered foods in restaurants, according to the NPD Group’s annual Eating Patterns in America study. The cheeseburger pizza gives hungry fans an even better way to enjoy the beloved food.

“What better way to celebrate summer than introducing our new American Classics and featuring a new addition, the Cheeseburger Pizza,” said Nancy Hampton, CiCi’s Pizza Chief Marketing Officer. “Our guests love the variety we offer with more than 20 pizzas on our buffet, in addition to soup, salad, pasta and dessert. And, better yet, they can expect to see American Classics featured from now on.”

The new Cheeseburger Pizza is just one way guests can enjoy the fun at CiCi’s this summer. From July 11 through Aug. 28, CiCi’s will give guests a chance to win with movie family fun packs, children’s movie tickets and millions of other prizes in the CiCi’s Pizza Family Funtacular. Guests will get a free scratch-off card with every guest check and large beverage purchase. Two lucky families of four will win the grand prize, an all-expense paid trip to Universal Orlando Resort Vacation.

CiCi’s makes each pizza by hand using fresh dough, sauce prepared in small batches using a special blend of herbs and seasonings, freshly grated cheese and crisp vegetables. Guests who don’t see their favorite pizza on the buffet are encouraged make a special request and CiCi’s will make it on the spot and bring it straight from the oven to the table.

For more information about CiCi’s, the Cheeseburger Pizza, American Classics or the Family Funtacular, visit www.cicispizza.com.

About CiCi’s Pizza

Coppell, Texas-based CiCi’s Pizza opened its first restaurant in Plano, Texas in 1985, and is now one of the nation’s fastest growing pizza chains. The family-oriented restaurant is known for its popular pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet featuring up to 20 varieties of pizza and fresh ingredients for about $5. Today, the expanding company has 600 restaurants in 35 states with plans to add another 500 restaurants in the next 10 years. CiCi’s was named No. 1 in its category in Entrepreneur’s 2011 Franchise 500, and Entrepreneur magazine ranked CiCi’s Pizza first in the Italian restaurant industry category in 2009 and 2007. In 2010, CiCi’s was named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 list, and to Parents list of top family-friendly restaurants. Its commitment to value has been recognized by USA Today, Restaurants & Institutions and Nation’s Restaurant News, which ranked CiCi’s No. 1 in sales and unit growth among pizza chains for the past four years. CiCi’s has also been named one of the top 25 performing brands by the Wall Street Journal and a top 200 franchise concept by Franchise Today.

For more information about CiCi’s, visit www.cicispizza.com or www.facebook.com/cicis.

For franchising information, contact Bruce Evans at bevans@cicispizza.com or 972-745-4318.

SAN FRANCISCO  (Restaurant News Release)  FREEBIRDS World Burrito, known for offering “way more choices” to custom-build rockin’ burritos, salads, nachos, tacos and more, announced today it will open two new locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area: the first at Rockwell Plaza on Thursday, July 21, 2011, and the second in Grapevine on Wednesday, July 27, 2011.

To celebrate the openings, FREEBIRDS will give the first 25 guests in line at either location free burritos for a year.

FREEBIRDS is about awesome burritos and freedom of choice. As guests join the queue, they are partnered with a team member, known as a “Roller,” who helps them choose from four sizes of burrito made from four possible flavors of tortilla. The burrito is then hand-rolled with the guest’s personal selection from more than 40 freshly prepared ingredients including grass fed beef, hormone-free chicken, or all natural pork carnitas topped with hand-cut veggies and hot peppers plus house made salsas, queso and guacamole to create their perfect burrito. Burritos range in size from the generously-sized Hybird to the legendary Super Monster which can weigh-in at seven pounds, depending on the ingredients.

All FREEBIRDS restaurants feature the concept’s signature Statue of Liberty – affectionately known as ‘Libby’ – riding a custom-built motorcycle breaking through the Freedom Wall. The restaurant has a free-spirited ambience with a rockin’ soundtrack, reminiscent of a late-’60s rock ‘n’ roll roadhouse.

Each new FREEBIRDS restaurant will employ approximately 75 team members from the local community.  The new Rockwall FREEBIRDS is located at 1067 E IH 30 in Rockwall, Texas and can be reached directly at (214) 771-4448. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Grapevine FREEBIRDS is located at 1501 William D Tate Ave in Grapevine, Texas. The phone number is (817) 488-7100, and hours are Monday-Thursday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM, Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM-10:30 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

FREEBIRDS offers online ordering and full service catering (feeding 10 – 10,000). For more information or to place an online order, visit www.freebirds.com.

Concept owner, Tavistock Restaurants, LLC, currently operates 50 FREEBIRDS restaurants.  47 FREEBIRDS World Burritos are in Texas and Oklahoma and three in California.

ATLANTA  (Restaurant News Release)  Nearly 50 years ago, two brothers from Ohio – Forrest and Leroy Raffel – set out to shake-up the fast food industry.  Their vision:  a quick service restaurant that served something other than the standard burgers and fries.  Thus, on July 23, 1964, Arby’s was born.  In celebration of its anniversary, this Saturday, July 23, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is offering customers nationwide its signature sandwich, the Classic Roast Beef, for just 64 cents all day long, with purchase of a 22 oz. drink (coupon required).* To receive a coupon, people must “like” Arby’s at www.facebook.com/arbys.

The Classic Roast Beef sandwich is the hallmark of the Arby’s experience, featuring mouthwatering roast beef that is slow roasted for three hours in-store daily, then freshly sliced and piled high on a toasted sesame seed bun.  For the signature Arby’s experience, smother the Classic Roast Beef with tangy Arby’s Sauce® or zesty Horsey Sauce®.

“For nearly 50 years, Arby’s has offered a variety of sandwiches, signature sides and shakes that put people in a good mood,” said Bob Kraut, Senior Vice President, Advertising & Marketing Communications, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “We’re excited to celebrate our anniversary by giving people a chance to try the sandwich that started it all at this special price.”

Some Arby’s anniversary fun facts:

• The first Arby’s, in Boardman Ohio, had just 10 seats and was shaped like a Conestoga wagon
• In addition to the Classic Roast Beef sandwich, potato cakes and Jamocha shakes are two other original menu items that remain among the most popular today
• The Raffel Brothers originally wanted to name the restaurant “Big Tex,” but settled on Arby’s, which stands for R.B. (Raffel Brothers); to this day, many people still believe it stands for roast beef
• The neon cowboy hat has been an Arby’s icon since the chain launched in 1964

For more information, or to download the coupon, please visit www.facebook.com/arbys.

*Arby’s Classic Roast Beef sandwiches are available at 64 cents with purchase of a 22 oz. beverage. The offer is valid on July 23, 2011 with Facebook coupon during regular business hours at participating locations.  Limit one coupon per transaction. Not valid with any other coupon or offer.  

About Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.

Atlanta-based Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the second largest quick-service sandwich chain in the U.S. with more than 3,600 restaurants systemwide. In addition to its classic Roast Beef and Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwiches, slow-roasted and thinly sliced in store daily, Arby’s is also known for its deli-style Market Fresh® line of sandwiches and salads, Curly Fries and Jamocha Shakes. The latest news includes the 2011 introduction of Arby’s first premium Angus beef menu line called Ultimate Angus. To learn more about Arby’s, please visit www.arbys.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio  (Restaurant News Release)  White Castle has issued a last-call for entries for the annual Cravers Hall of Fame Contest. The deadline for entries is July 31, 2011, and Cravers have just two weeks left to submit original stories about why White Castle is meaningful to them and the efforts they have gone to satisfy cravings for the Original Slider® hamburgers. Winning Cravers are invited to Columbus, Ohio to attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on October 20, 2011.

“The Cravers Hall of Fame is a way for us to honor the ultimate Craver and how they’ve made White Castle a part of their life,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president of corporate relations. “It gets more difficult every year to pick the inductees but the team at White Castle and our panel of judges look forward to reading all the story submissions, ranging from sentimental, silly and heartwarming.”

White Castle is renowned for the loyalty of its fans, fondly known as Cravers, who have created their own subculture dedicated to the Original Slider® hamburgers and their love of White Castle. Since the creation of the Hall of Fame in 2001, more than 7,000 Cravers have vied for the honor, but only 80 have been inducted, including rock musicians, movie stars and even a Greek Orthodox priest who satisfied his crave after a 40-day religious fast. All inductee stories are preserved in the Hall of Fame section of the White Castle website.

Stories are evaluated for originality, duration and extent of the “Crave.” Official rules are available at www.whitecastle.com/cravers/hall-of-fame-rules. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we count down the days with stories and information about the Cravers Hall of Fame.

To submit your legendary story for consideration for the Cravers Hall of Fame, just log onto:

http://www.whitecastle.com/cravers/hall-of-fame

Or mail your entry to:

White Castle Management Co.
Attn: Cravers Hall of Fame
555 West Goodale Street
Columbus, OH 43215

About White Castle

White Castle is a family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio that owns and operates more than 400 White Castle restaurants in 11 states. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 and is America’s first fast-food hamburger chain. All White Castle Sliders are made from 100-percent USDA approved beef or 100-percent white meat chicken. This year, the company celebrates its 90^th birthday with special events and promotions occurring throughout the year. For more information on White Castle, visit www.whitecastle.com.

CANTON, Mass.  (Restaurant News Release)  Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods, announced today the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with Eastern Iowa Food Service, Inc. for 12 restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  The first restaurant is slated to open in 2012 and the remainder by 2018.  

Eastern Iowa Food Service, Inc. is a subsidiary of Reif Oil Company, a fuel distributing company with retail stores in southeast Iowa.  Reif Oil Company was founded in 1978 by Clifford Reif, President and CEO who is still active in the business.  His daughter, Andrea Farley will be the Eastern Iowa Food Service Operations Head.

“We are excited to bring Dunkin’ Donuts’ back to Cedar Rapids and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here,” said Clifford Reif. “We have a passion and loyalty for the brand and look forward to the opening of our restaurants in the years to come.”

Franchise opportunities are still available in Iowa, specifically in Des Moines, Ottumwa and Sioux City.  To drive its expansion efforts, Dunkin’ Donuts has aligned its strategy to support the growth opportunities and consumer needs of individual markets.  As a result, the company continues to expand with single and multi-unit opportunities with no minimum unit requirements.  

“Dunkin’ Donuts is excited to expand its footprint into Cedar Rapids,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. “Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day. We’re confident the Reifs will cultivate lasting customer relationships in the Cedar Rapids area and become an integral part of their communities.”

Building a solid network of stores within a market enables Dunkin’ Donuts to invest in a distribution model that provides a consistent, high-quality product guests expect “in the way and on the way” of their daily routines.  In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ Donuts offers flexible concepts for any real estate format including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, universities, as well as other retail environments.

According to Benson, “Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to energize Americans and keep the, hard-working, value-driven people of this country running every day.  Our recent and ongoing menu enhancements meet the needs of today’s on-the-go consumers, providing them a convenient place where they can get high-quality products any time of the day.”

Historically a doughnut and hot coffee chain, Dunkin’ Donuts has expanded its offering to include frozen and iced beverages, a full bakery assortment including bagels and muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and an all-day Oven-Toasted menu which includes flatbread sandwiches, hash browns and buttermilk biscuits. The platform marks the most significant change to Dunkin’ Donuts’ product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages in 2003.

For information on franchise opportunities or to attend an upcoming webinar, please visit www.dunkinfranchising.com.

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s everyday, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories, and the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for five years running. The company has more than 9,700 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $6.0 billion. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. For more information, visit www.dunkinfranchising.com.

CANTON, Mass.  (Restaurant News Release)  Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods, has announced it has signed agreements with two franchisees to develop 11 new restaurants throughout over the next several years.  

Locations targeted for development include the following:

• Seven units are to be developed in Ft. Smith and Northwest Arkansas by Littlefield Oil Company.  The first restaurant is slated to open in 2012 with the remaining six to open by 2018.  
• Eric McDuffie and Sam Carter plan to open four restaurants in Hot Springs and Benton over the next several years.  The first location is scheduled to open in 2012 and the remaining locations are scheduled to open by 2015.

“Little Rock is a priority growth market for Dunkin’ Donuts in 2011, and we’re excited to expand our footprint in Arkansas,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.  ”Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day.  We’re confident these franchisees will cultivate lasting customer relationships in the Little Rock and Ft. Smith area and become an integral part of their respective communities.”

Little Rock is now sold out for franchise sales, but opportunities are still available in Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.  Dunkin’ Donuts offers flexible concepts that can be customized for any real estate format, including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, universities, as well as other retail environments.

According to Benson, “Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to energize Americans and keep the hard-working, value-driven people of this country running every day.  Our recent and ongoing menu enhancements meet the needs of today’s on-the-go consumers, providing them a convenient place where they can get high-quality products any time of the day.”

Historically a doughnut and hot coffee chain, Dunkin’ Donuts has expanded its offering to include frozen and iced beverages, a full bakery assortment including bagels and muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and an all-day Oven-Toasted menu which includes flatbread sandwiches, hash browns and buttermilk biscuits. The platform marks the most significant change to Dunkin’ Donuts’ product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages in 2003.

For information on franchise opportunities or to attend an upcoming webinar, please visit www.dunkinfranchising.com.

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s everyday, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories, and the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for five years running. The company has more than 9,700 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $6.0 billion. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. For more information, visit www.dunkinfranchising.com.

MILFORD, Conn.  (Restaurant News Release)  The SUBWAY® restaurant chain is proud to announce that a franchisee in Toledo, Ohio, has opened the brand’s 8,000th non-traditional location in a Chrysler and Jeep assembly plant.

“Non-traditional Subway restaurants come in all shapes and sizes and can be found just about anywhere,” said Don Fertman, Chief Development Officer for the SUBWAY® restaurant chain. “Because of the Subway concept’s flexible floor plans, minimal space and equipment requirements and popular menu offerings, Subway restaurants are uniquely suited for these special sites, which are an integral part of our overall growth and on-going development strategy, and have been a large contributor to our record breaking 137 months of consecutive positive growth.”

Notable non-traditional SUBWAY® locations include the True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY, where the pastor is the franchisee and uses the store to teach job skills to area residents who are in need of a helping hand; a new car showroom in California; and a high school in Detroit, in which students run the restaurant as part of a business class curriculum and can qualify for college credits by talking online University of SUBWAY® training and job development courses.

“There was certainly a need for a retail food business to be located in the Toledo North Assembly Plant, a two million square foot facility that produces Jeep and Chrysler vehicles. They closed the cafeteria because of downsizing, but still needed a way to provide food options. So, we got together and started talking and developed a pre-ordering system that could feed up to two thousand people in ten minutes,” said Marc Hall, a former supermarket chain executive, and franchisee since 1989 who owns and operates ten SUBWAY® restaurants.

Marc’s original idea for the plant called for one main restaurant and two satellite locations where factory workers could pick up their orders. Now there are plans for a third satellite and he’s in talks with plant management to possibly open in another facility.

“It is great that Subway is able to fit into these locations much easier than any other brand. The plant employees appreciate having the Subway menu available to them and I enjoy being able to offer them a healthier alternative to traditionally fatty fast food,” explains Marc.

In addition, travelers in Germany can enjoy the spectacular scenery as well as a SUBWAY® submarine sandwich or salad while traveling down the Rhine aboard the MS Stolzenfels, which is part of the KD Deutsch riverboat fleet. There is also a SUBWAY® restaurant at Goodwill Industries in Greenville, SC, which is part of a program dedicated to helping people with barriers to employment learn the skills needed to better provide for themselves and their families. And one  of the more unique locations is the SUBWAY® restaurant at the construction site of 1 World Trade Center, formerly known as the Freedom Tower, in New York City, where the restaurant is hoisted up to the next level as each floor of the 105 –story building is completed.

“These non-traditional restaurants enable the Subway chain to provide an increasing number of business opportunities to new and existing franchises and offer healthier meal options in venues where other brands cannot or will not go,” said Don, who was featured earlier this year in the hit CBS program Undercover Boss. “They not only provide a much needed convenience to consumers looking for a meal in places where they are often difficult to find, but also help business owners and facility managers attract and retain customers and employees.”

In all, SUBWAY® franchisees worldwide provide about 350,000 jobs in their local communities and fill about 42 million square feet of prime real estate space.

The non-traditional category encompasses a large and diverse group of sites, including: airports, bus and railroad terminals; athletic facilities; office buildings; factories; casinos; theaters; colleges and universities; convention centers; convenience, grocery or department stores; hospitals; hotels; military bases; parks and recreational facilities; schools; and stadiums.

About SUBWAY® Restaurants

Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami and Singapore, the SUBWAY® chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. Their partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey — one that has made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business.

In the 2010 Zagat® Fast Food Survey, the SUBWAY® brand was ranked “number one” by consumers in the “Most Popular,” “Top Service” and “Healthy Options” categories for food brands with 5,000 or more locations. SUBWAY® restaurants were also recently ranked as the most loved Fast Food Chain in the U.S., according to Amplicate, a research firm, that specializes in the public opinions of social media users.

For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com.
Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/subway.
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/subwayfreshbuzz.

SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

SAN ANTONIO  (Restaurant News Release)  Whataburger today announced that the legendary Patty Melt has returned for a limited time. The Patty Melt is available Monday, July 11 at 3 p.m. through Monday, August 15 at Whataburger’s more than 720 restaurants across 10 states.

A longtime customer favorite, the delicious Patty Melt is made with two fresh, never frozen American beef patties, two slices of Monterey Jack cheese, grilled onions, and Whataburger’s famous Creamy Pepper Sauce. And it’s served between two thick slices of signature Texas Toast.

“Whataburger fans all have their favorite limited time menu items, but the Patty Melt is by far one of our most popular,” said Rich Scheffler, Whataburger Restaurants, LP Group Director of Marketing. “We’re excited to bring back this tasty sandwich this summer for all those fans who crave it year-round.”

Whataburger’s Patty Melt, a sandwich that’s popularity sparked its very own Facebook page, was first introduced as a limited time menu item in July 2008. Its crowd-pleasing status is evident on the customer-created Facebook page, which includes quotes such as, “In my heaven, you fall from the sky like rain down into my belly” and “If I were stranded on a desert island, and could have only one food, it would be you.”

The Patty Melt is available as a combo meal with a drink and French fries; customers can also substitute fries for a side salad. As with all burgers at Whataburger, the Patty Melt can be customized just like you like it 24 hours a day.

For nutritional information on the Patty Melt or any other item on the Whataburger menu, customers can visit www.whataburger.com.

ABOUT WHATABURGER

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson gave his restaurant a name he hoped to hear customers say every time they took a bite of his made-to-order burgers: “What a burger!” Within the first week, people lined up around the block for his 25 cent, all-American beef burgers served on five-inch buns. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 700 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually. Visit www.whataburger.com for more information on the company or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/whataburger.

NEW ORLEANS  (Restaurant News Release)  New Orleans has announced the line-up of 40 world-class restaurants for its seventh annual COOLinary restaurant promotion, offering special two and three-course lunch menus for $20 or less and three-course dinner menus for $35 or less, August 1-31, 2011.

The event celebrates the famous, authentic cuisine of New Orleans and its culinary community, which according to Tom Fitzmorris and www.nomenu.com, currently boasts 1,205 restaurants. The COOLinary promotion runs throughout the month of August, coinciding with New Orleans summer hotel rates, a year-round unparalleled nightlife scene and one-of-a-kind attractions—making for the perfect summer vacation destination.  

“Food is at the core of New Orleans’ culture, and for the past seven years, COOLinary has extended a special invitation for visitors to dine at the city’s most prestigious and beloved restaurants,” said Kim Priez, Vice President of Tourism for the New Orleans CVB. “This promotion creates an opportunity to enjoy signature meals from our award-winning chefs, inspired by fresh Louisiana produce and products.”

Restaurants participating in COOLinary 2011 include: 5 Fifty 5, 7 on Fulton, Andrea’s, Antoine’s Restaurant, Bayona, The Bombay Club, Bon Ton Cafe, Bourbon House, Brennan’s Restaurant, Brigtsen’s, Broussard’s, Cafe Adelaide, Cafe Degas, Cafe Giovanni, Commander’s Palace, Charlie’s Steak House, The Court of Two Sisters, The Crazy Lobster, Desire Seafood & Oyster Bar, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Emeril’s New Orleans, Feast, The Grill Room, GW FINS, Latil’s Landing of Houmas House Plantation & Gardens, Luke, M Bistro, Mike’s on the Avenue, Meson 923, Mulates Cajun Restaurant, Muriel’s Jackson Square, One Restaurant & Lounge, Palace Cafe, The Pelican Club, Roux on Orleans, Royal Palm, Restaurant August, Sazerac Restaurant, Ste. Marie and Tujague’s Restaurant.

Visit www.coolinaryneworleans.com to see the growing list of restaurants and to learn more about COOLinary New Orleans. Unique specials as well as the latest information and menus from participating restaurants are also available on the official COOLinary website.

The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nationally accredited, 1,000-member destination marketing organization and the largest and most successful private economic development corporation in Louisiana. We create $5 billion in new capital each year— more than any other business sector— by attracting millions of visitors, special events and conventions. The CVB and its members influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose New Orleans through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services at our New Orleans headquarters and offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago and four foreign countries. Consistently recognized as one of the top five CVBs in the country, the New Orleans CVB celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010. For more information, please visit www.neworleanscvb.com.

OKLAHOMA CITY  (Restaurant News Release)  It’s summer, it’s hot and SONIC®, America’s Drive-In®, is celebrating with flavorful new menu items in July and August. Just in time for National Hot Dog and Ice Cream Month, SONIC is offering for a limited time the Baja Dog and a line of Sundae Shakes. 

SONIC’s new Sundae Shakes are available in three 100% sippable flavor adventures – Turtle, Strawberry Dream and Classic Hot Fudge. The treats are all served in SONIC’s new metallic-looking cup, specially designed to resemble the classic metallic cups from vintage soda fountains and ice cream parlors.

Since launching in March, SONIC’s new line of Premium Beef Hot Dogs has quickly become a customer favorite. The Baja Dog adds some spice to the Premium Beef Hot Dog menu line up, all at $1.99 each.

“Only SONIC offers customers unique, premium menu items and allows them to feed their own creativity through personalization,” said Danielle Vona, chief marketing officer for SONIC. “These limited time menu options are excellent additions for our guests.”

Bold and Spicy Flavor

For the Baja Dog, SONIC tops a Premium Beef Hot Dog with melty pepper jack cheese, tomato slices, diced onions and spicy jalapenos all on a warm, poppy seed bun. 

Three Strawsome Flavors

The new Sundae Shakes are available in three flavor adventures and are all served in the new metallic cup:

• Turtle – Real ice cream hand-mixed with chocolate syrup and nuts, finished with whipped topping, caramel, more nuts and a cherry.
• Strawberry Dream – Real ice cream hand-mixed with real strawberries and finished with whipped topping, more real strawberries and a cherry.
• Classic Hot Fudge – An American original, perfected by SONIC. Real ice cream hand-mixed with hot fudge and finished with whipped topping and more hot fudge.

About SONIC

SONIC®, America’s Drive-In® (NASDAQ/NM: SONC) started as a hamburger and root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., called Top Hat Drive-In, and then changed its name to SONIC in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the SONIC name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Okla. As the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, SONIC has more than 3,500 drive-ins in 43 states coast to coast. Approximately 3 million customers eat at SONIC every day; and with more drink combinations than any other quick-service restaurant –398,929 – SONIC is Your Ultimate Drink Stop®. For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries, visit SONIC at SonicDriveIn.com. Through Limeades for Learning®, SONIC and its franchise partners have donated more than $1.3 million dollars to public school classrooms in local communities across the country. Visit www.limeadesforlearning.com to learn more about SONIC’s commitment to education.

DALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  Pushing the ‘bold’ envelope even further, Chili’s® Grill & Bar is introducing several new flavors to the popular $20 Dinner for Two menu that are sure to ignite the senses. Available now for a limited time at participating locations nationwide, guests can enjoy the new Chicken Club Quesadillas, Santa Fe Sizzling Skillet or Hatch Chile Cheeseburger in addition to other favorites on the value-added menu.

Hatch green chile sauce, a key ingredient infused in two of the new menu items – Santa Fe Sizzling Skillet and Hatch Chile Cheeseburger, has a unique, mild taste similar to tomatillo salsa, which adds an extra burst of flavor to both dishes. Hatch chiles, traditionally grown in Hatch, N.M., are the perfect reflection of Chili’s Southwestern roots. New Chicken Club Quesadillas feature double-layered quesadillas stuffed with grilled chicken and Chili’s popular Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole.

Hungry yet? Check out the ingredients that make up these enticing new entrees:

• Chicken Club Quesadillas: layers of grilled chicken, Applewood smoked bacon, Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole, sauteed onions, bell pepper, Monterey Jack cheese and ancho-ranch dressing. Served with sour cream and house-made pico de gallo.
• Hatch Chile Cheeseburger: Chili’s signature Big Mouth® Burger with mild roasted Hatch green chile sauce, Jalapeno Jack cheese, cilantro-lime mayo and house-made pico de gallo. Served with homestyle fries.
• Santa Fe Sizzling Skillet: cheese quesadillas, fajita chicken and grilled onions topped with Monterey Jack cheese and smothered in a mild roasted Hatch green chile sauce. Served in Chili’s sizzling skillet.

“Our guests tell us our $20 Dinner for Two is an offer that delivers great value at an affordable price,” said Krista Gibson, senior vice president of brand strategy for Chili’s Grill & Bar. “We wanted to build on that success by leveraging our brand favorites and integrating unique Southwestern flavors like the mild roasted Hatch green chiles.”

Got a sweet tooth? Chili’s can satisfy that appetite too with the new Caramel Apple Cobbler; a warm, decadent cinnamon apple cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.

Cool off your taste buds with a refreshing Spiked Texas Sweet Tea. A grown-up version of the Texas favorite, Chili’s Spiked Texas Sweet Tea is made with Seagram’s® Sweet Tea Vodka, fresh-squeezed lemons and agave nectar, to create a bold, refreshing taste.

About Chili’s Grill & Bar

Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili’s offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 31 countries and two territories. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill®. For more information, please visit www.chilis.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio  (Restaurant News Release)  After an enthusiastic response from guests and employees to the recently completed “Farm-Fresh Refresh” project in Dayton, Ohio, Bob Evans Restaurants is embarking on a broader effort,  announcing two additional market-wide initiatives to “refresh” restaurants in the Detroit, Mich. and Toledo, Ohio, regions.  

The next leg of the renovation project is expected to begin in August and be completed in November. The company is investing approximately $10 million to update 44 restaurants in both markets, improving the overall dining experience for guests while supporting the local economy. Each restaurant will close for a short time to allow for a farm-fresh “makeover” inside and out.  

The company expects to remodel a total of 56 Bob Evans restaurants and complete six new builds during fiscal 2012 as part of its BEST to Invest initiative, which reinvests in the Bob Evans Farms heritage for a stronger restaurant brand, and invigorated employees and communities.

The Detroit and Toledo announcement comes as the company is currently investing nearly $4 million in the original Bob Evans Farm and Homestead and first restaurant in Rio Grande, Ohio. This spring, the company also opened two newly built restaurants in Florida in April and announced plans to build a new corporate campus in New Albany, Ohio.

“These projects not only modernize the brand, but also serve as job creation vehicles – creating construction and hospitality jobs in these communities, ultimately stimulating the economy,” explains Steve Davis, chairman and CEO of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. “Each growth project brings a positive message to the affected area. We’re especially pleased to bring our refresh program to areas that have been hard-hit by the economy, such as Toledo and Detroit.”

The Toledo and Detroit markets were chosen as the second phase of this potential system-wide refresh project based upon an analysis of the local demographics and the condition of existing Bob Evans restaurants in the market.

“The feedback we received from the refreshed restaurants in Dayton, Ohio, has been extremely positive,” says Davis. “Our recent surveys indicate that both our guests and our employees are pleased with the results of our investment. That was the motivation behind the refresh project and it is the reason we are excited to expand to additional markets.  Our goal is to improve our restaurants to meet guest needs and expectations continually. So far we’re very pleased with the response.”

As part of the Farm-Fresh Refresh project, Detroit and Toledo restaurants will receive a new look and feel. Guests will find many new features for busy families, including a new Taste of the Farm™ Bakery featuring a delicious array of baked goods, a dedicated carry-out area for quick meals to go, and gift card displays and a redesigned retail area to pick up a gift for someone special. Each refreshed restaurant also features a mural in the entryway depicting the heritage of Bob Evans and the company’s farm roots. The dining room will boast more modern furnishings and light fixtures and will feature fresher, brighter color schemes in the fabric, carpet and walls.

Area restaurants will also donate unused food to local soup kitchens and shelters through the company’s recently launched “harvest” program.

“We’re excited about this makeover and are looking forward to sharing our new look with guests – both new and regulars,” says Davis. “The Farm-Fresh Refresh initiative is an extension of the work we’ve done to update our menu and provide our guests with more fresh, seasonal and nutritionally balanced meal options.  Now, our restaurants will also reflect the forward-thinking mentality of the chefs who bring our menu to life.”

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

Bob Evans Farms, Inc. owns and operates full-service restaurants under the Bob Evans and Mimi’s Cafe brand names. At the end of the fourth fiscal quarter (April 29, 2011), Bob Evans owned and operated 563 family restaurants in 18 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States, while Mimi’s Cafe owned and operated 145 casual restaurants located in 24 states, primarily in California and other western states. Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is also a leading producer and distributor of pork sausage and a variety of complementary convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names. For more information about Bob Evans Farms, Inc., visit www.bobevans.com.

MIAMI  (Restaurant News Release)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN),the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the July Chef’s Special, Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $36.

During the hot days of July, take a break from the kitchen and treat the family to a delicious dinner out. Two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of hibachi shrimp and chicken, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $36 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy the July Chef’s Special with a glass of Coppola ‘Bianco’ Pinot Grigio, or one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Yuzu Margarita or Passion Colada.

This Chef’s Special is available throughout the entire month of July and at all Benihana restaurants in the United States except Hawaii.

For more information about the July Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN, BNHNA) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.

New “Cooked to Order” Seafood Items Added to the Buffet Menu for a Limited Time

RALEIGH, NC  (Restaurant News Release)  Golden Corral expands its seafood offerings on the buffet beginning Tuesday, July 5, 2011 with the addition of several new “Cooked to Order” Pan Seared Seafood items on the buffet. This array of hearty new seafood offerings is in addition to our Awesome Pot Roast slow cooked for 12 hours, Made from Scratch Meatloaf, and Grilled to Order USDA Sirloin Steaks served in our stores daily.

New Seafood menu choices are:

• Pan Seared Scallops
• Pan Seared Shrimp
• Pan Seared Tilapia

New Seafood sauces are:

• Lemon Piccata Sauce
• Scampi Sauce
• Spicy Alfredo Sauce

New Seafood Sides are:

• Sautéed Spinach or Vegetables
• Rice Pilaf
• Linguine

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to deliver more menu options and even higher value to our guests.  Pan Seared Seafood isn’t just a seafood promotion it is a whole new way of cooking directly in front of our guest allowing for some customization of flavor & choice and serving it piping hot straight out of the sauté pan” said Ed Gleich, Vice President of National Marketing & Media, Golden Corral Restaurant Corporation.

Available through October 2, 2011, these menu items will complement the incredible variety of menu options already existing on Golden Corral’s Salad Bar, Hot Buffet and Dessert Table all for around $10. 

About Golden Corral Restaurant Corporation

Golden Corral Restaurant Corporation, based in Raleigh, NC is the franchisor of the Golden Corral restaurant system, which consists of more than 480 restaurants nationwide and is the owner and operator of approximately 103 of those restaurants in the United States. 

Founded in 1971, Golden Corral specializes in offering unmatched quality, variety and value to its dining guests in a comfortable & casual buffet setting at an everyday affordable price.

For more information, please visit www.goldencorral.com.