SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  (Restaurant News Release)  “O’ zapft is!” Translation: “It’s tapped!”, the traditional kickoff for Oktoberfest.

But it’s not just a traditional Oktoberfest celebration at Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill locations in the western United States. Take the German beer and brats of Oktoberfest, add some modern Asian flavor and cook it in a wok, and you get “Woktoberfest.”

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill is celebrating Woktoberfest in the month of October by fusing its Asian-inspired cuisine with traditional German favorites on a special Woktoberfest menu, featuring Widmer Brothers beers as part of the recipes for such dishes as “Wokin’ Hot Brats.”

“The Widmer Brothers beers are inspired by traditional German brews and mix incredibly well with both German cuisine and Asian spices,” said E. John Banquil, Regional General Manager of Ling & Louie’s. “Woktoberfest is a great chance for people to celebrate a German tradition re-invented through innovative renditions of classic foods. And it should be a lot of fun as well, with everyone having a chance to win a trip to Portland and other great prizes.”

As part of the Woktoberfest celebration, Ling & Louie’s is giving away a trip for two to the Widmer Brothers brewery in Portland, a custom home brewing kit, a private dinner for 10 people, and a wok-a-day giveaway that not only allows guests to get comfortable with wok cooking at home, but also awards the table with their check paid.

The Woktoberfest menu features not only the Wokin’ Hot Brats, but also Beer Links Flatbread, Tempura Fish & Chips and Braised Duck Sliders. Widmer’s Okto Festival Ale is used in each of the dishes and is one of several beers being featured as part of Woktoberfest.

“You can get rice and noodles dishes anywhere, but you can’t get Wokin’ Hot Brats or Braised Duck Sliders. That’s what’s going to make the difference for our guests and franchisees — innovative menu items with fresh, bold flavors you can’t get anywhere else,” Banquil said. “We believe Woktoberfest will become a ‘Not Boring’ annual tradition that will be a staple for our concept and really enhance the guest experience.”

About Ling & Louie’s

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill was founded in 2006 and currently has five locations open across the western United States. Several more locations are planned for opening in the next few years and the company is aggressively looking to franchise and expand nationwide. For more information, please visit http://www.LingandLouies.com.

DENVER  (Restaurant News Release)  Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” concept, is pleased to announce it is bringing its Chicago-inspired Windy City burger to its restaurants nationwide for a limited time through October 30. SmashFans across the country can enjoy a taste of Chicago’s favorite flavors captured in the Windy City burger, a juicy, smashed-to-order burger that’s made with fresh, never frozen 100% Certified Angus Beef, topped with layers of melted cheddar cheese, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato, and Gulden’s® spicy mustard on a hand-cut pretzel roll.

Smashburger specializes in creating localized menu offerings by combining regional taste profiles with the brand’s unique “smashing” technique that creates a juicy burger you can taste in every bite. Until now, the Windy City burger was only found on Smashburger menus in Chicago, but consumer interest in local recipes from other cities inspired Smashburger to take the burger national.

In conjunction with this delicious limited time offering, Smashburger is pleased to announce the launch of its ‘Win a Taste Bud Tour of Chicago’ sweepstakes in which Smashburger guests can enter to win a free trip to the hometown of the Windy City burger, Chicago, Illinois. The prize package includes airfare for two, a two-night stay in a luxury hotel and $1,000 in spending cash to explore the tastes and flavors of Chicago. To enter, Smashfans can make a purchase at any Smashburger nationwide through October 30, 2011 and simply enter the validation code found on the bottom of their dining receipt at Smashburger.com/Chicago. From the registered entries, one lucky winner will be selected. During each week of the Windy City burger’s stay, participants will also be entered to win Smashburger coupons and one SmashFan will be chosen to receive FREE Smashburger for a year!

“In every market we enter, we take the time to create a unique burger experience for that city that incorporates local taste preferences and our Windy City burger has been particularly successful in its hometown of Chicago,” said Tom Ryan, founder and chief concept officer of Smashburger. “We received great feedback from our guests after rolling out our Sin City burger as a national limited time offer last spring, and we’re eager to give them another chance to enjoy a local favorite from another city.”

Smashburger also serves a variety of marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, entrée salads, and a variety of signature sides like hand-tossed rosemary and garlic-seasoned Smashfries, sweet potato Smashfries, crispy haystack onions, and veggie frites. Smashburger guests can pair their meals with handspun Häagen-Dazs® shakes, malts and floats and an array of local craft bottled beers and wine.

About Smashburger

Smashburger is the country’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant. Its hand-crafted burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef, that are “smashed”, seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Guests can create their own burger masterpiece or enjoy one of Smashburger’s innovative signature recipes, including a unique burger for every local market that highlights the distinctive flavors of that region. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared entrée salads, kids meals, handspun Häagen-Dazs® shakes and an array of signature sides. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the country with 120 restaurants nationwide. Smashburger was also named to the 2011 Inc. 500 list and is the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

ATLANTA  (Restaurant News Release)  Innovation is the name of the game at Popeyes^®, and it’s culinary “dream” team continues an undefeated season with its fourth new Limited Time Offer for 2011—Popeyes new Dip’n Chick’n^TM; chicken breast fillets cut into perfect chicken dippers and fried up fresh.

Dip’n Chick’n is tender and juicy chicken breast “scoop” medallions marinated in authentic Louisiana herbs and spices then hand battered and breaded in our unique crispy coating and paired with a new signature dipping sauce.

This inventive new product, fresh with a unique scoop shape, Cajun-inspired dipping sauce, and unforgettable eating experience is made for dipping!

Popeyes new Dip’n Chick’n is served with an oversized cup of its new signature Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce, a traditional buttermilk ranch dressing mixed with onion, garlic, a blend of peppers and Magic® Blackened seasoning, which doubles the dipping for those who just love to sauce it up.

“Popeyes culinary team continues to play to its strengths and has created another game changing LTO with Dip’n,” says Dick Lynch, Popeyes chief marketing officer. “Dip’n Chick’n doubles the fun and combines the best of both worlds with Popeyes boneless chicken perfect for scooping and a double dose of a brand new dipping sauce.”

Dip’n Chick’n is served with Cajun fries, a biscuit and a double serving of Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce—all for only $3.99^* through October 23, 2011.

About Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen

Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes is a leader in the New Orleans segment of the foodservice industry and is the world’s second largest quick-service chicken concept based on the number of restaurants. As of July 10, 2011, Popeyes had 2,000 operating restaurants in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Cayman Islands and 27 foreign countries. For more information, visit the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Web site at www.popeyes.com.

*Price plus applicable tax. Valid only at participating restaurants for a limited time.

LEBANON, Tenn.  (Restaurant News Release)  There’s a snap in the air and on the plates at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store^® as $5.99 daily lunch specials welcome fall with hearty flavors and savings at participating locations. Freshly prepared daily lunch specials feature a different choice each weekday and a new every weekday offering.

“Guests count on us for homestyle meals that ring true. They value our made-from-scratch goodness, quality ingredients and wide variety of menu choices,” said Cracker Barrel Chef Bill Kintzler. “So whether guests choose a daily lunch special or one of their favorite Cracker Barrel menu items, they’ll get great flavor that’s a perfect fit for their appetite.”

$5.99 Daily Lunch Specials – Served From 11 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

Introducing every Monday through Friday: The Country House Salad served with two chicken tenderloins and a choice of an Idaho baked potato or one of the two daily soups.

Monday: Baked Chicken n’ Dressing – A tender, juicy chicken breast served with savory dressing and choice of one vegetable.

Tuesday: Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes – A slice of homestyle meatloaf, mashed potatoes and choice of one vegetable.

Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie – Freshly baked, loaded with chunks of chicken breast and topped with a golden flaky crust.

Thursday: Turkey n’ Dressing – Tender, oven roasted turkey breast served with savory dressing and choice of one vegetable.

Daily Lunch Specials are not available at all Cracker Barrel locations including some in the following market areas: Phoenix and Yuma, Ariz.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Boise, Idaho; Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa; Wichita, Kan., Lafayette, La.; Traverse City, Mich.; Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Johnstown, Philadelphia, and Wilkes Barre, Pa.; Austin, El Paso and San Antonio, Texas; Milwaukee, Wis. Guests should contact their local Cracker Barrel regarding Daily Lunch Specials availability.

About Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made from scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 604 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.

DENVER  (Restaurant News Release)  Quiznos, one of the nation’s premier quick service restaurant (QSR) chains and pioneer of the toasted sandwich, has announced a partnership with Vermont-based convenience and gasoline retailer, Champlain Farms, to open Quiznos restaurants inside Champlain Farms’ 40 locations. The partnership is a significant milestone in the company’s convenience store growth strategy and demonstrates a continued commitment to partner with strong, regional convenience store operators for success in the convenience store channel.

“As a locally-owned company, Champlain Farms brings unparalleled insight into the region and the local convenience customer. This local expertise, combined with exceptional operations, made Champlain Farms the ideal partner to extend our convenience store offering and best meet regional needs in the northeast,” said Shultz Hartgrove, senior vice president of convenience and non-traditional development for Quiznos. “The partnership with Champlain Farms marks the continued success of our convenience store growth strategy.”

The new Quiznos restaurants will be in Champlain Farms locations throughout Vermont, situated in highly-frequented locations such as colleges and universities, interstate exits and tourism destinations. The initial launch will include 10 locations, the first of which is set to open next month. Plans call for further expansion to all 40 Champlain Farms convenience store locations in the future.

“The Quiznos brand and distinctive, flavorful menu was a perfect fit for our foodservice needs,” said Dave Simendinger, president of Champlain Farms. “We are proud of our commitment to quality and sought a strong quick service partner to complement our strong convenience stores. We know Champlain Farms customers will be attracted by Quiznos’ brand recognition and appetizing menu.”

The Quiznos/Champlain Farms convenience locations will feature a menu tailored for the convenience store customer and retailer, including Quiznos’ signature toasty favorites and hot breakfast items prepared and packaged to eat on the go. Quiznos’ convenience menu was developed based on consumer and partner feedback, allowing Quiznos and its convenience partners to be relevant to customers throughout all dayparts, which is critical in the 24/7 convenience store space.

The partnership between Quiznos and Champlain Farms is the most recent in a series of successful partnerships and store openings in Quiznos’ convenience store development strategy. Through its convenience development initiative, Quiznos has opened more than 200 convenience store locations in 2011 and established partnerships with convenience industry leaders, including HESS, Mapco, Champlain Farms and others, with continued growth planned.

About Quiznos

Now in its 30th year, Denver-based Quiznos is a national and international chain designed for today’s busy consumers who are looking for a tasty, freshly prepared alternative to traditional fast-food restaurants. Using premium ingredients, Quiznos restaurants offer creative, chef-inspired recipes for sandwiches, soups and salads.

CNN Money ranked toasty sub pioneer Quiznos as the No. 2 most popular franchise of the past decade in 2010. In 2009, Quiznos’ Toasty Torpedoes® earned a spot as one of the top 10 new product introductions from the Most Memorable New Product Launch Survey. Also in 2009, QSR Magazine ranked Quiznos No. 19 overall in its Top 50 Chains in system-wide sales. In October 2007, Quiznos was recognized for leading the QSR industry in wait time performance by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association’s (MSPA) 2007 Wait Time Study. In May 2007, Zagat’s consumer surveys listed Quiznos in the top 5 for Top Food, Top Facilities, Top Service and Top Overall, ahead of its direct competitors. For further information, please visit www.quiznos.com.

About Champlain Farms

Champlain Farms, founded in 1992 is a locally owned and operated chain of Convenience Stores located throughout Vermont. Champlain Farms are strategically placed near colleges/universities, tourism destinations and freeway exits. Headquarters are based out of South Burlington, VT.

MIAMI  (Restaurant News Release)  Burger King Corp. celebrates the end of the summer season with the launch of a new, premium soft serve dessert menu to satisfy every sweet tooth across the country. Through Oct. 9, guests who purchase a BK^® Value Meal at participating BURGER KING^® restaurants nationwide can top off their meal with a sweet treat – a FREE soft serve cone or cup.

“Our new soft serve dessert menu is just one of many ways we are evolving our menu and offering a sweet deal to attract and connect with a broader range of consumers,” said Alex Macedo, senior vice president, North America marketing, Burger King Corp.

The new desserts feature the rich vanilla taste and creamy texture of BK^® soft serve in a variety of builds:

• Premium sundaes are extra sweet with indulgent topping choices of peach and granola for a suggested retail price of $1.79 and double brownie, OREO^® or M&M’S^® for a suggested retail price of $2.49.
• Classic soft serve cones and cups bring the creamy vanilla taste front and center for a suggested retail price of 89 cents.
• Traditional sundaes feature decadent toppings such as chocolate fudge, caramel and strawberry for a suggested retail price of $1.
• Timeless, hand-spun shakes feature tasty strawberry, chocolate or vanilla flavors finished with whipped topping for a suggested retail price of $2.99 for a regular and $3.49 for a large.

The promotion will be supported by national TV and radio advertising that begins today and represents a continuation of Burger King Corp.’s new food-centric approach. The television spot highlights the creamy texture and refreshing taste of the new soft serve, and showcases the new, premium dessert line as delicious brownies, tasty peaches and classic OREO^® cookies take center stage.

About BURGER KING CORPORATION

Founded in 1954, BURGER KING^® is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER^®, the BURGER KING^® system operates more than 12,300 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 78 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING^® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. For more information on 3G Capital, please go to http://3g-capital.com. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the company’s website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

WILMINGTON, N.C.  (Restaurant News Release)  The Fuzzy Peach, based out of Wilmington, NC, has announced the launch of their franchise operations. The corporation is run by founders Rocco Quaranto, Jason Nista and Wells Struble. The Fuzzy Peach is an alternative frozen desert experience, offering the best frozen yogurt, toppings and fresh fruit within the industry.

“We saw a gap in the market for a more streamline, customer based frozen yogurt experience,” Nista said.

By formulating a perfect synergy through customers, employees and franchisees, The Fuzzy Peach strives for an unparalleled dessert experience. “Our mission has always been to put the customer’s needs first. That’s why our system of self serve yogurt and toppings is so unique and efficient, the customer can control their portion and as a result, the price,” Struble said. This system, combined with the general atmosphere of The Fuzzy Peach, has created a loyal customer base as they maintain a “third place” atmosphere within the store.

Market research conducted by The Cameron School of Business at UNCW shows a 98% customer satisfaction rate at The Fuzzy Peach due to their outstanding product, fun atmosphere, and attentive, friendly employees. “We have created a fun brand image that our customers respond to,” Quaranto said, “Our operations are based on simplicity and efficiency so it is important that our store layout is welcoming and easy for the customer to navigate.”  The customers respond positively to the store’s decor which is set to a modern, colorful look, free of clutter and distractions.

With new franchising opportunities, The Fuzzy Peach is opening the door for more like minded professionals to offer the best frozen yogurt in the industry at a reasonable rate. Offering one of the lowest initial investments in the industry, The Fuzzy Peach has a graduated royalty program which allows the franchisee to keep more money as their sales increase.

Franchisees also receive the benefit of having direct access to the founders of the business for home office support. “Our age is really what links us to our customers,” Nista said, “We are able to be current with our customers and offer a top quality product.”

IRVINE, Calif.  (Restaurant News Release)  Let’s bring the family back together! Mimi’s Cafe — a neighborhood bistro inspired by France — is continuing its “Value Revolution” to appeal to guests who would like to dine out more frequently, but given the uncertain economic times, may be less inclined to do so.  Mimi’s® New Family Meals To-Go helps unite families by offering delicious, quality meals with none of the fuss … all at a tremendous value. Guests can enjoy 10 Family Meals, serving four to five, for under $25.

“We’re committed to bringing families together at mealtime. Study after study shows the beneficial impact of family dinner time, including better grades, healthier eating habits, closer relationships and positive attitudes,” said Mark Mears, Mimi’s President and Chief Concept Officer. “Let Mimi’s do the cooking. If there’s not enough time to come dine with us, we want our guests to be able to gather with their families and share a wonderful meal from Mimi’s in the comfort of their homes.”

Bringing 10 family favorites to its convenient carry out offerings, Mimi’s New Family Meals To-Go menu includes classic dinners, such as the Oven Fresh Pot Roast, Slow Roasted Turkey Breast, Grilled Meatloaf, Chicken Tenders, and an array of flavorful artisan pasta dishes, including the Chicken Parmesan, Jambalaya, Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Garlic Shrimp Fettuccini, Mediterranean Chicken Fettuccine and Meatloaf Stroganoff. Each meal includes a choice of either Mimi’s Signature Soup or a Garden or Caesar Salad.

Guests can make the dining occasion even more memorable by adding delicious sides or desserts to accommodate the unique tastes of their families; for $3, a choice of Seasonal Vegetables, Seasonal Bread Loaf or Garlic Butter & Parmesan Baguette; $4, a choice of Seasonal Fruit, Brownie Bites or Mimi’s Bread Pudding; and $5, a choice of Quiche, Soup, Family Sized Garden or Caesar Salad or a 4-pack of Mimi’s famous freshly baked Muffins.

For a limited time only, Mimi’s is offering an exclusive Family Meal To-Go promotion to its eClub members: purchase a New Family Meal To-Go and add a $3, $4 or $5 side for FREE!* Sign up for Mimi’s eClub for even more special offers at MimisCafe.com.

Mimi’s Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mimi’s offers private dining rooms for special gatherings, catering and to-go menus, and online ordering. Many restaurants have a full bar featuring specialty cocktails, and all restaurants serve wine and beer. For information, please visit MimisCafe.com, or find Mimi’s at Facebook.com/MimisCafe and at Twitter.com/mimis_cafe. Sign up for Mimi’s eClub to receive a free breakfast coupon and exciting deals throughout the year.

*The offer to purchase a New Family Meal To-Go and add a side for free is only available to eClub members for up to $5. Promotion runs through Oct. 9. Coupon must be presented to receive offer.

About Mimi’s Cafe

Mimi’s Cafe, a French-inspired casual dining restaurant, has 145 locations in 24 states as of the end of the first fiscal quarter (July 29, 2011). Mimi’s Cafe is a unit wholly owned by Bob Evans Farms, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ:BOBE), known and loved for its delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, friendly service and charming, stylish decor.

DUBLIN, Ohio  (Restaurant News Release)  America, you may need another napkin.

Wendy’s® is giving its cheeseburgers a complete “taste-lift” by totally reinventing it – beef patty, bun and toppings — and aptly naming it Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy™ Cheeseburger. An homage to Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, the cheeseburger is the hottest and juiciest in the company’s history.

“More than 40 years ago, my father named Wendy’s after me,” said Wendy Thomas. “Now, we get to name our hottest and juiciest cheeseburger after him. It would make him proud – and hungry!”

Made with 100 percent fresh, never-frozen, North American* beef without fillers, additives, preservatives or flavor boosters, Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger is Wendy’s thickest, hottest and juiciest hamburger ever. The beef’s rich, mouth-watering taste is complemented by a warm, buttered, toasted bun for added flavor and texture, with a carefully-chosen assortment of fresh, high-quality toppings that make the flavor even more sumptuous. Of course, it has a naturally-square shape that consumers fondly associate with Wendy’s. (Cue the napkins!)

“Unlike other fast-food companies that freeze their beef, Wendy’s has never compromised on freshness,” said Gerard Lewis, Wendy’s Senior Vice President of Product Development. “We believe that fresh beef simply tastes better.  With the new Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger, we can proudly tell cheeseburger lovers everywhere that at Wendy’s, ‘Here’s the Beef!™’”

Wendy’s – recent winner of the Top Food and Top Overall spots among Mega Chains in Zagat’s 2011 Fast Food Survey – devoted more than two years to developing Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger, using input from 10,000 consumers across the country. The new made-to-order cheeseburger starts with fresh, North American* beef, and the patty is thicker so it will be juicier. It features crisp, hand-leafed lettuce; red-ripe tomatoes; two slices of melted American cheese; sweet, mild red onion rings; crinkle-cut dill pickles; and precise amounts of ketchup and real mayonnaise.

Even the packaging has received an overhaul, as every Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger is wrapped in wax paper and placed in a customized half-box designed to enhance the eating experience by protecting the cheeseburger.

The launch of Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger is being supported by one of the most extensive nationwide, integrated marketing communications campaigns, using TV, radio, print, out of home, web banners and various social and digital media. Created by Kaplan Thaler Group, the campaign features images and clips from the 1984 Wendy’s iconic “Where’s the Beef?®” commercials, starring the late Clara Peller.

The campaign includes two national waves of creative: a pre-launch “teaser” effort using the memorable “Where’s the Beef?” phrase and images, running through October 2; and a “Here’s the Beef!”-themed effort that rolls out October 2.

Among the highlights of this multi-faceted campaign:

• An electronic billboard in New York’s Times Square that will cycle through a four-screen “Where’s the Beef?”/”Here’s the Beef!” treatment.
• “Little Wendy” TV commercials, marking the national debut of Wendy Thomas as she pays tribute to her father, Dave Thomas, by introducing this fresh, new take on the classic Wendy’s cheeseburger.
• “T-Shirt” TV commercials, in which a young man wearing a vintage “Where’s the Beef?” T-shirt doesn’t understand why people call out the phrase until he sees a “Here’s the Beef!” sign at a Wendy’s store.
• Digital banner ads, including “Build,” which opens with “Here’s the Beef!” and an image of the cheeseburger that builds vertically and reveals pictures and details about each ingredient. This and the other banner ads include an option to download a coupon for a free Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger.
• A new Facebook Application (facebook.com/wendys) featuring several hamburger-themed games and at the end of the APP, visitors can answer a question about Wendy’s beef and register to receive one of 50,000 free T-shirts.
• A 26-city mobile “Tour of America” to distribute more than 37,000 free Hot ‘N Juicy cheeseburgers to Americans. For a schedule of events, visit http://apps.facebook.com/tourofamerica/.

For more information about Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger, visit www.wendys.com, Twitter (@wendys) and Facebook (facebook.com/wendys).

* Fresh beef available in the contiguous United States and Canada.

About the Wendy’s Company

Wendy’s is one of the world’s most successful restaurant companies with more than 6,600 restaurants worldwide.  More information about The Wendy’s Company is available at www.wendys.com, or www.aboutwendys.com.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  (Restaurant News Release)  The winningest coach in National Football League History and restaurateur Don Shula is kicking off his newest concept, SHULA BURGER. The first location will open in Islamorada, Florida (in the Keys) by the end of the year. Other planned locations for 2012 include Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Kendall, Orlando and Tampa.

Shula Burger is a fast casual Gourmet Burger concept that will include wine pairings, as well as salads, chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes and more.

Don Shula has been in the restaurant industry since 1989 and has 34 full service restaurants nationwide including Shula’s Steak Houses and Shula’s 347 Grill.

“This is an exciting concept that will cater to customers that want a fast casual experience in a warm friendly environment,” said Don Shula. “We are looking forward to the launch of Shula Burger.”

For franchising or more information on Shula Burger, please visit www.shulaburger.com.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.  (Restaurant News Release)  Domino’s Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, dares you to believe that it can truly make a gourmet pizza. Beginning today, Domino’s will begin a national campaign around the latest offering in its lineup of ongoing menu expansion – Domino’s Artisan Pizza.

Domino’s is doing away with the unneeded gimmicks – and today, debuts three Domino’s Artisan Pizza flavors: Spinach & Feta, Italian Sausage & Pepper Trio and Tuscan Salami & Roasted Veggie.

“We have never launched anything that showcases our quality ingredients and craftsmanship quite like Artisan Pizza,” said Patrick Doyle, Domino’s Pizza president and chief executive officer. “Consumers really need to see and taste these pizzas to believe them.”

Before even getting to the pizza, consumers will be greeted by a signed pizza box – penned by the store manager responsible for what comes within: a carefully and uniquely crafted gourmet pizza.

“It really is yet another ‘Oh Yes We Did’ moment for Domino’s,” said Russell Weiner, Domino’s Pizza chief marketing officer. “We won’t stop innovating – and with this product, gimmicks are out the window and the proof will be in the pizza.”

A national TV campaign beginning today shows the launch of the new pizza to be about gourmet taste – and not about gimmicks. Fabio Viviani, the celebrity chef known best for his time as a fan favorite on Top Chef, makes a cameo appearance in one of the commercials.

“We have great tasting hand-tossed pizza and a terrific specialty line, but the Domino’s Artisan Pizzas truly take special to a whole new level,” said Weiner. “The campaign is a playful way to demonstrate that for us to show believers we can be gourmet, this pizza needs no gimmicks – just consumers to simply try it.”

Consumers who order Domino’s Artisan Pizza through online ordering will receive a link where they can rate the pizza and let Domino’s know what they think.

During the campaign, consumers can try the pizza for $7.99 every day of the week.  Domino’s will also continue its Early Week Pick-Me-Up Deal, offering consumers a 3-topping pizza for $7.99, carryout only.

About Domino’s Pizza®

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery. Domino’s is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DPZ.” As of the second quarter of 2011, through its primarily locally-owned and operated franchised system, Domino’s operated a network of 9,436 franchised and Company-owned stores in the United States and over 70 international markets. During the second quarter of 2011, Domino’s had global retail sales of over $1.6 billion, comprised of nearly $793 million domestically and over $810 million internationally. Domino’s Pizza had global retail sales of over $6.2 billion in 2010, comprised of over $3.3 billion domestically and over $2.9 billion internationally.

In May 2011, Pizza Today named Domino’s its “Chain of the Year” for the second straight year – making the company a three-time overall winner, and the first pizza delivery company to receive the honor in back-to-back years. In 2011, Domino’s was ranked #1 in Forbes Magazine’s “Top 20 Franchises for the Money” list.  Helped by the launch of its Domino’s Smart Slice school lunch pizza in late 2010, Domino’s is collaborating with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to serve healthier school foods and beverages in the United States. In late 2009, Domino’s debuted its “Inspired New Pizza” – a permanent change to its hand-tossed product, reinvented from the crust up.

Order – www.dominos.com

Mobile – http://mobile.dominos.com

Info – www.dominosbiz.com

Twitter – http://twitter.com/dominos

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/Dominos

DALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  Pizza Hut announced today a movement across its more than 7,200 U.S. restaurants that positions America’s largest pizza chain as a leader in the fight against the global hunger epidemic. Pizza Hut is challenging America to “Share a Slice of Hope” during the 2011 World Hunger Relief campaign via multiple donation channels, including an exclusive integration with social game developer Zynga via online contributions at zynga.com/pizzahut through Oct. 31, 2011. More information about 2011 World Hunger Relief efforts at Pizza Hut and the Share a Slice of Hope initiative are available at pizzahut.com/slicesofhope.

“Global hunger statistics are astounding, with nearly one billion people going days or weeks without a substantial meal,” said Scott Bergren, Pizza Hut CEO. “We want to make a difference and we’re asking our customers and employees to ‘Share a Slice of Hope’ with those in need.  Just $1 donated to the World Hunger Relief campaign feeds four children in need.”

Zynga players looking to join the Share a Slice of Hope movement will get their chance to contribute within their favorite games. Pizza Hut has partnered with the world’s leading social game developer to deliver the first ever offline to online contribution experience through Zynga.org for players in FarmVille, CityVille, Empires & Allies and The Pioneer Trail. Players will receive a choice of one exclusive, limited edition item for each contribution of $5 or more made through zynga.com/pizzahut, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the World Food Programme.

“We’re thrilled to join the World Food Programme and Pizza Hut in their battle against world hunger and to heighten awareness of the campaign among our players,” added Laura Pincus Hartman, Director of External Partnerships for Zynga.org.

In addition to contributing through social gaming, online donations can be made to World Hunger Relief when completing an order at pizzahut.com. Customers can then share their donation with friends and followers on social media for the ultimate Share a Slice of Hope experience.

Pizza Hut is also encouraging customers to donate in-store when they visit their neighborhood restaurants. Customers who make a donation in-store may add a personalized pepperoni to a pizza-shaped sharing board displayed in each participating restaurant.

With a robust 2011 World Hunger Relief effort, Pizza Hut looks to surpass its record donation total from last year of nearly $2 million. To help meet this target, local Pizza Hut restaurants nationwide have set their own donation goals and will host events and fundraisers within their communities throughout the month-long campaign. All donations made during the 2011 World Hunger Relief campaign will benefit the World Food Programme’s hunger relief efforts.

About World Hunger Relief

Yum! Brands’ annual fall World Hunger Relief effort is the world’s largest private sector hunger relief initiative, spanning 110 countries, 38,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants and over one million employees, to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds for WFP and other hunger relief agencies.  Multi-Grammy Award winner Christina Aguilera, the effort’s global spokesperson, will appear in a new public service announcement this fall as well as advertising, online efforts and posters in KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants. Every U.S. dollar raised will go directly towards WFP’s operations to fight hunger around the world.

Since World Hunger Relief launched in 2007, more than one million of the Company’s employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered more than 21 million hours to aid hunger relief efforts in communities worldwide. The effort has raised nearly $85 million for WFP and other hunger relief organizations and is helping to provide over 350 million meals and save the lives of millions of people in remote corners of the world.

About Zynga Inc.

Zynga Inc. is the world’s leading social game developer with more than 232 million monthly active users playing their games which include CityVille, FarmVille, Empires & Allies, Pioneer Trail, Words With Friends, Mafia Wars, Zynga Poker, Cafe World, and Treasure Isle. Zynga Inc games are available on a number of global platforms including Facebook, Google+, Tencent, MySpace, Yahoo, the iPad, the iPhone and Android devices. Through Zynga.org, Zynga players have raised more than $10 million for world social causes. Zynga Inc. is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.zynga.com or www.zynga.org.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.  (Restaurant News Release)  On Thursday, September 29, Krispy Kreme  will celebrate National Coffee Day and its new Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee Blends by giving a FREE 12oz cup of House Blend Coffee to its guests. No Purchase Necessary.

“In honor of National Coffee Day we’re inviting Krispy Kreme fans to stop in, or drive thru, for a complimentary cup of our great tasting new coffee,” says Ron Rupocinski, Krispy Kreme’s Corporate Chef. “By itself, our House Blend Coffee is a great cup of coffee. But it’s an even sweeter treat when you pair it with one of our delicious signature doughnuts.”

• Krispy Kreme Signature House Blend is a smooth, medium-bodied, Latin American blend with a balanced flavor profile for the everyday coffee drinker. Pairs perfectly with any of our 20 Krispy Kreme doughnut varieties.

Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee is also available in Dark Roast Coffee and House Decaf Coffee blends. Ask a Krispy Kreme Team Member to recommend a perfect doughnut pairing for your favorite blend.

This offer is good for one FREE 12oz House Blend Coffee per customer at participating U.S. and Canadian Krispy Kreme retail shops on September 29.

Now through October 24, enter the Last Bad Coffee Face Face-Off on Krispy Kreme’s Facebook Page for a chance to win a Grand Prize trip for two to Krispy Kreme Headquarters in Winston-Salem, NC. Seven weekly winners will receive a Coffee Face-Off Prize Pack. But only one will win the GRAND PRIZE!

For updates on special promotions, exclusive offers and local events, join “Friends of Krispy Kreme” by visiting www.KrispyKreme.com. Interact with Krispy Kreme on Facebook and Twitter, and KrispyKremeDoughnuts on YouTube.

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is an international retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Today, Krispy Kreme can be found in more than 650 locations around the world.  Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Visit us at www.KrispyKreme.com.

LARGO, Fla.  (Restaurant News Release)  On Thursday, September 29, 2011, Ker’s WingHouse Bar & Grill, the Florida based restaurant chain that specializes in hot wings, great values, and WingHouse Girls, will open its twentieth location in Florida.

The location at 775 W. Brandon Blvd is an exciting new addition for WingHouse founder, owner and former Dallas Cowboy Crawford Ker.

“We are very pleased with this newest location and excited to open early in football season,” Crawford said. “My goal for seventeen years has been the same: build up Florida and then build up the country. I am very excited we are making that dream a reality.”

Crawford played college ball at the University of Florida, where he earned All-American honors and was on the 1984 team that won the first Southeastern Conference Championship for the school. Drafted in 1985 by the Cowboys, he played there until 1990 and was voted to the team of the decade by the Dallas Cowboy Weekly.

In the years since he retired from football Crawford’s been busy. He founded a restaurant in Largo, a community wedged between Clearwater and St. Petersburg on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and named it Ker’s WingHouse Bar & Grill. The restaurant was an instant success, and soon Crawford was opening restaurants throughout Florida. This newest location in the Florida market is the twentieth for the restaurant company.

Ker won a $1.2-million jury award from Hooters in late 2004, which had sued him for trademark violations for allegedly using their uniforms and decor. After a three-week trial in which lawyers discussed hula hoops, surfboards, scrunchy socks, pantyhose and something called “vicarious sexual recreation”, the jury ruled that no trademark infringement existed and Hooters was penalized for their frivolous lawsuit.  Hooters appealed the decision, but in June, 2006, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta upheld the verdict.

The grand opening will commence with a ribbon cutting by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce at 3:00PM and will officially be open to the public at 4:00PM.  From 6:00PM-8:00PM restaurant guests will have the opportunity for autographs and meet and greet with Crawford Ker, fellow NFL Alumni, and various other local celebrities.

“I’ve always said we were going to grow,” Crawford said. “This year people will begin to see the vision I’ve always had. We aren’t done yet.”

About Ker’s WingHouse

Ker’s WingHouse Bar & Grill, based in Largo, Fla., blends a casual sports-bar style with delicious over-sized entrees. Menu selections are classic American favorites; like juicy burgers, giant salads, delicious sides and the unique skinless and baked WingHouse Naked Wings. Sports memorabilia on the walls and WingHouse Girls waiting tables creates the restaurant’s fun-filled atmosphere. The first WingHouse opened in Largo in 1994. Currently, Ker, Inc., the management company for Ker’s WingHouse, operates 19 restaurants in Florida .  The chain, with estimated growth of at least three to four new units annually, employs more than 1,700 with 2010 revenue of nearly $60 million. Crawford and his wife Melissa currently reside in Largo, Florida.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  (Restaurant News Release)  BUBBA burger^®, the number one selling branded retail burger in America, has opened two more Original BUBBA burger Grill^® restaurants in Jacksonville as part of the expansion of the new restaurant chain. The announcement was made by Billy Morris, President and CEO.

BUBBA burger Grill^® is now open in the Point Meadows Shopping Center on the northwest corner of Baymeadows and 9A at 10915 Baymeadows Road. Another location is now open in the Normandy Village Shopping Center approximately 1/8 mile west of Cassat Ave. on Normandy Blvd. at 5149 Normandy Boulevard.

These new locations join the BUBBA burger Grill^® open on the southwest corner of Beach and Hodges Blvd.

Another BUBBA burger Grill^® location will open in the next several weeks in Fleming Island across from the Carmike Theaters and several other locations are in development in Jacksonville.

“There has been a tremendous amount of excitement and guest traffic associated with our first location at Beach and Hodges and we are excited about the opening of the two additional restaurants to serve our Jacksonville fans,” said Morris.

Original BUBBA burger Grill^® is a fast casual restaurant chain featuring a menu centered around all varieties of the premium BUBBA burger^® – or BUBBAs – including the Original, Sweet Onion, Jalapeno, Big BUBBA (1/2 lb.), Reduced Fat, BUBBA Minis, All Natural and Certified Angus Beef^® as well as the new All Natural Turkey BUBBA burger.

Guests of Original BUBBA burger Grill^® create their own unique BUBBA by selecting from a wide variety of options including their choice of BUBBA burger^® variety, buns, toppings and cheeses. Additional menu options include a mini BUBBA dawg platter and BUBBA sides such as fresh cut fries, fried pickles, fried green beans, sweet potato fries, BUBBA chips and BUBBA bacon dippers with Mallow Maple™.

“The reception from our guests has been fantastic and many are sharing their experience through photos and social media to friends and family across the country,” said Morris. “Our plan is to have a number of restaurants open in Jacksonville and then grow BUBBA burger Grill coast-to-coast.”

The Original BUBBA burger Grill^® will expand across the country with traditional restaurant locations as well as food courts, airport locations, college campuses and sporting venues.

In addition to the continued growth of corporate-owned locations, the Original BUBBA burger Grill^® is also focused on nationwide growth with select business partners.

For more information on BUBBA burger Grill^® visit www.bubbaburgergrill.com or at BUBBA burger Grill on Facebook^®.

About BUBBA burger^®

BUBBA burger^® is America’s #1 selling retail, frozen branded burger.  BUBBA burger^® is made from 100% Choice Chuck and our Turkey BUBBA burger is 100% Natural All White turkey. BUBBA burgers^® are designed to be cooked frozen.  Find them in your local grocer’s freezer nationwide!  Remember, Bubba says, “You’ll Never Bite A Burger Better Than A BUBBA!™” For more information on BUBBA burger^®, visit the website at www.bubbafoods.com or check out The Official BUBBA burger Fan Page on Facebook^®.

BOSTON  (Restaurant News Release)  In the largest franchise deal in its 68-year history, Uno’s announces plans for the opening of 30 locations of Uno Due Go, its fast-casual concept, throughout Texas by FGR Food Corporation. The units will be built in multiple trade channels including suburban locations, airports, hospitals and stadiums. This expansion represents substantial growth for Uno’s as the first major franchise deal of the highly successful, three-year-old, fast-casual concept.

Founded 14 years ago, Dallas-based FGR owns and operates multiple franchise concepts in Dallas, Texas. FGR opened the first two franchise Uno Due Go restaurants in December of 2008 in the Dallas Fort-Worth airport and has seen tremendous success from both locations. Since then, another major franchisee, the Compass Group, opened two college locations at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and Cleveland State University.

“We took a chance on Uno Due Go because we had faith in the concept and in the intelligent strategic business partner we had in Uno’s,” says Rob Goldblatt, COO of FGR. “This time around, it’s a proven concept for us. It is a strong return on investment – we have seen three years of double-digit growth and excellent operating results since the day we opened. We are thrilled to be introducing more of Texas to the great tastes and hospitality of Uno Due Go.”

Uno Due Go is a truly unique experience with a focus on organic, natural and locally-sourced ingredients, and a style that appeals to both the busy customer who is looking for fresh, high quality food to take out and the lingering guest who is looking for a place to settle in, get comfortable and enjoy great food in a relaxing atmosphere. Both made-to-order and ready-to-go menu items are beautifully presented in a fusion retail display.

While it serves the intensely flavorful deep dish, thin crust and gluten-free pizza Uno’s is famous for, it is a brand unto itself with most of the menu items unique to Uno Due Go. Some of the more distinctive menu items include a prosciutto, fig and Vermont cheddar sourdough bread panini, the Tum Yum chopped vegetable salad, a vegetarian black bean burger wrap and what the Uno’s team has dubbed the world’s best grilled cheese sandwich. A handful of the menu items are interesting twists on Uno’s favorites with a flavor all their own, such as the multi-grain harvest pizza and the seasonal apple, bacon and Vermont Cabot ® cheddar pizza.

Because of Uno’s intense focus on nutrition and caring for guests with food allergies, a comprehensive guide to all menu items and ingredients will be available on an electronic kiosk in each location.

“Uno Due Go is a special cafe with its own style and flavor, not just a trimmed down version of Uno’s,” says Frank Guidara, president and CEO of Uno’s and creator of the Uno Due Go concept. “FGR saw the uniqueness of the concept from the very beginning and because the concept has now proven to be profitable for them, they are looking to quickly grow the brand across the great state of Texas. We are thrilled to make Uno’s history with FGR, who is already an exceptional partner and whose franchise pedigree is outstanding.”

FGR is already identifying locations and will be building within the year. Uno’s is talking to additional franchisees and expects this to be the first in a series of Uno Due Go franchise announcements. The FGR deal is just a piece of Uno’s overall growth story. Uno’s has new full-service restaurants opening both domestically and internationally, and is gaining momentum in its quick service concept, Uno Express, and its consumer packaged foods line, Uno Foods.

ABOUT UNO’S

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes the fast casual concept Uno Due Go and over 150 company-owned and franchised Uno’s restaurants located in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. Based in Boston, UNO’s mission is to deliver intensely flavorful, delicious and nutritious food in an environment of heartfelt hospitality, and was named America’s Healthiest Chain Restaurant by Health magazine. The Company also operates a quick service concept called Uno Express and a consumer packaged foods business which supplies airlines, movie theatres, hotels, airports, travel plazas, schools and supermarkets with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and Uno branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com.

ABOUT FGR

Founded in 1996, FGR Food Corporation is a successful builder and operator of multiple restaurant concepts which are predominantly in the fast casual segment of the restaurant industry. In 2008, FGR joined Uno’s to create and launch the new concept, Uno Due Go, resulting in two successful restaurants at DFW International Airport. FGR plans to build on this success for future development. FGR Food is also a successful operator of Au Bon Pain Cafe Bakeries, currently operating seven locations at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and three locations in office buildings and hospitals in Dallas, Texas. In addition to Au Bon Pain, FGR operates a full service restaurant, Reata Grill, in the DFW Airport as a licensee of the iconic Reata Restaurant of Fort Worth, specializing in Southwestern cuisine. FGR regularly receives industry rewards and recognition for its operating and creative results.

SAN FRANCISCO  (Restaurant News Release)  As restaurants around the country gear up for the bounty of fall and a busy dining season, OpenTable, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPEN; www.opentable.com), a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants, is pleased to announce the Diners’ Choice Awards for the top 50 restaurants that are “fit for foodies.”  The list of winners is derived from more than 10 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The San Francisco Bay Area, home to scores of innovative chefs, such as Daniel Patterson (Coi), Melissa Perello (Frances) and Thomas Keller (The French Laundry), made a strong showing, earning 14 places on the list. Chicago chefs Stefanie Izard and Graham Elliot helped the Windy City grab six awards, for second place. Meanwhile, New York City trailed with five wins, including Amanda Cohen’s Dirt Candy. Seattle and the greater Boston area each boast five recipients, including a win for Boston’s Barbara Lynch. Farther west, the Twin Cities scored a hat trick with three standout spots on the list: Hauteland, Heartland Restaurant and Piccolo. Arizona, Colorado, Philadelphia, Oregon and South Carolina, among others, are also represented.

“With great reviews from scores of foodies comes great responsibility, and these restaurants embrace that responsibility in powerful and creative ways,” says Caroline Potter, OpenTable’s Chief Dining Officer.   “These restaurants have been singled out for being able to satisfy the folks for whom dining is practically sport — those avid, passionate eaters, often armed with cameras who take careful notes and relish every bite. While the restaurants on this list specialize in different cuisines and styles of cooking, each winner is pushing a boundary, maintaining an ethic, and practicing perfection with each dish.”

Based on feedback collected from OpenTable diners between September 2010 and August 2011, the following 50 restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, received the highest scores for late night dining from OpenTable diners. For more information about this list, please visit http://www.opentable.com/foodies.

Abattoir – Atlanta, Georgia
Ad Hoc – Yountville, California
Aldea – New York, New York
Annisa – New York, New York
Bergamot – Somerville, Massachusetts
Bibou – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Blackbird – Chicago, Illinois
Blue Hill – New York, New York
Bonsoiree – Chicago, Illinois
Camino – Oakland, California
Canteen – San Francisco, California
Cascina Spinasse – Seattle, Washington
Coi – San Francisco, California
Commis – Oakland, California
Commonwealth – San Francisco, California
Craigie on Main – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Dirt Candy – New York, New York
FIG – Charleston, South Carolina
Fond – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Forage – Salt Lake City, Utah
Frances – San Francisco, California
Frasca Food and Wine – Boulder, Colorado
The French Laundry – Napa, California
Gather – Berkeley, California
Girl & The Goat – Chicago, Illinois
Graham Elliot – Chicago, Illinois
Hatfields – Los Angeles, California
Haute Dish – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hungry Mother – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Local 127 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Menton – Boston, Massachusetts
Mistral Kitchen – Seattle, Washington
noca – Phoenix, Arizona
o ya – Boston, Massachusetts
Osteria Mozza – Los Angeles, California
Park Kitchen – Portland, Oregon
Piccolo – Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Publican – Chicago, Illinois
Range – San Francisco, California
Saffron Restaurant & Lounge – San Francisco, California
Saison – San Francisco, California
Sprout – Chicago, Illinois
Spur Gastropub – Seattle, Washington
Staple & Fancy Mercantile – Seattle, Washington
The Tasting Kitchen – Venice, California
Tilth – Seattle, Washington
Ubuntu – Napa, California
wd-50 – New York, New York
Wexler’s – San Francisco, California

Diners can also find additional information on the Diners’ Choice Awards for the Top Foodie Restaurants in the U.S. by visiting the OpenTable “Dining Check” blog at http://blog.opentable.com.

About OpenTable Reviews
Originally launched in November 2008, the OpenTable Reviews program (http://reviews.opentable.com) helps diners find restaurants that best fit their dining occasions.  Diners who recently honored an OpenTable reservation are invited via email to submit restaurant feedback using an online form. Visitors to OpenTable.com can access reviews for thousands of OpenTable restaurant partners across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  The OpenTable Reviews program has generated more than 10 million reviews by verified diners, establishing OpenTable.com as one of the largest and most trusted sources for restaurant reviews.  

About OpenTable, Inc. 

OpenTable is a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants. The OpenTable network delivers the convenience of online restaurant reservations to diners and the operational benefits of a computerized reservation book to restaurants. OpenTable has more than 20,000 restaurant customers, and, since its inception in 1998, has seated more than 200 million diners around the world.  The Company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and the OpenTable service is available throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. OpenTable also owns and operates toptable.com, a leading restaurant reservation site in the United Kingdom.      

OpenTable, OpenTable.com, OpenTable logos, toptable and other service names are the trademarks of OpenTable, Inc. and/or its affiliates

SAN RAMON, Calif.  (Restaurant News Release)  Straw Hat Pizza, the original California Pizza since 1959, announced it has added chicken wings to the menu for the kick-off of football season.  The bold and flavorful wings in five flavors are Oven Roasted, Hot, BBQ, Teriyaki and Sweet Chili, for guests to create and customize flavors and served with a creamy ranch dressing.

To kick-off the football season, Straw Hat Pizza’s new chicken wings are also being offered with beer specials and wings for 50 cents Monday – Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at all participating locations through November 31st, 2011.

“Our sweet chili wings are my favorite, the sweetness comes from honey, and the kick comes from a hot, spicy barbecue sauce your taste buds will love,” said Jonathan Fornaci, president.

Straw Hat Pizza has been making waves and fresh genuine California pizza since 1959.  Using California vine-ripened tomatoes and local produce, hand-shredded cheeses and dough fresh rolled daily, their pizza is fresh and delicious.  With a menu of Gourmet Masters Pizzas, Hot Hat™ Stuffed Sandwiches, and a forty-plus item garden fresh salad bar, guests have been enjoying the food as well as the family-friendly atmosphere for more than five decades.  Today, fifty-plus years later, Straw Hat Pizza is still making waves and Genuine California Pizza with the freshest ingredients. It’s not a trend; it’s a history as genuine as their California pizza.

The fifty three year old company currently operates 86 locations and is growing with new locations opening in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, Montana, Texas and Virginia. Growth plans are to reach 150 locations within two years. For more information please visit: www.strawhatpizza.com  and please follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

TAMPA, Fla.  (Restaurant News Release)  Owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. announced today the national franchise launch of Burger 21®, a new fast casual concept featuring 21 chef-inspired burger creations, hand-dipped signature shakes and more.  Burger 21 opened its first corporate-owned restaurant in Tampa, Fla., in November 2010 with a second slated to open this fall.  Now, its founders will take the “beyond the better burger” concept national and offer franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates.

Chief Concept Officer Mark Johnston, his wife, Concept Development Director Arlene Johnston, and his brothers, Chief Executive Officer Bob Johnston and Vice President Mike Johnston, founded Burger 21 in November 2009.  Leveraging more than 25 years of franchising experience, the Johnston family recognized an opportunity to introduce a higher quality product in a rapidly growing foodservice category.

“We saw an opportunity to fill a void in the burger business, which has plenty of quick-service burger joints, a number of traditional, better burger establishments and even upscale, full-service burger restaurants,” said Mark Johnston, chief concept officer of Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21.  ”The Burger 21 concept defines its own category – beyond the better burger – and offers quality, premium ingredients, innovative recipes and a gourmet experience without the gourmet price.”

Burger 21′s menu and recipes are chef-inspired with many of the craft burgers, shakes, fries and dipping sauces originally created under the guidance of a classically trained chef.  Guests can select from 11 hand-crafted beef burgers made from fresh ground chuck or one of the 10 beef-alternative burgers made with sushi-grade Ahi Tuna, shrimp, turkey, chicken, vegetables or black beans.

“Since opening the doors to our first restaurant less than a year ago, Burger 21 has received rave reviews in Tampa and has experienced impressive sales that are exceeding the company’s expectations and other select better burger concepts,” said Bob Johnston, CEO of Front Burner Brands.  ”We have fine-tuned the concept and leveraged our collective franchising experience to create an innovative restaurant that is positioned for enormous growth.”

To expand its footprint, Burger 21 has embarked on an aggressive growth strategy that includes initial development efforts focusing on Florida and extending into select markets along the East Coast.  Over time, Burger 21 will broaden its expansion efforts into markets in the Midwest and along the West Coast.

To fuel Burger 21′s growth, the company is seeking single and multi-unit operators with foodservice and/or restaurant experience.  Franchisee candidates should have a passion for and commitment to exceptional customer service, as well as possess the resources and ability to open their first unit within 12 months and each additional unit at a maximum of 12-month intervals.  They also should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000.

Burger 21 has a contemporary-style diner atmosphere with nostalgic elements.  The shake bar is in the center of the restaurant surrounded by plenty of seating inside and outside.  And, a sauce bar features a large variety of dipping sauces that offer unique flavors to accompany the regular and sweet potato fries.  The concept is designed to operate within 2,400 to 3,000 square feet.

Burger 21 will be developed through single-unit agreements and Area Development Agreements that require a minimum of three to five units in primary and secondary markets.  Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total cost of investment for one restaurant to be approximately $513,495 – $733,995.  The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, a 20 percent discount is applied to all franchises sold by June 21, 2012.  Reduced franchise fees also apply for Area Development Agreements of four or more units.

This month, Front Burner Brands was officially launched as the restaurant management company for Burger 21, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. and GrillSmith restaurants.  Headquartered in Tampa, Front Burner Brands will serve as the umbrella organization for the three concepts and other concepts in development while creating efficiencies with operations, purchasing and distribution, marketing, communications, training and other support functions.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21, contact Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands at 813-425-6208 and dstone@burger21.com, or www.burger21franchise.com.

About Burger 21

Burger 21, a fast casual dining restaurant founded in 2010, is a chef-inspired concept with offerings including 21 unique burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground beef to chicken, turkey, shrimp and tuna burgers, made-to-order salads, Hebrew National hot dogs and an extensive shake bar including hand-dipped floats, malts, shakes and sundaes.  Burger 21 is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit www.burger21franchise.com.

About Front Burner Brands

Front Burner Brands (formerly known as TGS Management) is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla.  It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, founded in 1975 with more than 140 location in North America and more than 15 locations currently in development, GrillSmith with six locations in the Tampa Bay area, Burger 21 with one location open in Tampa and one location currently in development and other new franchise concepts in development. For more information, visit www.frontburnerbrands.com.

VANCOUVER, Wash.  (Restaurant News Release)  The revolutionary Papa Murphy’s Pizza has landed on top of yet another best-in-class survey. According to Zagat’s 2011 National Chain Restaurants Survey, based on 6,064 respondents, Papa Murphy’s is the highest-scoring large(1) pizza chain for the second year in a row. Outside of the pizza segment, Papa Murphy’s received the third highest marks among all large fast food chains for Service, Food, and Overall, behind Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger.

“Our first customers 30 years ago continue to be some of our biggest fans today because we offer a meal solution unlike any other brand,” said John Barr, Chairman and CEO at Papa Murphy’s. “High food quality, variety, service, and value have kept them coming back year-after-year. We’re thrilled to see the love for our brand shine through surveys like Zagat’s.”

Zagat’s survey covered 103 major fast food chains. Full survey results for the quick-service restaurant category are available at www.zagat.com/fastfood.

About Papa Murphy’s

Papa Murphy’s is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and a revolutionary of the take ‘n’ bake pizza segment. Papa Murphy’s operates over 1,250 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 37 states and Canada. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made pizzas featuring high-quality, fresh toppings generously layered on pizza dough that is made fresh each morning in each store.  By baking Papa Murphy’s pizzas at home, customers get to experience the home-baked aroma of a convenient, delicious meal that the brand is known for. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers other take ‘n’ bake items such as Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy’s was voted “#1 Rated Pizza Chain” by participants in Zagat Survey’s 2010 Fast Food Survey and is a four-time recipient of Pizza Today’s Chain of the Year award. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/papamurphyspizza.

About Zagat Survey, LLC

Known as the “wildly popular” “burgundy bible”, Zagat Survey is the world’s most trusted source for consumer generated survey information. With a worldwide network of surveyors, Zagat rates and reviews restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, shopping and a range of other entertainment categories and is lauded as the “most up-to-date”, “comprehensive” and “reliable” guide, published on all platforms. Zagat content is available to consumers wherever and whenever they need it: on ZAGAT.com, ZAGAT for mobile and in book form.

(1) Establishments with less than 5,000 U.S. locations

CANTON, Mass.  (Restaurant News Release)  Breakfast for dessert? Baskin-Robbins’ September Flavor of the Month provides ice cream enthusiasts a fun twist on Sunday brunch.  The world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops today introduced French Toast ice cream, a flavor featuring scrumptious French Toast-flavored ice cream combined with gooey maple bread pudding.  So toss out the fork and knife and grab a spoon –an iconic Baskin-Robbins pink spoon – to enjoy this French Toast inspired flavor.

French Toast began dazzling the taste buds of King Henry V in the 15th Century when bread that might have otherwise been thrown away was used to create a sweet treat for the King.  Now a global breakfast favorite, French Toast is enjoyed by all ages and can be made with a variety of breads and topped with butter, gooey syrups, and fruit.  Typically, it is served for breakfast or enjoyed as a favorite weekend brunch option.

“With Baskin-Robbins new breakfast-inspired French Toast ice cream, we created a flavor that delivers the best of both worlds, breakfast and dessert,” said Brian O’Mara, Baskin-Robbins Vice President of Marketing.  ”While this sweet flavor is reminiscent of an Autumn Sunday brunch, ice cream fans can enjoy this delicious flavor every day of the week –on top of homemade waffles, pancakes or even on traditional French Toast.”

Baskin-Robbins is offering French Toast ice cream nationwide, for a limited time only, and is available by the scoop – in a cup or cone – or as a Baskin-Robbins classic sundae. The flavor is also available in hand-packed pints, quarts and half-gallons so ice cream lovers can bring French Toast home to enjoy with family and friends or create their own specialty ice cream desserts.*

“Baskin-Robbins is known for its flavor heritage and continues to deliver ice cream that combines unique and complementary flavors that make a lasting impression on our loyal ice cream fans,” adds O’Mara.  ”We encourage customers with adventuresome palettes to experiment with innovative flavors that are inspiring today’s ice cream trends.  At Baskin-Robbins, experience a double breakfast treat of French Toast and waffles by ordering a scoop of French Toast ice cream in a homemade waffle cone.”

*In California, Baskin-Robbins offers hand-packed ice cream in three sizes: small (12 oz), regular (1 lb., 8 oz), and large (3 lb.).

About Baskin-Robbins

Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine’s 31st annual Franchise 500® ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops.  Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 6,000 retail shops in 33 countries.  Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats.  Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. family of companies.  For further information, visit www.baskinrobbins.com.

WASHINGTON  (Restaurant News Release)  Cafe Rio Mexican Grill has officially reached the East Coast and with the two recent openings in Manassas, VA and Olney, MD comes increased community involvement. During the week of September 5th – 11th, Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is honoring all military personnel and veterans of surrounding communities by recognizing their amazing service and sacrifices. Any active-duty military or veteran that visits either of the new restaurants will receive a FREE MEAL! In addition, a donation jar will be next to each cash register, allowing customers to donate to the Hope for the Warriors foundation, a non-profit organization focusing on wounded warriors.

“Giving back to the men and women who bravely serve our country is the least we can do,” states Dave Gagnon, CEO of Cafe Rio Mexican Grill and former U.S. Marine. “No one will ever be able to truly pay them back for their bravery. All we want to do is say, from the very bottom of our hearts, ‘thank you.’”

The company, new to the East Coast as of 2011, has restaurants located in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, California, Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, and Virginia. With each East Coast opening comes a donation to Hope for the Warriors. In addition, Cafe Rio Mexican Grill continues to help this foundation by donating 25 cents of every “Enchilada Style” ordered on a burrito to Hope for the Warriors. To date, Cafe Rio Mexican Grill has contributed over $15,000 toward getting wounded warriors the help they need.

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill was recently voted the number-one Quick Service Restaurant in the nation for 2010 through Sandelman and Associates’ prestigious Quick-Track Award of Excellence, edging out strong companies such as In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A and Pei Wei. The Quick-Track Award is an honor limited to the very best restaurant performers in the nation and is based solely on customer reviews and dining experience: taste of food, overall service, speed of service and value.

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, Inc.

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, was recently voted the number-one Quick Service Restaurant in the nation for 2010 through the prestigious Sandelman and Associates’ Quick-Track Award, edging out strong companies such as In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A and Pei Wei. Specializing in fresh Mexican cuisine, the company currently operates over 40 restaurants in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, California, Colorado, Arizona, Virginia and Maryland. Cafe Rio’s primary business is serving its customers the highest-quality meals with the freshest ingredients both through the restaurant locations and catering business. Cafe Rio Mexican Grill’s web address is http://www.caferio.com.