Category: In the News
Casual Restaurants Tapping Into Open Kitchen Trend
Consumers today are not only more concered with food safety and transparency, they’re also used to watching celebrity chefs prepare meals on TV. That’s why the open kitchen trend is spreading to fast-casual restaurants such as Chipolte and TGI Friday’s.
Still Time Left to Enter the 2013 Beverage Excellence Awards!
We’ve extended the deadline for entries to August 31. Be sure to enter your chain operation for one or more of our award categories. See official rules and entry form at www.cheersconference.com/bevex to enter today!
Pernod Ricard Announces Passing of Patrick Ricard
The son of the company’s founder passed away on Friday. He was born in 1945. Details regarding his funeral and an upcoming tribute to him will be forthcoming from the company.
Heineken Increases Cider Stake
The hard cider comeback in America is making headway, as Heineken announces that it’s buying the U.S rights to the Strongbow cider brand.
Beer Production Increases Worldwide
New report says this is the 27th year in a row beer production has increased – China is the world’s leading beer producer, accounting for nearly 25 percent.
Red Wine: To Chill or Not to Chill?
The wine list at seasonal hotel and restaurant in Montauk, N.Y., includes a special section for its chilled red wine. But while the idea of cooling red wine has gained some traction in recent years, some experts remain opposed to the practice.
Craft Beer Boom Continues
If the first half is any indication, 2012 is shaping up to be a good year for America’s small and independent craft brewers. Numbers released by trade group The Brewers Association show that dollar sales were up 14% in the first half of this year.
Drought’s Affect on U.S. Wine: Higher Quality, Lower Quantity
The wine harvest from the drought-hit areas of the U.S. is expected to be smaller and earlier this year. But winemakers say that the high heat and lack of rain should result in higher-quality production.
Select Applebee’s Targeting Late-Night Drinking Crowd
Certain Applebee’s locations, primarily in Florida, have become known as Club Applebee’s. The reason? These locations are attracting late-night drinking customers with offers such as half-price appetizers, drink specials and karaoke.
Outback Parent Goes Public
Bloomin’ Brands, which operates several restaurant chains including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill, made its debut on the stock market Aug. 8. The Tampa, Fla.-based company’s shares rose 12.8% to $1.41 to close at $12.42 on the stock’s first trading day on the Nasdaq.