Australian pizza franchise Eagle Boys has recognised the need to develop a new store model in order to thrive in small towns.Called the “Local Store Model”, the new range of franchised stores will be established in towns with a population of between 2,500 and 5,000 residents. The stores will have a smaller store footprint, and open for fewer hours (4.30pm to 9pm daily) with an optional delivery service but will still offer the same menu. The new model is part of the company’s robust... ...Read more »

Australian owned and operated Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (”Domino’s”) announced at their AGM yesterday that positive same store sales growth had been recorded during the first four months of trading for 2008/09 in all markets, as their global expansion continues in earnest. Domino’s Chief Executive Officer Don Meij said markets were currently performing well given the current global economic climate. “With four months of trading already completed, group sales... ...Read more »

The Counter, a rapidly expanding American burger chain that enables consumers to build their own burgers, is coming to Sydney in December. At the innovative restaurant consumers are given a clipboard upon entry and asked to choose the ingredients they desire on their burger from an extensive list. The selection process begins with the decision of the type of burger - Angus beef, grilled chicken, turkey or veggie. Then one of ten cheeses, four out of a range of 28 toppings and one of 18 sauces can... ...Read more »

Restaurants may be moving beyond big steaks and even bigger spenders. As financial woes grip the US and consumers tighten their purse strings Mintel Menu Insights reports that more restaurants are promoting “value” on the menu. Through Mintel’s newly enhanced Menu Insights* database, director and registered dietitian Maria Caranfa sees more restaurants from fast food to fine dining promoting quality menu items for lower prices. She thinks it’s a wise move: “Foodservice... ...Read more »

McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food restaurant franchise, is to banish its current packaging in a bid to improve consumer ties to the brand, with an increased focus to be placed on the product instead of the iconic ‘I’m lovin’ it’ slogan. Speaking to reporters in America overnight, the Global Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s, Mary Dillon, noted that the change was the “biggest packaging initiative in the history of the brand”. Each... ...Read more »

McDonald’s, the world’s largest hamburger chain, has announced a global sales increase of 7.1% for the third quarter despite the recent economic turmoil. The strong results have led some, including Chief Executive Jim Skinner, to label the fast-food giant as ‘recession-resistant’. With such strong results it is hard to dispute the claim, although one suspects that any further weakening in the global economic climate would have begin to have some impact. For starters, it is... ...Read more »

A new survey from market intelligence firm Mintel suggests adolescent’s food perceptions and actual eating habits may not be as dire as many believe. Asking why they eat what they eat, Mintel found that two in five (42%) American kids and teens reach for foods that give them more energy. Over a third (35%) purposefully eat foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Approximately a quarter try to eat foods that are low in fat and 22% look for low-in-sugar foods. “The battle is half... ...Read more »

Burger King Corp., America’s second largest burger chain, has announced plans to introduce the world’s first Whopper Bar at Universal City Walk in Orlando, in the Spring of 2009. The new concept is a condensed and more contemporary version of the typical Burger King restaurant and was initially announced in March 2008. The ‘bars’ will be increasingly rolled out over the next 6-12 months as the company looks to find a way to get into areas where a normal Burger King outlet... ...Read more »

There’s a battle emerging around the American dinner table as new solutions for prepared meals arise. Addicted to restaurant-quality fare, consumers are seeking meals that also meet their demands for convenience, flavour and variety, according to Prepared Meal Solutions Culinary Trend Mapping Report from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and Packaged Facts. Chef-Inspired Meals Following in the footsteps of successful American chain restaurant Curbside Pickup, offering signature dishes... ...Read more »

McDonald’s Australia last night reported that Catriona Noble had been promoted to the position of Managing Director, making her the likely candidate for the Chief Executive role when it next becomes available. Ms Noble first began working with the fast food chain over two decades ago when she was just 14 and has worked in a number of positions including her current role as Chief Operating Officer. Current Chief Executive, Peter Bush, suggested the move was “a part of our succession planning”. Ms... ...Read more »