Three McDonalds outlets in south-east Melbourne have been targeted by armed robbers this week, leaving employees concerned for their safety and some stores closing earlier than usual. McDonalds in the suburbs of Keysborough, Lynbrook were attacked by two men wielding a machete and an axe on Monday night, and then the Cranbourne outlet was hit by the same men, with a third accomplice, on Wednesday night. In all three cases, the men escaped only with relatively small amounts of cash from the till,... ...Read more »

A Chapel Street favourite of long-standing, in the five years since it was first launched, Hoo haa has cemented a well-deserved reputation as one of Melbourne’s hippest bars and lounges.More recently Hoo haa’s restaurant has also emerged as a destination for seriously good food in the competent hands of new Head Chef Jess Barnes. Jess spent his formative years working alongside Guy Grossi at Grossi Florentino and honing his experience overseas, before returning to Melbourne recently to... ...Read more »

As the US begins to emerge from recession, restaurants are seeing lapsed customers return. Same-store sales are inching up, signaling the industry’s initial rebound to health; hiring is also up, signaling positive expectations for 2011. But this isn’t the same restaurant industry as before. Big changes are on the way-on menus, in concept development and in the competitive landscape.Technomic, the leading foodservice research and consulting firm, examines the future for restaurants through... ...Read more »

The NSW Food Authority’s Scores on Doors initiative, an Australian first in delivering a standardised, state-wide system to rate the food safety and hygiene standards of foodservice businesses, is being developed in close consultation with industry and local government, NSW Food Authority CEO Alan Coutts said today. “The purpose of the Scores on Doors initiative is to benefit the consumer and drive up standards in the food industry,” Coutts said. “This is about improving transparency... ...Read more »

Book 8 times, Eat On The HouseFrom the people who brought Australia’s dining lovers Dimmi instant online reservations comes Dimmi Rewards for those who like to have their cake and eat it! Dimmi has been embraced by over 1,500 restaurants and cafes around Australia from our local diners to the hottest dining establishments who regularly grace the pages of glossy food and lifestyle magazines, not to mention our most watched TV programs. Simply make eight (8) bookings online with Dimmi and diners... ...Read more »

Fair Work inspectors will this week conduct face-to-face visits to about 80 fast food outlets located in various Brisbane food courts, as well as food businesses on the Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Cairns, Toowoomba and Townsville. Fair Work said that inspectors will call on a number of take-away shops which have previously been the subject of complaints, while others will be selected at random. Businesses will be asked to supply employment records to ensure staff are being paid correctly and employers... ...Read more »

StreetSmart Australia and its restaurant partners are calling for Australians to ‘Dine Out to Help Out’ once again this Christmas. In its eighth year, the campaign’s winning formula makes it easy for anyone to get involved and raise vital money for grassroots charities supporting homelessness. To be held from 8th November to 24 December, ‘Dine Out to Help Out” is run through restaurants by asking people to add a small donation to their bill. The money collected is then donated... ...Read more »

Despite the success of NSW’s Scores on Doors launch, and similar initiatives throughout Australia, the idea has not found favour in South Australia. A call by independent MP for Fisher, Dr Bob Such, to create a policy putting restaurant hygiene scores on the front door has been rejected by Restaurant and Catering SA as possibly adversely affecting businesses which commit minor infractions. “I think it’s crazy talk quite frankly and I’ll write to [Health] Minister [John] Hill... ...Read more »

The burgers at Grill’d in Chermside are not only being made with love but also pride, as franchise owners and husband and wife team Elton and Cindy Berrange celebrate their prestigious win as Queensland’s Franchisee of the Year (2 or more staff) in the FCA 2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards.Grill’d Chermside is now in the running for the national award to be presented at the gala dinner on Tuesday 12 October held as a finale to the 2010 National Franchise Convention. Elton and... ...Read more »

Top chefs and industry insiders will reveal the secrets of three-hat restaurants at Australia’s pre-eminent food industry event, Restaurant*, on 25-26 October 2010 at Sydney’s Royal Hall of Industries. Now in its fourth year, Restaurant* 2010 champions increased professionalism amongst the top restaurants in the country. “Restaurant* firmly focuses on the country’s top restaurants, fine dining and premier food experiences. This year’s event will see hatted chefs from... ...Read more »