Restaurant News
Lawsuit filed in Taser prank; Waffle House waiter says cop zapped him.; Gwinnett officer was charged, while two sergeants resigned.
A Waffle House employee is suing the Gwinnett County Police Department over what he says was an unprovoked encounter with an officer who stunned him with a Taser. The department's internal investigation records reveal that the officer used the weapon like a toy with tacit approval from two superiors. Daniel Wilson, the 22-year-old waiter, spoke publicly about the encounter at his attorney's office in Snellville.
A Waffle House employee is suing the Gwinnett County Police Department over what he says was an unprovoked encounter with an officer who stunned him with a Taser. The department's internal investigation records reveal that the officer used the weapon like a toy with tacit approval from two superiors. Daniel Wilson, the 22-year-old waiter, spoke publicly about the encounter at his attorney's office in Snellville.
Last Lums Closed in Davie, Fla. Once There were 500 Nationwide
The Lums restaurant in Davie, the last of a franchise of 500 restaurants nationwide, has closed. Once a South Florida fixture, Lums was founded by the Perlman family, who opened their first Lums in Miami Beach in 1956. The chain was so successful, and popular with college crowds in the 1960s and 1970s, that the corporation went public, listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The company later bought Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The Lums restaurant in Davie, the last of a franchise of 500 restaurants nationwide, has closed. Once a South Florida fixture, Lums was founded by the Perlman family, who opened their first Lums in Miami Beach in 1956. The chain was so successful, and popular with college crowds in the 1960s and 1970s, that the corporation went public, listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The company later bought Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The Rum House Caribbean Taqueria May have a Recipe for Success
By conventional measures, the business proposal Michael Buchert and Kelly Ponder sent to David Adjey was covered in red flags. The lifelong friends wanted to open a restaurant in New Orleans. Buchert would be the chef despite the fact that he had never been one before. Ponder had no restaurant experience whatsoever. What Buchert and Ponder did have was a space -- albeit one without a kitchen or liquor license -- and an idea Buchert had harbored for years "to have a taqueria that played Bob Marley music."
By conventional measures, the business proposal Michael Buchert and Kelly Ponder sent to David Adjey was covered in red flags. The lifelong friends wanted to open a restaurant in New Orleans. Buchert would be the chef despite the fact that he had never been one before. Ponder had no restaurant experience whatsoever. What Buchert and Ponder did have was a space -- albeit one without a kitchen or liquor license -- and an idea Buchert had harbored for years "to have a taqueria that played Bob Marley music."
Unemployment reaches 9.5 percent
Even as economists and pundits talk wistfully about the barest hints of recovery, the nation's payrolls continued to disgorge workers: 467,000 of them in June. The unemployment rate continued its steady upward creep to 9.5 percent, a 26-year high. Included in yesterday's statistics from the U.S. Labor Department was Stacy Fleming, a senior staffing consultant at Rohm & Haas Co., of Philadelphia. He lost his job Tuesday.
Even as economists and pundits talk wistfully about the barest hints of recovery, the nation's payrolls continued to disgorge workers: 467,000 of them in June. The unemployment rate continued its steady upward creep to 9.5 percent, a 26-year high. Included in yesterday's statistics from the U.S. Labor Department was Stacy Fleming, a senior staffing consultant at Rohm & Haas Co., of Philadelphia. He lost his job Tuesday.
Restaurants Have Reservations about 4th
"I think this weekend is for being outside with family and friends, cooking on the grill," says chef Michael McDonald. "It's hard to compete with that."
"I think this weekend is for being outside with family and friends, cooking on the grill," says chef Michael McDonald. "It's hard to compete with that."
Baby burgers: Little Sliders Bursting with Meaty Flavor
If watching fireworks from a spot so close the boom reverberates in your chest is the ultimate Independence Day moment, a backyard cookout is the holiday's penultimate experience. You're on your own in the fireworks department, but for a cookout menu that's both affordable and abundant, we suggest a burger-and-toppings bar. Start with the patties, then steer guests toward a buffet table where they can create their own combos from an array of choices. Think pesto, bruschetta, fruit salsa, jalapeno mayo, corn relish, olive tapenade, pickled cucumbers, spicy horseradish, coleslaw, grilled eggplant slices, along with some of the more familiar toppings: raw, grilled or caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, Boston Bibb or romaine lettuce, fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, dark, light or Dijon mustards.
If watching fireworks from a spot so close the boom reverberates in your chest is the ultimate Independence Day moment, a backyard cookout is the holiday's penultimate experience. You're on your own in the fireworks department, but for a cookout menu that's both affordable and abundant, we suggest a burger-and-toppings bar. Start with the patties, then steer guests toward a buffet table where they can create their own combos from an array of choices. Think pesto, bruschetta, fruit salsa, jalapeno mayo, corn relish, olive tapenade, pickled cucumbers, spicy horseradish, coleslaw, grilled eggplant slices, along with some of the more familiar toppings: raw, grilled or caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, Boston Bibb or romaine lettuce, fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, dark, light or Dijon mustards.
McDonald's Angus burger Adds Beef to Menu
When McDonald's adds a new burger to its permanent menu, our nation perks its nose because it doesn't happen often. So to call its "Angus Third Pounders" -- introduced nationwide Thursday -- the "Chinese Democracy" of cheeseburgers may verge on hyperbole, but it has been eight years since we've seen a new beef burger beneath the Golden Arches (the last being the Big N' Tasty in 2001).
When McDonald's adds a new burger to its permanent menu, our nation perks its nose because it doesn't happen often. So to call its "Angus Third Pounders" -- introduced nationwide Thursday -- the "Chinese Democracy" of cheeseburgers may verge on hyperbole, but it has been eight years since we've seen a new beef burger beneath the Golden Arches (the last being the Big N' Tasty in 2001).
Waffle House Feeds a Former Marathon Winner
Gayle Barron won the first AJC Peachtree Road Race 40 years ago, won it four more times and won the Boston Marathon. She is a member of the Georgia and Atlanta sports halls of fame, a paragon of fitness. So who better than Barron to tout the potential health benefits of a breakfast at --- wait for it --- Waffle House? "I'm trying to say that, 'Look, if you are on a diet and you want to eat healthy, there are healthy things you can eat at Waffle House,' " Barron said, "because nobody thinks there is."
Gayle Barron won the first AJC Peachtree Road Race 40 years ago, won it four more times and won the Boston Marathon. She is a member of the Georgia and Atlanta sports halls of fame, a paragon of fitness. So who better than Barron to tout the potential health benefits of a breakfast at --- wait for it --- Waffle House? "I'm trying to say that, 'Look, if you are on a diet and you want to eat healthy, there are healthy things you can eat at Waffle House,' " Barron said, "because nobody thinks there is."
Wine Still Flowing but From Cheaper Bottles
The recession hasn't stopped people from popping the cork off a bottle of shiraz or chardonnay. But many budget-conscious shoppers are picking out wine more carefully, just as they do for groceries or clothes.
The recession hasn't stopped people from popping the cork off a bottle of shiraz or chardonnay. But many budget-conscious shoppers are picking out wine more carefully, just as they do for groceries or clothes.
McCormick & Schmick's to Present at the Oppenheimer Consumer Conference
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSSR) today announced that the Company will be presenting at the Oppenheimer 9th Annual Consumer, Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Conference on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. The presentation will begin at 3:10 PM ET.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSSR) today announced that the Company will be presenting at the Oppenheimer 9th Annual Consumer, Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Conference on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. The presentation will begin at 3:10 PM ET.
Interview: Chewing the Fat with "Food, Inc." Flimmaker Robert Kenner
Every food recall - recently it was Swift Beef - pushes Food, Inc., Robert Kenner's documentary about the state of our food supply, into the news. "There's a tremendous interest in this subject," Kenner says. "Every time something we eat is recalled, interest goes up."
Every food recall - recently it was Swift Beef - pushes Food, Inc., Robert Kenner's documentary about the state of our food supply, into the news. "There's a tremendous interest in this subject," Kenner says. "Every time something we eat is recalled, interest goes up."
Los Angeles: Night Owls Flying Lower Says Zagat Nightlife Survey
Surveyors Are Going Out Less, Ordering Fewer Drinks and Watching Prices More Hotel Bel-AirWins for Top Appeal;Father's OfficeRanked Most Popular NEW YORK, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Zagat Survey today released the results of its ninth annualLos Angeles Nightlifesurvey. Given the troubled economy, it's not surprising that surveyors say they're going out less often than last year. What is shocking is that 54% of them say this, while only 13% report going out more. And when asked how the economy is affecting their nightlife habits, 33% of surveyors say that they are more attentive to drink prices when ordering and 32% are going to less expensive places. Based on the thoughts and opinions of over 1,750 locals, the new guide covers 253 bars, clubs, and lounges in the Los Angeles area. Ratings and reviews are also available on ZAGAT.com and via ZAGAT TO GO(TM) -- Zagat's mobile application for iPhone, BlackBerry and handhelds.
Surveyors Are Going Out Less, Ordering Fewer Drinks and Watching Prices More Hotel Bel-AirWins for Top Appeal;Father's OfficeRanked Most Popular NEW YORK, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Zagat Survey today released the results of its ninth annualLos Angeles Nightlifesurvey. Given the troubled economy, it's not surprising that surveyors say they're going out less often than last year. What is shocking is that 54% of them say this, while only 13% report going out more. And when asked how the economy is affecting their nightlife habits, 33% of surveyors say that they are more attentive to drink prices when ordering and 32% are going to less expensive places. Based on the thoughts and opinions of over 1,750 locals, the new guide covers 253 bars, clubs, and lounges in the Los Angeles area. Ratings and reviews are also available on ZAGAT.com and via ZAGAT TO GO(TM) -- Zagat's mobile application for iPhone, BlackBerry and handhelds.
McDonalds' Blunders: Custer Toy in Happy Meals
W hen my Native Sun News broke the story about the Custer figurine astride a motorcycle, packed into a McDonald's Happy Meal, most Native Americans -- particularly the Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho -- were not happy.
W hen my Native Sun News broke the story about the Custer figurine astride a motorcycle, packed into a McDonald's Happy Meal, most Native Americans -- particularly the Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho -- were not happy.
BJ's Red Flags: Low Handle, Soft Breakout
BJ's Restaurants may be setting a trap. It had been basing for eight weeks. In this time, the stock shaped a cup with a handle-like shape.
BJ's Restaurants may be setting a trap. It had been basing for eight weeks. In this time, the stock shaped a cup with a handle-like shape.
Pakistan: Juice Bars Deemed Immoral
They are considered risque dens of iniquity and have been bombed simply for providing a place where men and women can (gasp) talk to each other. Fruit juice bars may seem an unusual front line in Pakistan's war on Islamic militancy, but many of their owners feel deserving of combat pay these days for serving up cold smoothies. Although there haven't been any attacks for several months, fears linger and many people say they're aware that violence could come at any time. Attacks on fresh juice bars in Lahore late last year centered on the Garhi Shahu neighborhood, where bearded men crouched on low stools in front of small shops gossip, gulp down sweet tea and launch tobacco clouds skyward from communal hookahs.
They are considered risque dens of iniquity and have been bombed simply for providing a place where men and women can (gasp) talk to each other. Fruit juice bars may seem an unusual front line in Pakistan's war on Islamic militancy, but many of their owners feel deserving of combat pay these days for serving up cold smoothies. Although there haven't been any attacks for several months, fears linger and many people say they're aware that violence could come at any time. Attacks on fresh juice bars in Lahore late last year centered on the Garhi Shahu neighborhood, where bearded men crouched on low stools in front of small shops gossip, gulp down sweet tea and launch tobacco clouds skyward from communal hookahs.
Pucker Up: Tart Froyo, Now Sour Beer
A bartender pulls on the beer tap handle, and a rosy liquid streams into a waiting glass. Take a sniff and it smells like a barnyard. The bartender assures you that it tastes a lot better than it smells. So you take a sip. It's tart enough to make your lips pucker, but you can't wait to take another sip. This is Chez Monmee, a tart cherry ale from Alpine Beer Co. that's part of a new wave of refreshing American sour beers. Ten years ago, domestic sours were nearly nonexistent. Now a band of American brewers, including several in Southern California, is drawing on Belgian traditions to produce distinctly sour lambics, gueuzes, krieks and Flanders-style red ales. Though still relatively rare, they're showing up at some of L.A.'s better beer bars. Proprietors such as Verdugo Bar's Ryan Sweeney, the Golden State's Jason Bernstein and Blue Palms Brewhouse's Brian Lenzo are regularly stocking stateside sours. Restaurant owner Bernstein appreciates how sour beer "allows new flavors to emerge in food that wouldn't normally be enhanced by hops. The other charming thing is that sours tend to be relatively low in alcohol" and thus sip smooth for the summer.
A bartender pulls on the beer tap handle, and a rosy liquid streams into a waiting glass. Take a sniff and it smells like a barnyard. The bartender assures you that it tastes a lot better than it smells. So you take a sip. It's tart enough to make your lips pucker, but you can't wait to take another sip. This is Chez Monmee, a tart cherry ale from Alpine Beer Co. that's part of a new wave of refreshing American sour beers. Ten years ago, domestic sours were nearly nonexistent. Now a band of American brewers, including several in Southern California, is drawing on Belgian traditions to produce distinctly sour lambics, gueuzes, krieks and Flanders-style red ales. Though still relatively rare, they're showing up at some of L.A.'s better beer bars. Proprietors such as Verdugo Bar's Ryan Sweeney, the Golden State's Jason Bernstein and Blue Palms Brewhouse's Brian Lenzo are regularly stocking stateside sours. Restaurant owner Bernstein appreciates how sour beer "allows new flavors to emerge in food that wouldn't normally be enhanced by hops. The other charming thing is that sours tend to be relatively low in alcohol" and thus sip smooth for the summer.
Small Business: Bankruptcies Way Up since 2006
Entrepreneurship and new small businesses are supposed to lead us out of the recession, just as they have in prior downturns, right? Sure. Your neighbor's grand idea will persuade a bank to lend her start-up money; she'll open for business in six weeks; and money will immediately flow from customers to her to her employees. Taxes will be paid, and the national economic engine will hum effortlessly in no time. If only. Today shows a different reality: Commercial bankruptcies are surging. Fewer people are starting small businesses, and firms already open are struggling under changing consumer habits, a lack of funding options and tougher bankruptcy laws. If a nationwide trend seen since January holds true, more than 300 businesses will file for bankruptcy -- today alone.
Entrepreneurship and new small businesses are supposed to lead us out of the recession, just as they have in prior downturns, right? Sure. Your neighbor's grand idea will persuade a bank to lend her start-up money; she'll open for business in six weeks; and money will immediately flow from customers to her to her employees. Taxes will be paid, and the national economic engine will hum effortlessly in no time. If only. Today shows a different reality: Commercial bankruptcies are surging. Fewer people are starting small businesses, and firms already open are struggling under changing consumer habits, a lack of funding options and tougher bankruptcy laws. If a nationwide trend seen since January holds true, more than 300 businesses will file for bankruptcy -- today alone.
What comes to mind when you think American cuisine?
The debate about American food has been swirling for decades. It will likely continue almost as long. Still, people keep trying to nail down an answer, often zeroing in on a specific food. *Karen Resta, a Virginia-based writer and blogger, went all out. She listed some 40 iconic American foods, from shad bakes to soft-serve ice cream, as a way of providing a definition, but then got fed up. "This is ridiculous," she wrote on Facebook. "There's no end to this question. I have to say two more things: fluffernutter and Larry Forgione (the restaurateur behind An American Place restaurant in St. Louis -- the legendary Manhattan original has closed -- and the so-called "godfather of American cuisine"). Really. Why always Alice Waters (of California's Chez Panisse) and no Larry Forgione?" *Molly O'Neill, editor of "American Food Writing: An Anthology with Classic Recipes," told a crowd at the Printers Row Lit Fest last month that the American food icon is fried chicken. She explained: "Because it goes across class lines, regional lines and cultural and ethnic lines. The idea of fried chicken was spread by churches. It's a great equalizer."
The debate about American food has been swirling for decades. It will likely continue almost as long. Still, people keep trying to nail down an answer, often zeroing in on a specific food. *Karen Resta, a Virginia-based writer and blogger, went all out. She listed some 40 iconic American foods, from shad bakes to soft-serve ice cream, as a way of providing a definition, but then got fed up. "This is ridiculous," she wrote on Facebook. "There's no end to this question. I have to say two more things: fluffernutter and Larry Forgione (the restaurateur behind An American Place restaurant in St. Louis -- the legendary Manhattan original has closed -- and the so-called "godfather of American cuisine"). Really. Why always Alice Waters (of California's Chez Panisse) and no Larry Forgione?" *Molly O'Neill, editor of "American Food Writing: An Anthology with Classic Recipes," told a crowd at the Printers Row Lit Fest last month that the American food icon is fried chicken. She explained: "Because it goes across class lines, regional lines and cultural and ethnic lines. The idea of fried chicken was spread by churches. It's a great equalizer."
Dunkin' Donuts pulls drinks in salmonella concern
Dunkin' Donuts has temporarily stopped selling hot chocolate and Dunkaccino brand beverages after learning equipment used at a supplier's facility might have been contaminated with salmonella.
Dunkin' Donuts has temporarily stopped selling hot chocolate and Dunkaccino brand beverages after learning equipment used at a supplier's facility might have been contaminated with salmonella.
CKE Restaurants to Present at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference
CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) will be participating in the Oppenheimer Conference on July 14, 2009. Details about the conference and when CKE Restaurants will present are as follows:
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CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) will be participating in the Oppenheimer Conference on July 14, 2009. Details about the conference and when CKE Restaurants will present are as follows:
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