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Volume 7, Issue 7 February 16, 2007 |
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Weekly News in Review
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| Chipotle chain says 4Q profits more than double on higher sales |
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., a casual dining restaurant chain, said Thursday its fourth-quarter net income more than doubled as sales rose 10 percent in stores that had been open at least a year.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: Associated Press/AP Online |
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| T.G.I. Friday's to ban trans fat |
Add T.G.I. Friday's restaurants to the growing list of trans-fat-free eating establishments.
The chain announced Thursday that all T.G.I. Friday's restaurants in the United States will be in compliance by July with trans-fat guidelines initiated earlier this year in New York. Guidelines call for the elimination of all oils, margarines and shortenings, in addition to pan-fried items, that contain more than a half gram of trans fat per serving.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: Business First of Louisville |
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| Carlos Santana announced partnership to launch themed restaurant |
Musician Carlos Santana has announced a partnership to launch a restaurant in Walnut Creek named after a song of his.
Carlos Santana's Maria Maria promises to deliver authentic Mexican cuisine in an atmosphere inspired by his music.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: WorldNow and KESQ |
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| P.F. Chang's looks to top $1 billion mark in 2007 |
Fourth-qrter net income dipped at P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., but earnings per share remained flat at 34 cents ahead of analysts' estimates of 26 cents.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: The Business Journal of Phoenix |
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| Applebee's to consider sale, other options |
Casual dining chain Applebee's International (APPB) said Tuesday it is exploring its strategic options, including a possible sale of the company.
The company also said it is withdrawing its fiscal guidance as a result of the review, which could be affected by certain strategic decisions.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: USA Today |
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| Latest food-fad -- 'space potatoes' |
Having boldly gone where no spud has before, Chinese space potatoes are now the latest culinary fad to hit the country's ultra-trendy commercial hub of Shanghai.
Slightly sweet and purple in color, the potatoes, named Purple Orchid Three, are bred from seeds that mutated while being carried aboard a Chinese spacecraft, the Shanghai Daily newspaper reported Monday.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: CNN |
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| Small-Screen Marketing |
Restaurant chains have all the metrics they need to identify their top customers. Understanding how best to reach those consumers--especially the youngest--is more difficult because marketing techniques have developed faster than have analytic tools to measure their value.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: QSR Magazine |
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More News | Casual Dining News | QSR News | Fast Casual News | Manufacturer News
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On Walking the Talk
By Liz Tahir
Recently I was talking with a retailer in his store, and as we were walking around the floor, we came to a rack housing sportswear. Some of the sweaters on the rack were dangling from the hangers. He called over to ask a sales associate to straighten the rack, and we moved on through the store. I somehow remembered this incident as I was with another manager, this time the general manager of an upscale hotel. We were talking at one end of the hotel lobby, and as his eyes spotted a table with parts of a newspaper and a candy wrapper on it, obviously left by a guest, he excused himself. He walked across the lobby, picked up the newspapers and candy wrapper, disposed of them, and came back to resume our conversation.
I was struck by the difference in management styles of these two executives. The store owner must have felt that as long as the sales associate was just standing there, she should take care of this little job. Something she is paid to do, right? The hotel manager, though responsible on a much larger scale for revenue, staff, and square footage than the store owner, saw it as his job to pick up the trash in the lobby.
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"You accomplish victory step by step, not by leaps and bounds."
- Lyn St. James
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Management & Personnel – Person in Charge
Our goal for writing these articles is to give you, the operator, a better understanding of the current 2005 FDA Food Code.
Question: Exactly what does “person in charge” mean?
Answer: 2-101.11 – Person in Charge’s assignment.*
The permit holder shall be the Person in Charge or shall designate a person in charge and shall ensure that a person in charge is present at the food establishment during all hours
Designation of a person in charge during all hours of operations ensures the continuous presence of someone who is responsible for monitoring and managing all food establishment operations and who is authorized to take actions to ensure that the code’s objectives are fulfilled. During the day to day operation of a food establishment, a person who is immediately available and knowledgeable in both operational and code is required to respond to questions and concerns and to resolve problems.
Details Available in our Food Safety Area
For further information, contact your local, regional or state regulatory agency.
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View updated pricing and information each week on the website for the following food-commodity markets:
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Beef, Veal & Lamb |
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The beef markets are jumping upward. The USDA boxed beef cutout average is nearing buyer resistance levels which suggest that many of the beef markets could top out soon. Still, elevated feed costs and challenging weather are impacting cattle. Cattle weights are declining sharply and the percentage of cattle grading choice and above has fallen notably below the 5 year average. Additionally, alternative protein prices are moving upward which could temper any forthcoming slowdown in beef demand. All of these factors may support beef prices in the coming weeks. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
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Dairy |
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Both 2006 US nonfat dry milk (NDM) and dry whey exports climbed to their highest levels in over 10 years due to the tight world supply of each product. NDM is a byproduct of butter production so the current inflated NDM prices should encourage more milk to be sent to butter output than usual this spring. The cheese markets at the CME have turned downward but cyclical patterns indicate higher cheese prices are possible in March. The butter market continues to drift seasonally lower. Prices per pound, except Class I Cream (hundred weight), from USDA.
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Poultry |
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US chicken exports once again appear to be benefiting from avian flu occurrences in Asia. December US total chicken exports (11.2%) and chicken exports to East Asia (31.2%) were both greater than the prior year. 2006 US chicken exports were the 2nd largest on record accounting for 14% of total chicken production compared to 13.9% in 2005. Relatively strong US chicken trade is anticipated to endure into the spring which could pressure chicken leg quarter prices upward. The chicken wing markets have turned lower and further wing price decreases may be imminent. Prices per pound except eggs (dozen) FOB from USDA.
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Seafood |
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US shrimp imports remained strong during December despite the ongoing trade tariffs and the devalued US dollar. December US shrimp imports were 29% larger than 2005 ending a record year for US shrimp imports. Robust shrimp trade is anticipated to persist throughout the spring. Many shrimp markets are seasonally advancing and additional price increases may be impending. The whole salmon market is firm. Prices for fresh product, unless noted per pound from Fisheries Market News.
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Pork |
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Adverse weather continues to impede pork production which is influencing many pork markets upward. The pork markets could stabilize or turn modestly lower in the pending days as Midwestern weather improves. US pork exports are profiting from avian flu outbreaks in Asia. Total December US pork exports (14.6%) and exports to East Asia (28%) were both much larger than 2005. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
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Produce |
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Idaho potato prices continue to drift lower and storage inventories are adequate. History suggests that the potato markets may begin an upward course soon that carries into the summer. Idaho potato farmers are experiencing their 2nd straight year of positive margins but acreage expansion is not anticipated in 2007. The United Potato Growers coop will once again encourage controlled potato plantings this year. Lettuce shipments should improve during the next week due to favorable weather conditions. Prices shipping point unless noted (terminal) FOB from USDA
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Oil and Grains |
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The most recent USDA report left the 2006/07 grain corn ending stock projection at 6.4% of use, the 2nd lowest percentage in over 20 years. Prices per pound (oils) or bushel (grains) FOB from USDA.
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Canned and Frozen Food |
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Tomato Products, Canned - With the existing limited supplies of tomato paste product, California farmers are forecasted to increase contracted tomato planted acreage this year to 305,000, the largest since 1999. The canned tomato markets are inflated but some market relief could occur later this summer. Price per case (6/10) FOB from Supply and Market Report.
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Processed Fruits and Vegetables - Major french fry processors have begun 2007 potato acreage contract negotiations. The french fry markets are firm due to elevated raw product costs. Prices FOB per case from Supply and Market Report.
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The Employment Center is your gateway
for posting job listings or your resume
into 3 of the most
popular sites
in the foodservice industry.
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The "Idiot" Customers
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Saltydog got me thinking this morning about one of his posts about how customers can be such a pain. Dealing with these difficult people was discussed greatly in my Restaurant Supervision course.
Where do you draw the line? At what point do you stop trying to please an idiot? Under what type of circumstances, do you give up and stop caring about the impact of their word of mouth influence to your business, should you send them packing?
How far do you go?
Any examples?
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Are your dishwashers legal?
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The restaurant I bought employs illegal Mexicans for dishwashing. I don't like this and want to somehow phase them out for legal workers. However, the previous owner keeps telling me it's very difficult to find people that do a good job at dish washing and the only ones he ever finds are the illegals. I really don't like this because of my liability exposure. There has to be some good legal dish washers out there, right?? I'm in So Cal.
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How important is diners feedback ?
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How important is diners feedback and how do you get yours ? What is the most important feedback you have ever received from your diners ?
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I was part of Circe's "pleasant lawn"
I am native to southern Europe where I grow wild and am widely cultivated. Used by the Greeks for medicinal purposes, I was also made into a crown for the victors of Isthmian and Nemean games. Continuing on, I was also part of Circe's "pleasant lawn" in the Odyssey by Homer. I was even made into a wreath to ward off drunkeness, but it was never proven effective. Although I can even be used for pottings and edging, I am primarily edible with peppery green leaves and white roots. When displayed fresh I am almost never eaten and become a regular sighting for busboys and dishwashers. I have over 30 cousins but only two or three are common. I can be used fresh, dried, or frozen, each style having its own unique flavor. As an excellent source of vitamins A & C. I am used in just about anything from salads to stews, from egg and cheese dishes to pasta, with meat, poultry, or fish, in any vegetable dish and any savory sauce or as a garnish. I also have the honor of being a major player in fines, garni, persillade and gremolada. I even taste great when I'm fried.
What am I?
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The Food Quiz has is brought to you by Culinary Specialty Produce, a specialty produce broker that scours the world for the very best in specialty produce. Contact them at 908-789-4700 or by sending an email to info@culinaryproduce.com.
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