Buffalo Wild Wings

A hot new concept typically fosters considerable talk among restaurateurs scouting for the next big thing—i.e., virtually anyone in the business. But internet communications promise to change the dynamic, just as social media and other forms of digital connection have altered the speed and tone of the consumer grapevine. You no longer need to keep an ear to the ground at industry events; a mouse in hand seems to work much better.

Diversified Restaurant Holdings' former CFO moves up to CEO, succeeding founder Michael Ansley.

Bad times bring bold moves, as restaurants demonstrated this week with previews of just how far they're willing to go for a business advantage.