Pizza Ranch

Panera’s ‘strategic plan’ is driving sales but slashing profits

The chain is doubling down on investments in catering, delivery and other growth vehicles.

Menu: Beer/Food

In the Deschutes Brewery pub, beer is deconstructed and rebuilt on the plate.

With many concepts—including McDonald’s—offering chicken wings this football season, the 16-unit Brick House Tavern + Tap was looking to add something new that would be equally craveable. So Jim Doak, VP of Menu and Beverage Innovation turned to a different bird.

Restaurant chains with substantial offsite business could face less stringent labeling requirements under a bill approved by a House committee Wednesday.

Marco’s Pizza, of Toledo, Ohio, is a chain with 195 units and big plans. In the teeth of the recession, same-store sales climbed 3.2 percent in the first quarter. It has contracts to open 50 stores this year and 80 the next. The only missing ingredient is capital.

The matter remains in limbo because of technical concerns.

In this down economy, some restaurants have taken their eye off beverage while trying to survive. That’s a big, possibly fatal, mistake.

In another illustration of fast-casual’s strength relative to the traditional quick-service sector, the Pie Five pizza chain posted a same-store sales increase of 12.9 percent for the quarter ended June 29. Its QSR sister, Pizza Inn, saw a 1.5 percent gain.

The changes would provide slightly more leeway for compliance and protection against civil suits.

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