Viewpoint
"I love what you do for me, Toyota!"
It was the summer between my freshman and sophomore years at college. I was waiting tables at the local steakhouse (say it isn’t so!). Jackie with the pinkie ring and slightly gravelly voice called me into the cocktail lounge and said, “Hey Bobby, I found you a car.” I was never quite sure what Jackie did for a living, but knew well he was the guy to go to when you needed a car. “It’s a ’74 Toyota Corolla 5-speed, a repo with 1100 miles on it. Ya gotta pick it up in the Bronx tomorrow.” And so started my many year love affair with Toyota products. “Made in Japan” had a whole different meaning to my generation than it did to the generation past.
Big News
McDonald’s January Sales Rise 2.6%, Topping Analysts’ Estimates
Feb. 9 -- McDonald’s Corp., the world’s largest restaurant company, said global sales rose 2.6 percent in January, topping some analysts’ estimates, on demand in Asia, France and the U.K.
FYI Candidates
Lecture 101 on the Two Biggest Reasons to Hire You
For candidates who haven’t been on the job market in a while, it can be confusing as to how to approach an interview. They may be unsure what to talk about and come across as less polished than they could be. If they are feeling disappointed and at a loss because of circumstances with their most recent job, the challenge of getting in a winning mindset for an interview is intensified. They may be tempted to vent their frustrations or be preoccupied by the need just to find a job.
Executive Movements
MORTON’S RESTAURANT GROUP INC. has named CHRISTOPHER ARTINIAN president and chief executive, replacing THOMAS J. BALDWIN, who resigned. Artinian has been with the company since 1995, most recently as vice president of Eastern operations.
JACK CRAWFORD, former president and chief executive of the GROUND ROUND INDEPENDENT OWNERS COOPERATIVE LLC, will return to that post, after a stint at UNO RESTAURANT HOLDINGS, which has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
APPLEBEE’S SERVICES INC. and CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP both announced marketing staff appointments this week. Applebee’s said it had named DAWN BULLEN vice president of marketing.
Carrols said it named TODD COERVER chief marketing officer for TACO CABANA, and JASON ABELKOP was appointed to the same position at POLLO TROPICAL.
SHAKEY’S USA has created two new management positions as part of an ongoing plan to grow the 56-year-old pizza chain. JAKE LAJOIE has been named chief financial officer, and CRAIG HOPKINS has been named senior vice president of corporate and franchise development.
Financial Overview
SAN ANTONIO – The STEAK N SHAKE CO., which is based here and led by investor SARDAR BIGLARI, returned to a profit in its first quarter and said it planned to change its name to Biglari Holdings Inc. The company earned $5.5 million, or $3.82 per share in the quarter ended Dec. 23, compared with a year-ago loss of $3.4 million, or $2.43 per share.
BURGER KING HOLDINGS INC. said Thursday it expects to offer more value promotions like its controversial $1 double cheeseburger as it reported a 13.3-percent jump in second-quarter profit.
While consumer pressures tied to the recession pushed fourth-quarter sales into negative territory at the three chains of O’CHARLEY’S INC., its namesake brand and STONEY RIVER LEGENDARY STEAKS chain posted their first year-to-year traffic increases in more than three years.
Sales and profits in China and other overseas markets offset YUM! BRANDS INC.’s weakness in the United States, helping the company post a 6-percent increase in fourth-quarter net income.
The Top 10 chains rated "excellent" overall in Sandelman & Associates’ 2009 Quick-Track study are:
1. In-N-Out Burger
2. Capriotti's
3. Chick-fil-A
4. Raising Cane's
5. Panera Bread
6. Pei Wei
7. Giordano's Pizza
8. Cafe Rio
9. Idaho Pizza Company
10. Penn Station
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VP Development – Non Traditional
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Well-established multi-brand QSR / retail franchise company with 1800+ locations globally, requires an individual with a
strong track record of success in domestic and international development focused on the Non-Traditional venues such
as Malls, Airports, Universities, among other segments. This individual must exemplify a "hands on" style approach to
management and business development activities, as well as recognizes the sense of urgency in regards to
development and construction schedules.
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Exciting well-established fast casual restaurant company with 125+ locations in CA, AZ, & NV requires an individual
with a strong financial discipline, CPA certification, and hands on experience with business intelligence and data
mining tools such as Cognos and Hyperion.
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Director of Finance - West
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One of the nation’s largest providers of senior-living services is seeking a managing director for their premier retirement facility located in Manhattan. The company is committed to providing quality care for seniors in an environment that promotes dignity and independence. The primary job function of the Executive Director is to lead the day-to-day operations of the community, including full P&L responsibility. The New York facility offers hospitality that rivals Manhattan’s finest hotels and is located in one of its most exclusive neighborhoods.
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Executive Director Senior Living - New York City
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Exciting well-established full service restaurant company with 500+ locations nationally requires an individual with a
strong multi-unit, multi state operational background in full service, high volume dining, an individual who is driven to
excel and can demonstrate a record of significant accomplishments. This individual must exemplify a "hands on" style
approach to management and new business development activities, as well as recognizes the sense of urgency in
regards to development and construction schedules. This person must also have past/current track record of success
in new store franchise sales in the Casual Dining segment. This is a known multi-branded franchised company that is
looking to take its domestic and international presence to a higher level of growth, sophistication, and performance.
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Sr. Director Franchise Sales - National
- Excellent opportunity for Regional Operations Director to oversee 8 units and $25m in sales for
leading casual-dining chain. The company is profitable, growing, debt-free and is known for its positive,
service-oriented culture.
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Regional Operations Director - Denver
- Exciting well-established QSR national restaurant company requires an individual with a strong multi-unit, multi state operational background in quick service, high volume dining, an individual who is driven to excel and can demonstrate
a record of significant accomplishments. This individual must be an individual who leads by example, exhibits a "hands on" style of management, and recognizes the sense of urgency in regards to job duties. Managing both corporate and franchised operations are necessary components to be successful in this position.
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Area Operations Director - Mid Atlantic
- Excellent opportunity for a Channel Manager to develop successful QSR restaurants in
nontraditional channels including lodging, entertainment, c-stores, travel centers, airports, etc. This
leading QSR company is seeking a highly talented and motivated sales executive to expand unit count
and sales within existing channels and find new avenues for growth.
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