Viewpoint
by Bob Gershberg, Managing Partner Wray Executive Search
Leadership
Much has been said about the art and science of leadership both within and outside of our industry. Originally defined by Webster as "the ability to lead", the concept itself is now characterized as a process of influencing people to accomplish an objective, meet organizational requirements and improve through change. It is interesting to note that recent thinking supports the nurture over nature philosophy. Great leaders are made not born. Full Article »
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Big News
McDonald's Sales Climb
McDonald's Corp. extended its winning streak in May as customers bought more of the fast-food chain's cheap eats, the world's largest burger chain said.
McDonald's also said it will take a hit to its full-year profit because of the weak euro, which accounts for about 25 percent of its operating income. The burger chain said the effect will be minimal in the second quarter.
Full Article »
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Management
Bob Posen, CEO of The Prosen Center for Business Advancement
Stop Majoring in Minors
At times getting things done seems almost impossible. Particularly when you're wearing multiple hats. Your "To Do" lists keep growing and there's never enough time to get it done. If you want to break the cycle and achieve extraordinary results, below are the top ten things you must do! Full Article »
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FYI
By Rebecca Patt, Vice President of Development, Dick Wray Executive Search
Biggest Interview Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
As an executive recruiter in the restaurant and foodservice industry, I've had countless opportunities to debrief hiring authorities after they've interviewed candidates for key jobs in their organization. From the feedback I've heard over and over again, it didn't take long to realize that candidates tend to mess up their interviews in the same predictable ways. Full Article »
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Native Foods Café announces new President & COO, Ron Biskin, formerly President of Wolfgang Puck to Expand Popular Vegan Concept across USA. Full Article »
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O'CHARLEY'S INC., said its president and chief executive JEFFREY D. WARNE has resigned. The casual-dining company, which is parent to the 244-unit O'Charley's, 113-unit Ninety Nine Restaurant and 11-store Stoney River Legendary Steaks brands, said chairman PHIL HICKEY would serve as interim chief executive. Full Article »
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The INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION has appointed industry veteran STEPHEN J.CALDEIRA as president and chief executive. Full Article »
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T.G.I. FRIDAY'S, based here, has named TREY HALL senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the 900-unit casual-dining chain.
Full Article »
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Arby's has named HALA MODDELMOG president, parent company WENDY'S/ARBY'S GROUP of Atlanta said. Moddelmog, 54, replaces TOM GARRETT, who resigned in January amid falling sales at the 3,700-unit chain. Full Article »
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CKE RESTAURANTS INC. said that for the four weeks ended May 17, company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants saw same-store sales fall 5.2 percent, compared with a drop of 6.2 percent a year earlier. Full Article »
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Jamba Juice parent JAMBA INC. for the first quarter ended April 20 reported a net loss of $5.3 million, or 13 cents per diluted share, compared with a loss of $10.2 million, or 19 cents per share, a year earlier. Full Article »
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CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE INC. reported a 21-percent jump in profit and positive same-store sales for the third quarter. Full Article »
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RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC. Thursday said that same-store sales at company restaurants declined 2.3 percent for the first quarter ended April 18.
Full Article »
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OSI RESTAURANT PARTNERS LLC on Friday reported it had reversed same-store sales declines at three of its four core brands in the first quarter. OSI, the parent to the 968-unit Outback Steakhouse casual-dining chain, said net income for the first quarter, which ended March 31, fell to $1.3 million from $83.4 million in the same quarter last year.
Full Article »
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Executive Chat with Rebecca Patt - Featuring Hans Hess of Elevation Burger
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What's that massive landform looming on the horizon of hamburgerdom? It must be the towering blue peaks of Elevation Burger.
At the summit of Elevation Burger is Hans Hess, founder and CEO. Hess wants to create a sea change - er, mountain change - in the burger industry, one organic, grass-fed, free-range, ground-on-premises burger at a time.
"If I was to look back 50 or 100 years from now, I would want people to think of Elevation Burger as one of the chains in the country that helped us all to eat healthier and that changed the factory farm system," he said.
Hess opened the first store in Falls Church, VA, in 2005. The concept has grown to 8 locations in VA, MD, PA, NJ, FL, and TX. Sixty more are currently under development, and a recently-inked franchise deal will bring three to Los Angeles. Hess anticipates 10 more openings this year and a total of 100 stores by 2013.
Hess's inspiration for Elevation Burger came in 1999, around the time he moved from California to D.C. to work for a Congressman. He read a paper about how the consumption of cows treated with antibiotics (given because grain weakens cows' immune systems) was making people resistant to therapeutic antibiotics.
"I was concerned about that and started over time to realize that the factory farming system was problematic and wanted to do a burger restaurant that was a little different," he said. "Burgers and fries are an American food. They are bound up in the identity of the American consciousness... burgers are not going away, so rather than telling people they shouldn't be eating them, I want to create a product that is better, and if used in moderation, it's actually healthy."
The Writing on the Wall
For the uninitiated or forgetful, the Elevation Burger philosophy and descriptions of the ingredients are posted on signs throughout the simple interior, though most patrons I observed seemed too busy with happily chowing their burgers, fries, and shakes to take much notice.
If you do read the signage and packaging, you'll note that the burgers are made with freshly ground, hormone and antibiotic free, certified-organic, grass-fed, free-range beef. Proponents of this type of beef point to its lack of immune-system threatening chemicals, lower calories, lower saturated fat, higher levels of healthy omega fatty acids, and better taste.
Another sign says that fries are cooked in 100% heart-healthy olive oil. The text on the milkshake cups lists the restaurants' "green" practices (i.e., energy efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, recycling), and explains the surprising impact of grass-fed beef in reducing global warming, as grass does a much better job absorbing of carbon-dioxide than grain.
"We actually have real reasons why our burger is better. That's important to us, and it's important to our guests," he said.
Full Article »
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| This Month's Hot Opportunities |
Vice President Food Service Financial Services Company - New York/New Jersey
Reporting to the Americas Vice President Hospitality who oversees the Conference, Training, Reception and Food Services departments, the Food Services Vice President is responsible for commercial analysis and business strategy for all food service business lines located on the New York and New Jersey campus. Strategy should encompass retail focus, budget management, project management, vendor management & future growth. Click for PDF » |
Regional Directors - Southeast
Great opportunity to excel in a dynamic environment with aggressive growth goals that require proven leadership ability. This key position is responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling operations of 15 to 30 quick serve restaurant units. Company needs an individual who can create a strong team, establish and achieve goals, as well as generate profits. Click for PDF »
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Area Operations Directors - Various
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. Click for PDF » |
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