American consumers seem to get that the current economy is about as good as it’s going to get, according the latest research from the University of Michigan’s Survey of Consumers and The Conference Board. Both groups’ readings of consumer confidence softened in October. UM’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 87.2 in the final October reading,…

A new study of the global restaurant industry from New York-based consulting firm AlixPartners finds myriad opportunities and on-going challenges as consumers become increasingly discerning and demanding. The study, “Global Restaurant Outlook: Feeding the Global Consumer,” surveyed 4,600 consumers in nine industrialized markets as well as 60 executives at more than 40 leading global restaurant…

Chipotle Mexican Grill has axed the ShopHouse and flipped over to burgers. The Denver chain cut the ribbon on Tasty Made, its new burger concept, in Lancaster, Ohio, on October 27. The burgers, fries and shakes concept merges the cooking ideas behind “better burger” chains with the model of pioneering QSRs. Tasty Made executives say…

A new webinar from PG&E’s Food Service Technology Center, is focusing on Learning to See: Lighting Design for CFS. The program, 10-11 a.m. PST/1-2 p.m. EST, Thursday November 17, takes participants “beyond the bulb” in thinking about commercial foodservice lighting. It will be led by the FSTC’s resident lighting expert Richard Young, director-education/senior engineer at…

Midea, the Chinese maker of microwaves, has added industry veteran Gino Iacovella to its executive team in the United States. Iacovella, who has more than 30 years’ experience working for Panasonic, Sharp and Presto, will take on the post of Director of Business Development for Midea’s Commercial Appliance Division, where he’ll focus on launching the…

Sports bar chain Buffalo Wild Wings is betting big on the fast-casual dining segment. The Minneapolis-based company is hoping to expand its street-style taco concept R Taco, formerly Rusty Taco, through franchising to at least 10 new markets, including Nashville. Buffalo Wild Wings became a majority investor in the taco concept in 2014, the same year…

Quaker Steak & Lube is revving up its franchise development efforts and is hoping to expand in states including Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Quaker Steak & Lube, founded more than 40 years ago, has more than 50 locations in 14 states. The Westlake, Ohio, chain was acquired…

MEIKO USA has hired Kate McDevitt as Regional Sales Manager for the Eastern Territory.  McDevitt brings with her five years’ experience in the foodservice equipment manufacturing field and more than 15 years of sales expertise; most recently she served as national sales manager for Howard McCray/Fogel. MEIKO is based in Nashville.   Master-Bilt/Standex has signed…

T&S Brass and Bronze Works was recognized in October for contributions and support that have advanced the development of educational opportunities for students across its home region in Travelers Rest, S.C. T&S received the Workforce Development Award, honoring individuals and organizations that support Greenville Technical College’s efforts to develop a skilled labor pool for Greenville…

First Watch, the Charlotte-based daypart-only chain, is making plans to dish up breakfast, brunch and lunch at another 12 franchised outlets. An exclusive development agreement with Good Morning Carolinas, a subsidiary of Houston Pizza Venture, will put 12 new First Watch restaurants in the Charlotte area, as well as in the Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C.,…