Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Is Curbside Takeout the Future of Fast Casual?
The future of fast-casual restaurants may depend on how well operators adapt to consumers’ desire to eat on the go. According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 20 percent of adults indicated they order more takeout from table-service restaurants than they did two years ago.
Results of StarChefs.com 2005 Salary Survey
By Miriam Marcus
From tracking Rising Stars to the hottest new food and wine trends, StarChefs.com strives to keep professionals on the pulse of the restaurant industry — and our 2005 Salary Survey, sponsored by Pernod, has given us even more exciting information to share. 2,000 industry professionals from all restaurant sectors, and from virtually every position in the front and back of the house, have responded to our online survey
From tracking Rising Stars to the hottest new food and wine trends, StarChefs.com strives to keep professionals on the pulse of the restaurant industry — and our 2005 Salary Survey, sponsored by Pernod, has given us even more exciting information to share. 2,000 industry professionals from all restaurant sectors, and from virtually every position in the front and back of the house, have responded to our online survey
Friday, March 17, 2006
View updated pricing and information each week on the website for the following food-commodity markets:
Beef, Veal & Lamb
View Detail
The live cattle market continues to move downward and is currently trading at some of its lowest price levels since November. In turn, beef production is surging. Beef output last week rose 8.3% and was 8% more than 2005. Most of the beef markets are declining and additional decreases may be impending due in part to typical lethargic March beef demand. However, if the cattle market does not continue to weaken with beef, packers may curtail beef output later this month in an attempt to boost beef prices. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
Dairy
View Detail
January butter output was 13.1% more than 2005 and the largest monthly output in 13 years. The butter market has turned lower. Butter demand may improve this month as buyers secure product for Easter and Passover, but engaging butter prices are likely to persist. January American (1.5%) and cheddar (.4%) cheese output were less than a year ago while mozzarella production was 3.3% more than 2005. The cheese markets are stabilizing. January sour cream output was 8.2% larger than last year. Prices per pound, except Class I Cream (hundred weight), from USDA.
Poultry
View Detail
The chicken breast markets have edged modestly higher in recent weeks but remain relatively depressed. Retail and food service chicken breast feature activity is on the rise which could bring a boost to chicken breast prices. Last year, the boneless skinless chicken breast market rose 8.7% during the next 4 weeks. Still, chicken breast prices are projected to remain notably below 2005 levels this spring. The chicken wing markets are tracking downward and additional decreases may be impending. Africa, Asia and Europe continue to contend with the H5N1 strain of avian flu. Prices per pound except eggs (dozen) FOB from USDA.
Seafood
View Detail
January Gulf of Mexico shrimp landings were 29.6% more than last year and 28.6% greater than the 5-year average due to a surge in output in Florida and Texas. Louisiana shrimp landings were 13.3% less than the 5-year average. As worldwide shrimp production begins to build next month shrimp prices may move modestly downward. The snow crab leg market continues to creep upward rising 7.5% over the last 4 weeks. Prices for fresh product, unless noted per pound from Fisheries Market News.
Pork
View Detail
Pork production last week rose 1.1% and was .9% more than 2005. As pork output has been managed over the last month the pork markets have moved higher. Declining alternative protein prices could cause the pork markets to stabilize. Higher rib prices may be forthcoming. The last 2 years, the sparerib market jumped notably during the last week of March and rose 5% through the end of April. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
Produce
View Detail
The lettuce markets are moving lower as lettuce head weights improve with the warmer weather. However, cooler temperatures are forecasted in the lettuce growing areas which could cause production to slow. The lettuce markets may be volatile during the next week. Some of the Idaho potato markets have turned lower for the first time in 6 weeks. Additional modest potato price decreases may be forthcoming but the potato markets are anticipated to remain notably above 2005 levels into April. Prices USDA FOB shipping point unless noted (terminal).
Oil and Grains
View Detail
Much needed rain may fall in the Southern Plains this week which would greatly help the winter wheat crop. Still, additional precipitation will be necessary. Wheat prices could be erratic through the end of the month. Prices per pound (oils) or bushel (grains) FOB from USDA.
Canned and Frozen Food
View Detail
Tomato Products, Canned - Our initial forecast has 2006 California contracted tomato acreage (283,000- 8%) and output (10.75m tons- 12%) rising from last year. Existing canned tomato stocks are adequate and the markets are steady. Still, history suggests that lower prices may be pending this spring. Price per case (6/10) FOB from Supply and Market Report.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables - Acreage contract negotiations between potato growers and french fry suppliers are in progress. Growers are looking to increase potato prices to help offset the estimated 16% rise in input expenses. Steady to modestly higher french fry prices are likely this spring. Prices FOB per case from Supply and Market Report.
View Detail
The live cattle market continues to move downward and is currently trading at some of its lowest price levels since November. In turn, beef production is surging. Beef output last week rose 8.3% and was 8% more than 2005. Most of the beef markets are declining and additional decreases may be impending due in part to typical lethargic March beef demand. However, if the cattle market does not continue to weaken with beef, packers may curtail beef output later this month in an attempt to boost beef prices. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
Dairy
View Detail
January butter output was 13.1% more than 2005 and the largest monthly output in 13 years. The butter market has turned lower. Butter demand may improve this month as buyers secure product for Easter and Passover, but engaging butter prices are likely to persist. January American (1.5%) and cheddar (.4%) cheese output were less than a year ago while mozzarella production was 3.3% more than 2005. The cheese markets are stabilizing. January sour cream output was 8.2% larger than last year. Prices per pound, except Class I Cream (hundred weight), from USDA.
Poultry
View Detail
The chicken breast markets have edged modestly higher in recent weeks but remain relatively depressed. Retail and food service chicken breast feature activity is on the rise which could bring a boost to chicken breast prices. Last year, the boneless skinless chicken breast market rose 8.7% during the next 4 weeks. Still, chicken breast prices are projected to remain notably below 2005 levels this spring. The chicken wing markets are tracking downward and additional decreases may be impending. Africa, Asia and Europe continue to contend with the H5N1 strain of avian flu. Prices per pound except eggs (dozen) FOB from USDA.
Seafood
View Detail
January Gulf of Mexico shrimp landings were 29.6% more than last year and 28.6% greater than the 5-year average due to a surge in output in Florida and Texas. Louisiana shrimp landings were 13.3% less than the 5-year average. As worldwide shrimp production begins to build next month shrimp prices may move modestly downward. The snow crab leg market continues to creep upward rising 7.5% over the last 4 weeks. Prices for fresh product, unless noted per pound from Fisheries Market News.
Pork
View Detail
Pork production last week rose 1.1% and was .9% more than 2005. As pork output has been managed over the last month the pork markets have moved higher. Declining alternative protein prices could cause the pork markets to stabilize. Higher rib prices may be forthcoming. The last 2 years, the sparerib market jumped notably during the last week of March and rose 5% through the end of April. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
Produce
View Detail
The lettuce markets are moving lower as lettuce head weights improve with the warmer weather. However, cooler temperatures are forecasted in the lettuce growing areas which could cause production to slow. The lettuce markets may be volatile during the next week. Some of the Idaho potato markets have turned lower for the first time in 6 weeks. Additional modest potato price decreases may be forthcoming but the potato markets are anticipated to remain notably above 2005 levels into April. Prices USDA FOB shipping point unless noted (terminal).
Oil and Grains
View Detail
Much needed rain may fall in the Southern Plains this week which would greatly help the winter wheat crop. Still, additional precipitation will be necessary. Wheat prices could be erratic through the end of the month. Prices per pound (oils) or bushel (grains) FOB from USDA.
Canned and Frozen Food
View Detail
Tomato Products, Canned - Our initial forecast has 2006 California contracted tomato acreage (283,000- 8%) and output (10.75m tons- 12%) rising from last year. Existing canned tomato stocks are adequate and the markets are steady. Still, history suggests that lower prices may be pending this spring. Price per case (6/10) FOB from Supply and Market Report.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables - Acreage contract negotiations between potato growers and french fry suppliers are in progress. Growers are looking to increase potato prices to help offset the estimated 16% rise in input expenses. Steady to modestly higher french fry prices are likely this spring. Prices FOB per case from Supply and Market Report.
Restaurant has you eating in the dark - on purpose
The Baltimore Sun
IF YOU shoot at mimes, should you use a silencer?" asked the very funny Steven Wright. In that vein, you should be aware that there is a brand new restaurant which is the place to try to see but not be seen in. That is to say, this particular place has a concept of customers sitting in total darkness without a clue what they are eating.
Read Article
IF YOU shoot at mimes, should you use a silencer?" asked the very funny Steven Wright. In that vein, you should be aware that there is a brand new restaurant which is the place to try to see but not be seen in. That is to say, this particular place has a concept of customers sitting in total darkness without a clue what they are eating.
Read Article
House passes bill to let people take unfinished wine home
WKYT
Kentucky - Who says you can't take it with you? A bill that sailed through the House today would allow restaurant goers to take unfinished bottles of wine home in a sealed container.
Read Article
Kentucky - Who says you can't take it with you? A bill that sailed through the House today would allow restaurant goers to take unfinished bottles of wine home in a sealed container.
Read Article
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Red Wine Boosts Food Checks
Hotel News Resource
According to The NPD Group, Americans like to drink alcohol with their meals. The recent study found that 37 percent of adults (ages 21 and over) include alcohol with their casual/fine dining restaurant dinners from Friday to Sunday, compared to 34 percent between Monday and Thursday.
Read Article
According to The NPD Group, Americans like to drink alcohol with their meals. The recent study found that 37 percent of adults (ages 21 and over) include alcohol with their casual/fine dining restaurant dinners from Friday to Sunday, compared to 34 percent between Monday and Thursday.
Read Article
ASCAP sues High Point restaurant over its use of five songs
The Charlotte Observer
A nonprofit group representing composers is suing a High point restaurant for up to $150,000 for its use of five songs without permission last summer. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers filed a copyright infringement suit in federal court last month against Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery
Read Article
A nonprofit group representing composers is suing a High point restaurant for up to $150,000 for its use of five songs without permission last summer. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers filed a copyright infringement suit in federal court last month against Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery
Read Article
New Servsafe Food Safety Training Materials Available in April
PMQ
Including 2005 FDA Food Code Updates, Real World Scenarios, Expanded HAACP Content (Chicago) - The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) is launching its new Fourth Edition ServSafe® product line April 3. ServSafe is leading the way in providing the restaurant and foodservice industry with an up-to-date, comprehensive food safety training and certification program. In addition, the new edition includes tools to help managers and operators implement critical food safety practices in their operation. The information presented in the fourth edition is based on the 2005 FDA Food Code, the latest updates in the science of food safety, and best practices used in the industry.
Read Article
Including 2005 FDA Food Code Updates, Real World Scenarios, Expanded HAACP Content (Chicago) - The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) is launching its new Fourth Edition ServSafe® product line April 3. ServSafe is leading the way in providing the restaurant and foodservice industry with an up-to-date, comprehensive food safety training and certification program. In addition, the new edition includes tools to help managers and operators implement critical food safety practices in their operation. The information presented in the fourth edition is based on the 2005 FDA Food Code, the latest updates in the science of food safety, and best practices used in the industry.
Read Article
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Casino restaurants a surprising treat
Chicago Sun-Times
Recreational gamblers hold them in high regard as an added dimension to their total entertainment experience. People who appreciate fine dining in elegant surroundings insist they're the best-kept secrets in town.
Read Article
Recreational gamblers hold them in high regard as an added dimension to their total entertainment experience. People who appreciate fine dining in elegant surroundings insist they're the best-kept secrets in town.
Read Article
Monday, March 06, 2006
18 States, D.C., Now Set Minimum Wage Higher Than Federal
With recent minimum wage increases taking effect in Rhode
Island (minimum wage jumped to $7.40 starting March 1)
and Maryland ($6.15 minimum wage took effect Feb. 16),
now 18 states and Washington, D.C., set higher wage rates
than the federal starting-wage rate of $5.15. Wage-increase
bills are pending in more than 20 other state legislatures,
and activists in a handful of states are pushing to put wage hike
proposals on November ballots, including automatic
annual increases in state minimum wage rates. You can get wage laws by state and track legislation at
www.getgame.biz/Articles/state_minwage.doc.
Island (minimum wage jumped to $7.40 starting March 1)
and Maryland ($6.15 minimum wage took effect Feb. 16),
now 18 states and Washington, D.C., set higher wage rates
than the federal starting-wage rate of $5.15. Wage-increase
bills are pending in more than 20 other state legislatures,
and activists in a handful of states are pushing to put wage hike
proposals on November ballots, including automatic
annual increases in state minimum wage rates. You can get wage laws by state and track legislation at
www.getgame.biz/Articles/state_minwage.doc.
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