DOGGIE BAGS STILL OKAY IN D.C.
The “paper or plastic?” quandary survives multiple efforts at legalese. ...
[full story]

SMOKING BANS DEBATED IN KANSAS, MISSOURI
Where there’s smoke, there’s friction. Even in the heartland. ...[full story]

STATES STEP UP ALLERGY AWARENESS
New law in Massachusetts will hold operators responsible for providing menu-allergy information. ...[full story]

OBAMA BUDGET BOOSTS FOOD-SAFETY EFFORTS
Dough rises for FDA efforts. ...[full story]

By Robin Ashton

MAFSI BAROMETER FALLS 12.8% IN Q4, MATCHING RECORD DROP
In the patchwork of mixed economic signals, this one’s pretty dark for the equipment and supplies side of things. ...[full story]

NRA PERFORMANCE INDEX IMPROVES TO BEST LEVEL SINCE EARLY 2008
Getting better, but still in contraction mode. ...[full story]

NPD REPORTS U.S. RESTAURANT UNITS DECLINED IN SECOND HALF 2009
Closings continued, but at a slower pace than in the first half. ...[full story]

MID-ATLANTIC, COLORADO TO LEAD SALES GROWTH IN 2010
Yes, Maudie, proof positive that positive numbers exist! ...[full story]

REVISED FER 2010 E&S FORECAST AVAILABLE
If you’re aiming for surgical market precision, this’ll help. And it’s way cheaper than guessing. ...[full story]

NEW PROTOTYPE SCALES DOWN CHIPOTLE
A new proto gives Chipotle opportunities in smaller markets that the bigger model couldn’t. ...[full story]

BURGER KING PLANS 250 TO 300 NET NEW UNITS, OPENS IN RUSSIA
International opportunities are driving big numbers for the King. ...[full story]

NRA ANNOUNCES KITCHEN INNOVATIONS HONOREES
A panel of accomplished judges gives the nod to 16 of the industry’s most innovative new equipment and supplies items. ...[full story]

DQ BLIZZARDS TO HIT EGYPT, MACAU
A refreshing cool blast is sweeping into decidedly hot markets. ...[full story]

CARL’S JR. EYES TEXAS
Carl’s Jr., home of a Texas-size burger, makes a Texas-size deal in...Texas. ...[full story]

HATCO MARKS 60^th YEAR WITH CORPORATE HISTORY
Happy 60^th to one of the industry’s leading names! ...[full story]