Canadian restaurant operators are very upbeat. For the second quarter in a row, they reported a strong up-to-down differential of same-store sales. And, in the first quarter 2015 Restaurant Outlook Survey released April 22, operators indicated the highest expectations for sales gains during the next six months since Restaurants Canada began the survey in the…

Two reports from The NPD Group paint a picture of the global and U.S. foodservice markets finally showing some positive traffic trends. NPD’s CREST foodservice consumer research tracked overall visit gains in five of the 11 country markets the research firm follows, a development it termed “a slight turnaround.” And in the U.S. market, traffic…

The number of total restaurant units in the U.S. is finally back to pre-recession levels, according to CHD Expert, the Chicago-based foodservice database and analytic firm. According to CHD Expert’s “2009-2014 Commercial Trends Data Report,” net restaurant units grew by 2% in 2014, a net gain of 14,648, up from a 1.2% net gain in…

It isn’t just the cheese that stands alone. The pizza industry says it deserves an exemption to the menu-labeling regulations issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the Affordable Care Act. And the pizza chains, supported by a few other industry groups, now have a bill on Capitol Hill. The Common Sense Nutrition…

The food-truck business is not big in Toronto, but it could be a matter of measurement. Last week, the city council voted 43-1 to reduce the distance that food trucks must stay away from restaurants, from 50 m. (about 55 yd.) to 30 m. (about 33 yd.). The city says the change will open up…

The Association for Healthcare Foodservice will honor six operator members with awards on June 5 during its 2015 Annual Conference in Salt Lake City. Deedra Hoffart, Director-Nutrition at Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, Colo., is the recipient of AHF’s 2015 Partnership in Leadership Award, which honors her strong commitment to eliminating food-prep outsourcing. AHF’s Exemplary…

Cicely Simpson, who has served as v.p.-government affairs for Dunkin’ Brands Group for the past seven years, has joined the National Restaurant Association as Executive V.P.-Government Affairs & Policy. At the NRA, Simpson will lead a team advocating for restaurants nationwide as well as the association’s communications and research teams, shaping effective messaging and providing…

After recording more than four years of rising same-store sales, Arby’s Restaurant Group is scratching the itch to grow. The Atlanta-based quick-service chain hasn’t focused on new-store expansion since 2008, but this year it is on pace to add 60 units. Arby’s goal of passing $4 billion in total systemwide sales by the end of…

Growth, liquidity, investment. Major topics that might seem a tad distant for operators busy in the kitchen will be canvassed in depth by the foodservice industry’s finance leaders during the National Restaurant Association’s 2015 Restaurant Finance Summit. The May 18 event will show operators how to execute growth strategies for their businesses. “Attendees will have…

Monday is the deadline for entries in this year’s Foodservice Pioneering Concept competition. Entries are due June 15 for the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show’s cutting-edge concept design contest; the winner will be spotlighted at the Nov. 8-10 show in New York. Organizers of the Foodservice Pioneering Concept competition are looking for designers to conceive,…