Restaurant Industry Set To Outpace National Job Growth, Reach Record Sales In 2012

Despite sluggish recovery by the nation’s economy, the restaurant industry is projected to expand in 2012, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast released today. Total restaurant industry sales are expected to reach a record high of $632 billion in 2012 – a 3.5 percent increase over 2011, marking the second consecutive year that industry sales have topped $600 billion.

2011 National Foodservice Beef Backer Award Winners Announced

February 3, 2012 The Beef Checkoff Program

The 2011 National Foodservice Beef Backer Award winners were unveiled today at the 2012 Cattle Industry Conference. Each year, the Beef Checkoff Program recognizes three foodservice establishments for their efforts in menuing and marketing beef. The 2011 national winners include the Little Apple Brewing Company in the Independent category, Zippy’s Restaurants in the Chain category and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort as the Innovator of the Year.

Michael Foods Recalls Hard-Cooked Eggs In 34 States For Possible Listeria Risk

February 2, 2012 FDA

Michael Foods, Inc. is recalling specific lot dates of hard-cooked eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use that were produced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Wal-Mart Puts U.S. Marketing Under Merchandising

February 2, 2012 Jessica Wohl, Reuters

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said on Friday that its U.S. marketing team would now work under the leadership of its chief merchandising officer rather than as a separate group as the world's largest retailer works on improving its communication with shoppers.

Canada’s Farm Boy Finding A Niche In The Produce Aisle

From its humble beginnings 30 years ago as a small produce-only store in Cornwall, to its growth into the ever-expanding regional grocery chain it is today, Farm Boy executives have stuck to a simple lesson: stay clear of the competition.