Viewpoint
The Ascendancy of the Fast Casuals
“Good food fast” was the slogan of a fast-casual concept I rolled out some years back with far less success than I had hoped. Fulfilling this need, however, is the very reason the segment has now hit its stride and will continue to flourish for years to come. As the American consumer palate becomes more sophisticated and discerning, and as life's pace continually quickens, the requisite high-quality food on the fly will persist.
The Big News
Micatrotto Sentenced to Prison Time
Former Buca Inc. chief executive Joe Micatrotto has been sentenced to 13 months in prison and three years of supervised time for the misappropriation of funds from the company, according to local media reports.
FYI Candidates
Bump! Splat! NEXT!
Avoiding the 5-Top Interview Potholes
Let's face it: interviewing can be stressful. Don't make it even more so by worrying about those basic interview skills that should be second nature by now. Today's HR pros and CEOs are all looking to avoid that dreaded Hitchhiker in the Corner Office — the perpetual job-hopper who's only there to waste their time until the next offer comes along. To avoid sticking your foot in your mouth — or your thumb in the air — during your next interview, avoid the following Top-5 Interview Potholes:
Women's Corner
Lean and Energized at the TOP of Your Game—Harness Your Hunger and SLOW DOWN!
In the quest for efficiency, high performance women typically function at a much faster pace than the average employee.
While speed may often translate into improved productivity at work, polishing off a meal in record time increases calorie consumption and consequent weight gain. Slowing down when you eat, can be the one simple habit that will produce huge dividends in life.
Executive Movements
ROZ MALLET moves to Caribou. Caribou Coffee Co. Inc. has hired operations and human-resources veteran Roz Mallet as the coffee chain's new president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.
Keymer said to be succeeding Koenig as Vicorp CEO. KEN KEYMER has been hired to succeed Debra Koenig as chief executive officer of Vicorp Restaurants Inc., parent here of the Village Inn and Bakers Square family restaurant chains, according to The Denver Business Journal.
Financial Overview
HEATHROW, Fla. — RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC., operator or franchisor of more than 100 namesake restaurants, posted fourth-quarter profit that was more than double year-earlier results on increased revenues and a one-time gain in gift-card-related income. For the 14 weeks ended Dec. 31, the company has unadjusted earnings of $10.7 million, or 46 cents per share, compared with $4.3 million, or 18 cents per share, posted in the prior year's 13- week fourth quarter. Corporate revenues for the latest quarter rose 51.4 percent to $88 million. Same-store sales increased 7.4 percent at corporate restaurants on a comparable 13-week to 13-week basis, the company said....