It's been a busy week for restaurant stocks, so I hope you're hungry. Let's dig into a few of the earnings reports and headlines that you can cut like a knife.

1. Chew the right thing
Business may be rough at some chains, but at least their hearts are in the right place. It was a busy week for charitable drives. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) launched World Hunger Relief, an annual hunger relief drive.

Not to be outdone, Chili's Grill & Bar parent Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) announced that 100% of the profits throughout its Chili's chain come next Monday will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Given the sorry state of casual dining chains, particularly on a sleepy Monday, let's hope that there's a profit at the end of the day. I'd hate to see St. Jude hit up with a bill after the drive. Just kidding, Brinker. Props for the karma points.

2. Hold the green peppers and the lettuce
If hot glazed doughnuts don't do the trick, maybe something cool will. Krispy Kreme (NYSE:KKD) is rolling out a soft-serve ice cream called Kool Kreme, complete with its own toppings bar.

It sounds wacky, but it makes sense. Krispy Kreme must have seen this coming decades ago when it chose its creamy moniker. I like the move. It gives consumers a new, smooth treat to come back for. I just want to know if I can go in and order my glazed doughnut a la mode.

3. Buy this, sell that
It was a mixed week for analyst ratings. JPMorgan upgraded shares of Burger King (NYSE:BKC), while Bank of America downgraded Brinker's stock.

The disparity isn't a shock. Fast food chains have been holding up well in the penny-pinching climate while their casual dining peers have had a tougher time attracting patrons. There are exceptions, of course, but analysts are simply following the consumers here. It explains why Jefferies & Co. initiated cover of swanky chophouse Morton's (NYSE:MRT) with a "hold" rating on Tuesday.

4. Not so super, Sonic
The good news is that carhop magnet Sonic (NASDAQ:SONC) wrapped up another positive fiscal year. The chain has now scored 22 consecutive years of positive same-store sales.

The bad news is that the chain is being pressured by restaurant-level operating margins, and sees that trend continuing into fiscal 2009. Yes, quick-service chains have had an easy time winning thrifty diners, but a company can't thrive if labor costs keep rising and it can't pass on commodity cost increases to its cash-strapped customers.

5. Under its wing
Chicken wing haven Buffalo Wild Wings (NASDAQ:BWLD) took more of its poultry palaces under its wing. The company completed the acquisition of nine Las Vegas locations from its franchisees in a $23 million deal.

It's refreshing to see companies buy back their franchise locations. Yes, franchising is a great way to grow quickly and secure high-margin royalties, but successful concepts can be milked more effectively with company-owned locations.

Check out this week's dessert specials: