There always seems to be restaurant news on the menu. As I do every week, let's take a look at some of this week's more appetizing stories.
1. Darn it, Darden
Don't you hate it when a bad dessert ruins an otherwise delicious meal?
Darden Restaurants
So where's the rancid dessert? The company is forecasting comps to weaken through the second half of the fiscal year. Income from continuing operations will also dip for all of fiscal 2009. Check, please!
2. Brinker slims down
Brinker International
However, we've all seen deals fall apart on the way to the finish line. If I can butcher an old expression to fit my eatery-themed needs, you don't pay the ferryman until he gets you to the other side dish.
Now the handoff is complete. Brinker will retain a 19.9% stake in the concept and use the $130 million to $135 million in proceeds to pay down its debt.
3. Carl's Jr. earns its star
Life is better on the fast-food front. CKE Restaurants
4. Everyone out of the Ark
Noah prepared for a storm by building an ark big enough to accommodate pairs of animals, as the Biblical tale goes. In the here and now, Ark Restaurants
Despite a healthy balance sheet and continuing profitability, the operator with an eclectic collection of 30 fast-food concepts and 20 restaurants and bars is apparently saving its pennies for a rainy day.
5. From sonic boom to Sonic's bust
If you thought Sonic
And I thought Sonic's menu board was already one big value menu.
6. Ruby Tuesday sees red
Indigestion is never a good thing, but sometimes a company needs to take the appropriate steps to clear out its system. Ruby Tuesday
7. You go, Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills have seen their NFL season deteriorate in recent weeks, but Buffalo Wild Wings
After a brutal 2008 for most restaurant stocks, let's hope that 2009 gives the industry more room to run.
Check out this week's dessert specials: