"casual dining" news and stories

When it comes to picking a favorite casual-dining restaurant, customers look to experience, convenience and food quality. But what restaurants make the grade?

According to a survey done by Boulder, Colo.-based Market Force, customers put The Cheesecake Factory on top, Nation's Restaurant News reported.

The Cheesecake Factory earned 6 percent of the favorite-restaurant vote, but when weighted for number of locations per chain, the tally rose to 13 percent, making it the clear winner. Market Force surveyed 5,000 people between 18 and 72 years old, 76 percent of which were women, NRN reported.

U.S.-based, fast-casual* restaurant Chipotle Mexican Grill announced yesterday that they will be opening at least one store in London by the end of 2009. Opening a location abroad has more complications for Chipotle than it does for other dining brands, as they have a policy of working with local farmers and ranchers in order to source their food locally, humanely and sustainably.

They also announced yesterday that Bill Niman, founder of Niman Ranch, will be joining the management team as the Sustainable Agriculture Advisor. His job will be to will help Chipotle to expand on its efforts to support sustainable agriculture and bring food from sustainable sources to the masses.

It sounds like Chipotle is working hard to do everything right. Now, if only they could open a location in Center City Philadelphia!

*What happens to eating out when the quality of casual dining meets the speed and efficiency of fast food.

Tyler Florence, the popular Food Network host is teaming up with Applebees to "inject a youthful flair into an already outstanding menu," meaning that the restaurant that is primarily known for its family fare is hoping to attract diners in a different age bracket. The pairing makes sense since Florence's shows are geared towards a younger audience of less experienced cooks moreso than some of the network's programs. He is also known for helping to introduce home cooks to new ingredients and techniques in a familiar setting, which may make the new menu items he helped design more appealing. They include Penne Rosa with Sweet Italian Sausage; Herb-Crusted Chicken Topped with Italian Country Salad; Crispy Brick Chicken (a small flat-grilled chicken) with Warm Spinach Salad; and a Bruschetta Burger, which is a burger on focaccia, topped with a pesto and bruschetta mix.

Florence will also be feature in the chain's ads and will have a photo in their menus. The new foods will be available in mid-September.

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