March 1, 2001

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Burger Bonanza
That Americans love hamburgers is no secret, but the objects of diners' affection are changing. Patties are getting bigger and are not limited to ground beef. toppings otions have become more numerous, more creative. As a result, servings of this menu staple are on the rise.

SPECIAL REPORT

The Right Stuff
More than 50 billion meals were eaten away from home last year, a substantial number of them at chain restaurants. Restaurants and Institutions' annual Choice in Chains survey asked consumers to rate dozens of those chains' key attributes, including food quality, service and convenience. This year's winners show they have what it takes to exceed consumers' high expectations.

BUSINESS

Street Smarts
Gene Street understands the miscale restaurant market. But now the chairman of Consolidated Restaurant Operations is applying what he's learned to the high-end steakhouse market.

ZIP Drive
Sodexho Marriot Services has borrowed a tactic from retailers, using ZIP code-based marketing tools to refine its Crossroads cuisine corporate-dining program.

INTERFACE

Norman Brinker
The chairman emeritus of Brinker International talks about vision, innovation and teamwork.

OPERATIONS

Up Close and Personal
New reservations-management software lets operators track more than just who's coming to dinner.

EDITORIAL

Viewpoint
Chain Report Cards