June 1, 2003

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Asian Alliances
When the University of California, Santa Barbaras renovation plans for two dining facilities include Mongolian flat-top grills, it signals how mainstream Asian cooking styles and flavors have become. From fine dining to quick service, Asian influences are reorienting menus.

Cold Cash in a Glass
Imagination raises iced tea's value in the growing specialty-drink category.

R&I EXCLUSIVE

What's in Store?
In the retail worldwhere sales per square foot is the guiding metricdresses, suits, shoes and books are making room for cafes and upscale lunch operations, proven profit centers that keep shoppers in the stores while becoming destinations themselves.

BUSINESS

Delivery Status
Late traysmeals delivered to patients outside normal meal hoursare a profit-eating problem for healthcare foodservice. Applying hotel room-service tactics is proving an effective solution for many hospitals.

Influence Peddlers
While word of mouth exerts the greatest influence on consumers decisions to visit a new restaurant, targeted advertising still sways diners. Restaurants and Institutions research reveals which media have the most impact.

Hot Spots: All in the Family
Sometimes overlooked but never underappreciated by diners, the family-dining segment continues to grow. R&Is Hot Spots looks at five chains that excel at keeping menus fresh and the coffee refills coming.

OPERATIONS

Turning Up the Volume
Labor-saving kitchen equipment simplifies large-batch preparation.

Getting Caught Up in Food Safety
Chartwells develops low-cost incentives targeting work-related injuries and sanitation.

DEPARTMENTS

Food for Thought
A nation where restaurant ownership is a girls dream; a Cincinnati hospital takes its kids menu to a new dimension; Rocco DiSpirito is ready for prime time; the NRA is feeling neighborly; McDonalds spends more time in courtrooms; six chains with people skills get their just awards; fine-dining restaurants try new traffic-building tactics in tough times. Menu Focus takes a quick sip of warm-weather beverage ideas....

EDITORIAL

Viewpoint
Foes and Cons

The Editors
Circular Motion