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July 14, 2008
Starbucks $3.75 Smoothie Packs Juice, Protein and Fiber in a 250-Calorie Package
It may be tough to sell a $4 cup o' joe in a sour economy, but Starbucks (and other QSRs) are betting that consumers will fork out nearly that much for healthy-sounding fruit smoothies. On Tuesday, Starbucks rolls out Vivanno, a $3.75 smoothie made with one whole banana, juice, ice, and protein and fiber powder. Read the full story >>
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Noncom NicheTips and Insights for Noncommercial Operators
R&I's Noncom Niche enewsletter delivers market analysis, research, product information and other data vital to noncommercial operators. This free, monthly briefing also features consumer insights and food and operations trends that impact noncommercial operations. Subscribe today!

12% of respondents say they typically eat at restaurants or foodservice establishments outside the home once a month.
Source: R&I, 2007 Tastes of America

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Alcohol Sales Weather Downturn, with Increased Consumption at Home, not Restaurants
Alcoholic beverages are withstanding the economic slowdown very well, compared to other categories that might be considered indulgent or non-necessities, said Danny Brager, a vice president in client service and beverage alcohol for Nielsen's polling service. But the poll found a large number of consumers are going out less often to restaurants, bars and nightclubs and are buying alcohol for consumption at home. Read the full story >>
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BlogsGet Expert Industry Insights with R&I Blogs
R&I blogs fill you in on the latest insights, ideas and opinions circling the restaurant industry. Get involved—ask questions and add your own observations. See what our industry bloggers have to say today in the blogs exclusive to rimag.com. Click here to BLOG!


Lane Cardwell on 'Laser Brands'
A laser brand produces a focused, narrow positioning with intense strength, writes Chain Leader's Lane Cardwell. "What is the best test of whether it is a laser restaurant brand or not? Ask someone what the restaurant is known for and see how short, or specific, the answer is. A one word or phrase answer, and it is likely a laser brand. A one sentence or paragraph answer, and it is likely an incandescent brand, spreading its positioning in all directions. Like them or not, everyone notices a laser light." Read the full story >>
Sodexo Helps Feed Children During Summer
When food supplies to the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Area Food Bank's Kids Cafe run low in the summer, young children who rely on the program don't go hungry. National foodservice company Sodexo, through its partners BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Erlanger hospital, steps in to provide weekday lunches to children at various sites. Read the full story >>
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<i>R&I</i> researchGet Industry & Consumer Insights with R&I Research
Insights and analysis of foodservice and consumer trends are key tools operators use to build successful business strategies. Those insights can be found in R&I research reports--original foodservice market research that sets industry standards for both quality and depth of information. Visit R&I's Research Store today!

Operator Lets Customers Work for Their Meals
Denise Cerreta remembers standing in her tiny sandwich shop, waiting for customers to walk through the front door. She had no restaurant experience, and her business was failing. It was then that Cerreta decided to stop charging set prices for the food she served. Instead, she would let people price their own food or allow customers to sweep the floors or wash dishes in exchange for a meal. Five years later, Cerreta's idea continues to blossom at her restaurant, One World Cafe in Salt Lake City. Read the full story >>
Benihana Founder Rocky Aoki Dies
Rocky Aoki, who sought to offer diners a sense of magic and entertainment at his Japanese steakhouse Benihana, has died after complications from cancer. He was 69. Read the full story >>
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