News Briefs for June 12, 2013
June 12, 2013•Anheuser-Busch is launching a new 11.5-ounce reclosable aluminum bottle for Bud Light Platinum. The new packaging will initially be available at nightclubs and pools as well as in 10-packs at retail stores throughout Las Vegas, followed by a nationwide rollout later this year. A-B said the new bottle, which has a twist-off cap, is more than 50% stronger than a standard aluminum can and helps the beer get cold faster. Platinum is also available in 12-ounce glass bottles, 22-ounce single-serve bottles and 12-ounce cans. Launched early last year, the extension depleted 27.5 million (2.25-gallon) cases in 2012, according to Impact Databank.
•Ruby Tuesday Inc. has appointed former Darden Restaurants executive Todd Burrowes as its COO and president of the Ruby Tuesday casual-dining brand. Burrowes, who has more than 25 years of industry experience, has spent the past five years as executive vice president of operations for the LongHorn Steakhouse brand at Darden. This is the latest in a series of executive changes at Ruby Tuesday. Other moves have included the appointment of Jeffrey Wood as chief development officer in May, Jill Golder as senior vice president of finance in April and Mark Bibby as executive chef and vice president of culinary & beverage in March. Late last year, Ruby Tuesday Inc. named former Darden chief marketing officer J.J. Buettgen as its new president and CEO, following the retirement of Ruby Tuesday founder, chairman and CEO Sandy Beall. The reshaping of Ruby Tuesday Inc.’s management team is aimed at improving profitability, which has also included closing 13 of its Marlin & Ray’s restaurants, its one Wok Hay unit, two Lime Fresh Mexican Grill locations and two Truffles Grill units. In April, Ruby Tuesday posted a 52% decrease in earnings for its fiscal third quarter, attributed to restaurant closure costs and weaker same-store sales.
•Casual dining chain Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom has launched a nationwide brand redesign with a heavier focus on craft beer. The revamp includes a new look and concept for the restaurants, featuring re-engineered kitchen and bar technologies, a new menu and an expanded craft beer selection. Each Old Chicago location will now offer 36 craft beers on tap, and will also have 24 new unique craft beers rotating daily from the selection of over 40 bottled beers. The redesign will begin with Old Chicago’s Colorado locations, slated to be finished by the end of this month. Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1976, Old Chicago currently operates 96 restaurants across 22 states.
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