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The return of McRib is about as unexpected as the cancellation of “Charlie’s Angels,” and just as interesting. Here are three other McDonald’s tidbits that are more indicative of the global state of the burger business:  ● What’s more unusual than McRib? How about a burger topped with mashed eggplant? That’s the thinking in Italy where renowned Michelin-starred [...]

A year ago, BurgerBusiness.com tipped off that McDonald’s had introduced all-breast-meat Chicken McBites in Australia as a new-era McNugget. In Sept. 2011, we reported that McBites were testing in Detroit, and in a post last month, we called chicken snack foods like McBites “the next battleground” for QSRs.  Now, connecting those dots, is Maureen Morrison of Ad [...]

Despite the ongoing debt crisis hobbling several European nations’ economies, McDonald’s Corp. reported a 4.9% increase in same-store sales for Europe for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011. That even bested the 4.4% comp-sales increase for the chain in the U.S. Global net income rose 9% for the quarter. But CFO Peter Bensen also cautioned [...]

Foodservice researcher Technomic Inc. forecast “the rise of Korean barbecue and Korean food in general” as one of its 11 emerging trends to watch in 2011. Heralding that trend, the company said, is the growing popularity of that food-truck darling the Korean taco, “an only-in-America synthesis of Korean-style fillings and a Mexican format.”  Now, mirroring [...]

The revamping of Hungry Jack’s—Burger King’s franchise in Australia—includes the introduction of two new burgers, promoted as being certified organic beef.  The chain has been promising a dramatic brand update for weeks and officially announces details tomorrow, but it will include the unveiling of the BBQ Deluxe Country Burger and BBQ Onion Country Burger (with addition [...]

Here’s what the world of burgers has on its menu this morning:  ● Hungry Jack’s, the Australian franchisee of Burger King, promises major announcements tomorrow (10/18), likely to encompass significant shifts in its brand and market positioning. The 330-plus-unit operation gave an early indication of its future style last month with its decision to add [...]

“Whataburger is getting rid of the voiceover guy? But it’s not a Whataburger commercial without the voice!” This tweet from @Shadowrayven is one of many similar expressions of Twittersphere shock or outrage that greeted San Antonio-based Whataburger’s new advertising campaign, which, for the first time in nine years, doesn’t feature the warm voice of actor [...]

Esquire magazine today released its list of this year’s best new restaurants. Of course, we need to ask, “OK, but can they make a burger?” Surprisingly, and encouragingly, eight of the 17 restaurants selected menu America’s favorite.  Recognition goes first to Kris Morningstar (at right), executive chef at one of the winners, Ray’s & Stark Bar, [...]

Whataburger today (Monday, Oct. 10, at 3 p.m.) brings back for menu encores four LTOs it has introduced over the past few years. These includes three burgers—the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, the Whataburger Patty Melt and the Chop House Cheddar Burger—along with the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip sandwich on toast.  The “All-Time Favorites” sandwiches [...]

McDonald’s tailors menus to local markets, but the tailoring takes on a different focus depending on the culinary culture. That translated recently to experimenting with goat cheese, Cantal and blue cheese as burger toppings in France, for example. In Italy, McDonald’s has launched the McItaly Vivace burger. Developed by Michelin-starred chef Gualtiero Marchesi, it’s topped with [...]

The White Castle chain is 90 years old, so it could be excused for moving a bit slowly, as it historically has done on the menu and marketing fronts. But last year the chain showed some surprising liveliness by testing three new dining concepts: Deckers Grilled Sandwiches, Blaze Modern BBQ and an Asian/Italian concept called Laughing Noodle. [...]

Happy October. Sometime this week, probably early on Wednesday, BurgerBusiness.com will get its one-millionth page view. Perhaps it will be from you. Thanks for that. A million views is an achievement for a chatty little B2B blog about the business of selling burgers. Know that your visits have been appreciated. You’re all welcome to return any time.    [...]