BBC seeks kitchen turmoil'
TV producers are looking for licensees who want to make their "argumentative kitchens" happier places. BBC2 is filming a series in which an expert gives advice on conflict resolution to make "the workplace a happier place to be".
Associate producer Emily Cumming said: "It's a very known public figure who at this stage has to remain nameless. It's not Gordon Ramsay or anyone in the chef world, but rather a generalist person who's extremely skilled at seeing to the heart of the matter." Cumming can be contacted on 0208 2257096.
EBLEX beefs up promotion
Licensees are being encouraged to maximise their meat sales with a new promotional kit from the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX). The kit includes a banner, posters and tabletop cards designed to boost customer awareness of lamb and beef-based dishes. Pubs will also receive a book of seasonal recipes detailing beef and lamb dishes from EBLEX's "Tuck-In" campaign. Food service project manager for EBLEX, Hugh Judd, said: "If publicans are offering special dishes such as Sunday roast or holding a themed evening, the special posters are a great way to let customers know." For more information call EBLEX on 020 8974 2404 or visit www.eblex.org.uk
Flexible menu for TGI Friday's
TGI Friday's has launched a radical new menu across the all-American chain, with a new design, pricing strategy and some tantalising signature dishes. A spokesman for Whitbread, which runs the chain, said the new menu was the result of an extensive research programme looking into existing customers' and non-users' attitudes, competitor offerings and the dining out market in general. "Gone is the previous black-bound menu book to be replaced with a bright funky leaner design, with signature dishes clearly highlighted to aid consumer choice. Also in, are more competitively-priced main dishes, with plenty of side orders and extras." The spokesman added that choice and flexibility was the focus for the menu which allowed customers to choose variations of the dishes on offer, from "lower carbohydrate dishes to even something that isn't on the menu".
Tapas is a Que Pasa bars hit
Food sales at the five-strong Que Pasa bars have enjoyed a boost following the introduction earlier this year of a tapas menu. QP Bars retail director Tim Bird said: "This is not a Spanish menu, but it does hark back to the traditional Spanish meaning of tapas which was a small cover or lid from which people used to eat their lunch-time snacks." He added: "Our menu features a range of appetisers from all over the world since its launch four months ago, we have sold a staggering 12,000 tapas across the group." Top of the tapas chart is Macho Nachos, closely followed by Hot Chicken Tenders, Crispy Aromatic Duck Spring Rolls and Warm Flat Bread and Dips.
