Category: Eateries

Nino Selimaj is the owner of Nino’s which has been described as one of New York’s most popular upscale Italian dining destinations. Nino’s celebrity clientele includes Tom Jones, Cindy Crawford, Stevie Wonder, Brooke Shields, Regis Philbin, and ex-Governor of New York State – George Pataki. Nino’s also is the home of the $1,000 Pizza. That’s right – $1,000 for a pizza. Mr. Nino Selimaj was kind enough to take some time off from his very busy schedule to speak with us. Q – Mr. Selimaj what were you doing before…

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The very first Johnny Rockets opened on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles on June 6th 1986. Since then, they’ve opened over 200 restaurants. And the Awards: City search ranks Johnny Rockets as one of the Top Ten restaurants in markets across the country for “Family Friendly”, “Best Hamburger”, “Best Fries”, “Cheap Eats”, “Comfort Food”, and “Best American Food”. Cozette Phifer, the Director of Communications for Johnny Rockets, fills us in on Johnny Rockets—–“where the good times roll”. Q – Cozette, who started Johnny Rockets? Where did that name come from?…

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She is widely regarded as the “First Lady” of Italian restaurants in the United States – and for good reason!! She has left an incredible mark in the city of New York as food historian, executive chef and co-owner of 3 restaurants there – Felidia, BECCO, and Frico Bar. It was back in 1981 that Lidia and her husband Felice opened Felidia (the name taken from the combination of both their names). Then, together with their son Joseph they opened the popular Becco in the heart of New York’s theatre…

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It almost goes without saying that McDonald’s is an American Institution. McDonald’s and its fast food approach to the restaurant business represents American ingenuity at its best. McDonald’s as we know it, was started by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California in 1948. A gentleman by the name of Art Bender was there at the beginning. He sold the very first McDonald’s hamburger and was the first McDonald’s franchisee!! Today McDonald’s employs thousands of people world-wide and has sold over 100 Billion Hamburgers!! Art Bender talked…

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On the corner of Flatbush and De Kalb Avenues in downtown Brooklyn, New York stands Junior’s Restaurant, home to the Best Cheesecake in Brooklyn, the U.S. and the world!! For over 50 years now, Junior’s has played host to famous singers, authors, movie stars, athletes, mayors, and Supreme Court Justices. Alan Rosen is the owner of Junior’s. You haven’t had cheesecake until you’ve had Junior’s Cheesecake. Q – Alan, how much cheesecake do you eat? A – I want to say I taste cheesecake once to twice a week. That’s…

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Their sauce is made in Vermont, but it’s gaining a reputation worldwide as simply the best pasta sauce around. What’s the story behind Bove’s of Vermont? Who better to answer that than the President of Bove’s—–Mark Bove. Q – Let’s see if I have the history of Bove’s correct. It was your grandmother who opened a restaurant on December 17 th 1941, in Burlington, Vermont. People liked her pasta sauce so much that she or her family decided to bottle and sell it all over the country. Is that how…

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Mike and Denise Busley of Traverse City, Michigan have made quite a name for themselves and their pies. They’ve received national attention from The Food Network, Home and Garden Television, Business Week, and U.S. News and World Report to name just a few media outlets. The Grand Traverse Pie Co. is regarded as a premier destination for great pies. Mike Busley talked with us about his pie business and how he launched it. Q – Mike, before you got involved in the pie business, you spent 16 years as a…

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His restaurant was voted Rochester, New York’s Best Italian Restaurant in 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005. It was only in July 1995 that the restaurant first opened. Adding to the restaurant’s charm and of course great food is owner Mario Daniele’s pledge—–“You’re not just a customer, you are my special guest. Q – Mr. Daniele, how many restaurants do you now own? A – I currently own 3 restaurants in Monroe County and 1 in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Q – You actually opened your first Pizzeria in Detroit. What did…

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Krispy Kreme Donuts. They’re the “hottest” thing around. Madonna gave up working out—–for Krispy Kreme Donuts. What’s the secret behind the success of Krispy Kreme? We thought we’d ask the company’s Vice-President of Marketing that question. Q – At last, I get to talk to the guy behind Krispy Kreme….. A – (Laughs). Oh, there’s a lot of guys and gals behind Krispy Kreme. Q – There must be a secret recipe used in the making of the Krispy Kreme doughnut. How do you insure that it will remain secret?…

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Edward C. Droste is the Co-Founder and partner of Hooters Restaurants which originated in Clearwater, Florida in 1983. Hooters currently has over 380 units open nationwide (the United States) with sales of more than $700 million annually and consistently ranks as one of the nations fastest growing chains. Mr. Droste talked with us recently about his background, the early days of Hooters Restaurant(s) and what he sees in the days ahead for the co. Q – I would imagine that if you’re Edward Droste and the co-founder of Hooters, the…

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