Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

HAMMOND | This summer, watch for more than $25 million in new construction off an interstate exit in Hammond.

A popular sit-down restaurant and sports bar that specializes in chicken wings will join a microbrewery and a four-story hotel at the development at the southeast corner of Kennedy Avenue and Interstate 80/94.

All three projects may end up under construction at the same time this year, said Phil Taillon, executive director of Hammond planning and development.

Buffalo Wild Wings wants to build a 7,000-square-foot restaurant on the southeast corner of the site where the River Park Apartments used to be. The restaurant would be located on a 1.5-acre site south of Carlson Drive, and the chain hopes to include an outdoor patio with views overlooking the Little Calumet River.

The fast-growing restaurant chain plans to invest $2.4 million in the new restaurant, which will employ 60 workers. Hammond is offering $800,000 in special tax district money as incentives, including for work on the building facade, parking lot and landscaping.

Buffalo Wild Wings currently has more than 950 locations nationwide, including in Calumet City, Lansing, Homewood, Schererville, Merrillville, Crown Point, Portage, Valapraiso, Michigan City and LaPorte.

But after Cracker Barrel, it would be only the second national sit-down chain in Hammond, the state's fifth largest city, Tallion said.

"In the entire city of Hammond, we only have one mid-level chain as of right now," he said. The rest are fast-food restaurants or family-owned restaurants. But we don't really have a lot of the Applebee's, T.G.I. Friday's, and Chili's. Now residents won't have to go driving to another city to enjoy that type of restaurant. They can stay in Hammond and enjoy it here, and that's what we want."

Buffalo Wild Wings should be able to draw visitors into town too, by pulling highway traffic off the Borman, Tallion said.

"It's a nationally known restaurant that known for having a lot of TVs and showing the game." he said. "Drivers will see the sign, and it will pull people into the development. It will work as an anchor."

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Buffalo Wild Wings, Hampton Inn coming to Hammond's Oxbow Landing

The U.S. restaurant industry was a little under the weather in the latter half of 2013. The downbeat mood was accentuated by Fed's "taper talk," the temporary government shutdown in October and concerns regarding consumer spending trends. The consumer confidence index was under pressure, declining from September to November straight due to the government shutdown and concerns regarding consumer spending over the next six months. But sentiment had started steadily improving, though the recent stock market weakness could potentially reverse that.

The industry is dependent on broad macroeconomic factors, with dining out being a largely discretionary activity. The economic climate largely influences restaurant choices for customers. We believe issues related to "Obamacare," volatility in housing data and fuel prices and excess supply may continue to cast shadows on the long-term picture. Additionally, an extensive focus on value proposition along with moderate pricing power could prove unfavorable for margins if exercised on a long-term basis.

However, we expect the outlook for the restaurant industry to get better driven by innate fundamental strengths, reflecting an improving economic backdrop. Statistics bear out this relatively favorable environment. Restaurant-and-foodservice sales are anticipated to be $683.4 billion in 2014, up 3.6% year over year, as per the National Restaurant Association. In real terms, this will mark the fifth consecutive year of growth in restaurant sales. The strength in the U.S. restaurant industry is backed by pent-up demand from consumers to live and eat well.

A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association revealed that the Restaurant Performance Index (RPI), measuring the present condition and outlook on the U.S. restaurant industry, was 101.2 in November, up 0.3% sequentially and the highest since Jun 2013. The Current Situation Index, which measures comparable store sales, traffic count, labor costs and capital expenditures in the industry was 101.2 in November, also up 0.3% sequentially and the highest in the last six months. The latest index is indicative of the underlying strength in the industry.

Moreover, yearly hikes in dividends on a regular basis by some restaurateurs like The Cheesecake Factory Inc. ( CAKE ), Brinker International, Inc. ( EAT ) and McDonald's Corp. ( MCD ) underscore their efforts to consistently return shareholder and franchisee value irrespective of the economic peaks and valleys.

OPPORTUNITIES

Domestic and International Unit Expansion

After emerging from a lackluster economy that lasted for three years, most of the companies had stepped up their pace of restaurant openings.

Not content with domestic expansion alone, the companies were looking to test waters as well as developing taste buds in foreign shores. Restaurateurs are primarily concentrating on the emerging markets that provide ample opportunities for expansion. The burgeoning middle income population in emerging countries encourages these companies to shift their spotlight from the somewhat saturated domestic market. DineEquity, Inc. ( DIN ), Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. ( RRGB ) and The Cheesecake Factory have been quite active on this front.

Refranchising, Revamping & Innovating Menus - a Common Trend

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Restaurant Stock Outlook - Jan 2014 - Zacks Analyst Interviews

The U.S. restaurant industry was a little under the weather in the latter half of 2013. The downbeat mood was accentuated by Fed's "taper talk," the temporary government shutdown in October and concerns regarding consumer spending trends. The consumer confidence index was under pressure, declining from September to November straight due to the government shutdown and concerns regarding consumer spending over the next six months. But sentiment had started steadily improving, though the recent stock market weakness could potentially reverse that.

The industry is dependent on broad macroeconomic factors, with dining out being a largely discretionary activity. The economic climate largely influences restaurant choices for customers. We believe issues related to "Obamacare," volatility in housing data and fuel prices and excess supply may continue to cast shadows on the long-term picture. Additionally, an extensive focus on value proposition along with moderate pricing power could prove unfavorable for margins if exercised on a long-term basis.

However, we expect the outlook for the restaurant industry to get better driven by innate fundamental strengths, reflecting an improving economic backdrop. Statistics bear out this relatively favorable environment. Restaurant-and-foodservice sales are anticipated to be $683.4 billion in 2014, up 3.6% year over year, as per the National Restaurant Association. In real terms, this will mark the fifth consecutive year of growth in restaurant sales. The strength in the U.S. restaurant industry is backed by pent-up demand from consumers to live and eat well.

A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association revealed that the Restaurant Performance Index (RPI), measuring the present condition and outlook on the U.S. restaurant industry, was 101.2 in November, up 0.3% sequentially and the highest since Jun 2013. The Current Situation Index, which measures comparable store sales, traffic count, labor costs and capital expenditures in the industry was 101.2 in November, also up 0.3% sequentially and the highest in the last six months. The latest index is indicative of the underlying strength in the industry.

Moreover, yearly hikes in dividends on a regular basis by some restaurateurs like The Cheesecake Factory Inc. ( CAKE ), Brinker International, Inc. ( EAT ) and McDonald's Corp. ( MCD ) underscore their efforts to consistently return shareholder and franchisee value irrespective of the economic peaks and valleys.

OPPORTUNITIES

Domestic and International Unit Expansion

After emerging from a lackluster economy that lasted for three years, most of the companies had stepped up their pace of restaurant openings.

Not content with domestic expansion alone, the companies were looking to test waters as well as developing taste buds in foreign shores. Restaurateurs are primarily concentrating on the emerging markets that provide ample opportunities for expansion. The burgeoning middle income population in emerging countries encourages these companies to shift their spotlight from the somewhat saturated domestic market. DineEquity, Inc. ( DIN ), Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. ( RRGB ) and The Cheesecake Factory have been quite active on this front.

Refranchising, Revamping & Innovating Menus - a Common Trend

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Restaurant Stock Outlook - Jan 2014 - Industry Outlook

ALLENTOWN, Pa. -

A landmark restaurant in Allentown is being reborn.

The Shanty in the 600 block of North 19th Street has sat vacant for years. Now, workers are busy, hopeful its doors will open in time for the west end's St Patrick's Day festivities.

The Shanty's new owners said they wanted to give the landmark an updated look while keeping some of the things that made it memorable.

The Shanty many people remember before the restaurant closed in 2005 featured a green and tan awning with a sea horse.

The building has since changed hands a few times. Workers are now bringing the landmark restaurant back to life.

"We are going to have exhibition cooking. We are going to have the salad bar. The vibe is going to be very similar," said Ron Pickering

Pickering and Joe Tatasciore, owners of the Sunset Grille in Upper Macungie Twp., Lehigh Co., leased the space and are partners in the culinary adventure, although for the last few months, they said it's been nothing but new plumbing, electrical and tile work.

It's a feast of construction, using a lot of the restaurant's original mahogany and replicating its trademark mirrors over the bar.

"This is going to be back where our dish area is, and instead of taking our dishes and glasses out through the kitchen entrance, this is going to be a pass-through," said Tatsciore.

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Work underway to reopen landmark restaurant in Allentown

Pool Remodeling Conroe TX | Call 936-213-0109 Swimming Pools | Replastering
Pool Remodeling Conroe TX - Call for free quote! 936-213-0109 Swimming Pool Replastering, Plaster Repair, Renovations. We #39;re sharing about pool remodeling, r...

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Pool Remodeling Conroe TX | Call 936-213-0109 Swimming Pools | Replastering - Video

DES PLAINES, IL -- The National Association of the Remodeling Industrys (NARI) fourth-quarter Remodeling Business Pulse (RBP) data of current and future remodeling business conditions continues to show growth. Although remodelers report the highest overall rating on business conditions, at 6.51 (from 6.41 last quarter), numbers in most other categories experienced a slight drop.

Many remodelers entered 2014 with jobs in the pipeline, which hasnt happened in the past few years, says Tom OGrady, CR, CKBR, chairman of NARIs Strategic Planning & Research Committee and president of OGrady Builders, based in Drexel Hill, Pa. Although inquiries, requests for bids and conversion of bids are down in Q4, that backlog has given remodelers confidence that the overall business conditions will remain positive.

Growth indicators in the fourth quarter of 2013 are as follows (rating is from 1 to 9, where 1 is much worse than a year ago and 9 is much better; 5 is about the same as last year):

Current business conditions was rated 6.51 (from 6.41 last quarter) Number of inquiries fell to 6.2, a significant drop from 6.55 last quarter. Requests for bids fell to 6.22 from 6.45, a significant decline from last quarter.

Conversion of bids to jobs continues to be the weakest measure remaining flat at 6.03.

Value of jobs sold declined to 6.27 from 6.31 recorded last quarter.

Conversion of bids to jobs continues to be the weakest measure when compared to the same time last year. Yet, the projected strength of sales in three months had a significant increase to 6.41 from the 6.12 recorded in September.

The fourth quarter of this year was very strong for many remodelers, as reflected in the Remodeling Business Pulse Survey, OGrady says. Average sale prices continue to rise, and consumers are more comfortable spending money on projects that will increase the value of their homes.

Other significant contributors to overall activity:

People needing to do projects that had been postponed was selected by 75 percent (down from 85 percent last quarter)

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Remodeling Market Continues To Show Growth, According to NARI

Colton Plumber
Colton Plumber.

By: HamlineAthletics

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Colton Plumber - Video

Update: After Laurie Monteforte's Story on Donna and Glenn Smith aired on Eyewitness News at Five-many people called to offer help and support. An area plumber offered his services to the couple. Just before Eyewitness News at Seven- the couple call to tell their problem is fixed and they once again have water.

Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County Donna Smith discovered her dry faucet Thursday morning. This is very stressful on me, she frowned. She has breast cancer. Her husband Glenn is legally blind. Its really hard on me, he said.

Glenn looked for frozen pipes in the home but he couldnt find the problem. So he called Pennsylvania American Water Company. An inspector found an underground pipe outside is the problem. Since the pipe is on the couples property they are responsible for the maintenance. They will have to hire someone to defrost it."I don't have the money to do this, said Glenn

Since the Smiths dont have extra money they are trying to make the best of it. Glenn said, "I have to go next door to my neighbor to get water. I have to fill up the tank in my toilet in order to go to the bathroom."

Donna told Eyewitness News she stopped taking some of her medication because the side effects make her need to use the bathroom frequently. She said, "I haven't been able to take the medication because I have to ration the water."

They hope they wont have to ration it much longer. They hope a plumber or water delivery company might come forward to help them.

A water company spokesperson said you can keep your pipes from freezing by letting the water drip from an open faucet during cold snaps.

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Update: Couple Struggles Without Water

Ido Gileadi is the new chief information officer at FIS. He comes to the company from Capco, FIS global business consultancy.

Shawn Svehla of Turner Pest Control was named the 2013 Termite Technician of the Year by PCT Magazine. Svehla was selected from a pool of nominations from pest control companies across the U.S.

Bill Dixon has been promoted to general manager of the three Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Jacksonville. He joined the company in 2011 as South Coastal district manager.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine has made two appointments. Jeanette Ghioto is the new mission advancement director. Nancy Seyler is administrator of Lourdes Hall, the organizations retirement home.

Phenessa Harris has joined The Womens Center of Jacksonville as community education director. She most recently worked with Edison State College as campus director, learning resources.

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Career Track: Who's on the move across the First Coast

JA-ROY PEST CONTROL: Jake... Or the Other Guys?

By: Catherine Shreves

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JA-ROY PEST CONTROL: Jake... Or the Other Guys? - Video