Minnesota Restaurant Blog:
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 America's Healthiest Chain RestaurantHealth Magazine has named Uno Chicago Grill as "America's Healthiest Chain Restaurant". Editors of the magazine were impressed with their lower-calorie flatbread pizzas, a menu with zero grams trans fat, a gluten-free menu, and more. Uno Chicago Grill CEO Frank W Guidara was delighted with the news. The restaurant chain has quarterly meetings with its Nutritional Advisory Board, whic Guidara oversees. Uno Chicago Grill is not in Minnesota. The closest locations are in Wisconsin (Lake Delton, Madison). Olive Garden was the only restaurant chain found locally in central Minnesota which made Health Magazine's list.  Kentucky 'Grilled' Chicken?KFC has been serving fried chicken for over 65 years. Now they may finally be grilling as well. Kentucky Grilled Chicken is currently being tested in several markets, including Indianapolis and San Diego. It should go nationwide in 2009. The new grilled chicken has between 3-9 grams of fat, while the more traditional fried chicken has between 8-24 grams of fat. KFC has made other nutritional changes so far, including going to zero grams of trans fat in their fried chicken and working to reduce the sodium content.  Little Falls Dairy Queen has Orange JuliusOrange Julius products can now be purchased at the Little Falls Dairy Queen. Orange Julius, which has been around since 1926, has been owned by the Dairy Queen company since 1987. But only recently has Orange Julius been added to the product line of select Dairy Queens. To date, Orange Julius locations have mostly been in malls. Orange Julius products contain orange juice, flavor enhancer, ice and sweetener. Customer may add fiber or protein additives. The Little Falls Dairy Queen is owned by Doug and Laurie Veillette. www.dairyqueen.com
 Starbucks' New StrategiesAt the annual Starbucks shareholders meeting, ceo Howard Schultz revealed some strategic initiatives to solidify their position as the "world's coffee authority". They've acquired The Coffee Equipment Company and its Clover brewing system. Baristas across the country will scoop and grind a new unique coffee blend. They will introduce a new state-of-the-art espresso system providing a perfect shot every time. The Starbucks Card Rewards program will be phased in providing benefits to card holders. MyStarbucksIdea.com will be launched as an official Starbucks online community. Finally, Starbucks will expand their relationship with Conservation International - enhancing their commitment to ethically sourcing the world's finest coffees. www.starbucks.com
 Bakers Square Closing 56 RestaurantsVICORP Restaurants, which is the parent company of Bakers Square Restaurants, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will close 56 restaurants across the country. The closures include seven Twins Cities areas Bakers Square Restaurants, but the St Cloud Bakers Square will remain open. VICORP (based in Denver) hopes closing the restaurants will help them with re-organization and get them back to profitability. VICORP also owns the Village Inn restaurant chain and operates over 300 restaurants in 25 states. www.bakerssquarerestaurants.com
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