Casual Dining Chains Hunger for Change
There's growing sentiment that this is something the whole $75 billion casual dining industry needs to do. We know their names - such as T.G.I. Friday's, Chili's, Applebee's - but over the years, too many of the nation's 81,000 casual dining restaurants have come to look, taste and feel the same. These tough times are forcing the industry to rethink, retrench, reprice, redesign and even re-imagine. Here are 6 things top casual dining executives, consultants and consumers think chains need to do now.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-10-13-casual-dining-restaurants_N.htm


Beware Dividend Traps
Dividend cuts are coming. Here are some companies that will likely reduce their dividends. They include Bank of America, GE, Morgan Stanley, Macy's and Nordstrom.
http://www.forbes.com/home/2008/10/13/macys-nordstrom-santander-pf-ii-in_pr_1013dividend_inl.html


Know Your CD
Certificates of deposit, with their 3% to 4.5% yields, are the current kings of the hill. But make sure you read the bank's fine print.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/certificates-deposit-offer-top-rates/story.aspx?guid=%7B770E3A65%2DB71E%2D45CC%2D91CD%2D40CEAA6CF58E%7D

Buy Meat By the Side
With grain futures on the rise, meat is poised to reach an unheard of price per pound. Here's how to keep your family eating quality local beef without breaking your budget.
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/lifestyle/food-drink/buy-meat-side


A Growing Biz: Bodyguard to the Stars
Even with the market tanking, business is good for Picore Worldwide. With clients like top corporate executives and celebrities like Paula Abdul, this high-end security firm is gunning for more growth.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/10/smallbusiness/my_bodyguard_picore.fsb/index.htm?postversion=2008101310