Restaurant

NEW YORK — Consumers are spending more, but doing so in fewer transactions, according to American Express Business Insights’ most recent Business Insights Spend Sights report.

The study, which examines spending patterns across several key categories, U.S. cities and demographic groups, finds that while economic uncertainty continues to dampen overall consumer confidence, a new pattern of less frequent but measurable splurging has become evident among a range of customer groups in several categories.

New York — Consumers are spending more, but doing so in fewer transactions, according to American Express Business Insights’ most recent Business Insights Spend Sights report.

The study, which examines spending patterns across several key categories, U.S. cities and demographic groups, finds that while economic uncertainty continues to dampen overall consumer confidence, a new pattern of less frequent but measurable splurging has become evident among a range of customer groups in several categories.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club has tapped eight all-star executive chefs to provide customers with restaurant-quality mealtime solutions.

New York — Starbucks plans to triple the number of outlets it has in China during the next four years, the Associated Press reported.

The company expects to increase the number of shops in China from 470 now to 1,500 by 2015, Asia-Pacific President Wang Jinlong said on Tuesday.

Starbucks also plans to open 700 shops in South Korea by 2016, up from 370 now, the report said.

The Falls, one of Florida’s largest open-air, retail and entertainment destinations featuring Bloomingdale's and Macy's, along with more than 95 stores and restaurants, is rolling out a new retail roster that will include several new stores and dining venues.

The retail surge at The Falls, opening in different phases as of fall 2011, will coincide with numerous exterior upgrades including new entrances and signage, along with interior enhancements featuring a contemporary and chic color palette and new soft seating areas.

Algonquin, Ill. -- Oak Brook, Ill.-based Inland Real Estate Corp. said Wednesday that Niko’s Lodge has leased the space formerly occupied by Barley House at Algonquin Commons in Algonquin, Ill.

Niko’s Lodge, a wilderness-themed steak and seafood restaurant, will open in the 8,824-sq.-ft. space in late October. This will be the restaurant’s second location.

Corpus Christi, Texas -- Shopping mall La Palmera said that one of its major tenants, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification, the restaurant’s first, for its location at the Corpus Christi, Texas, mall.

Richardson, Texas -- Restaurant chain Wingstop said it has executed development agreements with franchise operators to open 15 new Wingstops in the Atlanta market.

Three development agreements, including an 11-store deal with Tomahawk Brands LLC, will allow the Texas restaurant chain to expand its Atlanta presence from two locations to 17. The first unit under the new agreements is slated to open in early 2012.