NEW YORK – ARG Enterprises Inc., owner of the Black Angus Steakhouse chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, according to media reports.

Chief restructuring officer Lisa Poulin reportedly said in an affidavit that the company operates 69 restaurants in seven states, mainly near or on the West Coast. The company employs about 3,600 people.

"The debtors believe that these declines are primarily due to the recessionary economic environment," she said. "Making matters worse, the debtors' restaurants primarily are located in some of the areas hardest hit by the mortgage crisis, causing consumers in those markets to cut back on discretionary spending, such as dining out."

The company had reportedly looked for buyers of the chain, but received no interest or offers. The company is still looking for buyers during reorganization.

The company is the latest of a string of casual-dining operations that have filed for bankruptcy, including Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale Restaurants.

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has sent a letter to congressional leaders encouraging the development of second generation biofuels as part of a stimulus package.

NCBA President Andy Groseta said in the letter that producers were promoting the research and development of second generation biofuels that do not utilize feed grains, grasses or forage production which may be used for cattle production.

The cattle industry has been pushing for second generation biofuels after demand for ethanol sharply pushed up the price of corn and grains used for cattle feed.

“Cattle producers do not support government interventions via subsidies and mandates,” Groseta said in the letter. “They disrupt the market and are never substitutes for good business practices. We appreciate the opportunity to share our support for renewable fuels that do not utilize feed grains or animal feed resources.”

Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

WASHINGTON – The American Meat Institute (AMI) said Tuesday that leading experts on marketing, economics, industry trends and other topics will deliver presentations at the Annual Meat Conference (AMC).

The AMC is scheduled to take place at the Sheraton Denver Hotel in Denver, March 8 through 10.

The five sessions are “Generations, Lifestyles, and the Future of the Meat in Retail,” “Economics and the Impact on Your Business,” “The Power of Meat: An In-Depth Look at Meat through the Shopper’s Eyes,” “Uncovering the Real Truth on Shopper Behavior in the New Transformational Economy” and a general closing session.

The event is co-sponsored by the AMI and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). Associate sponsors for the conference include the American Lamb Board, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council & U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, National Pork Board and National Turkey Federation.

For program and registration information, visit www.MeatConference.com.

Source: American Meat Institute