The primary objective of this study was to conduct an exploratory investigation of the process of strategy implementation in multi-unit restaurant firms. A model comprised of five context variables and five process variables was developed on the basis of a review of the theoretical literature about the restaurant industry, strategy implementation, and organization theory. Qualitative research methods, specifically case study design, concept mapping, and matrix analysis were used to collect and analyze the data from three firms. The findings from this investigation included 14 propositions that explain the associations between the variables and other factors found to affect implementation in the three companies, which were investigated. A new framework was developed from the propositions that further delineates the strategy implementation process. The framework introduces four additional variables found to be involved in the implementation process: life cycle stage of the firm, size and geographic dispersion of the firm, manager demographics, and training. Three primary context variables, organizational culture, organizational structure, and perceived environmental uncertainty; and three primary process variables, information processing, planning and control, and resource allocation were found to have a major effect on strategy implementation. The results obtained provide a basis for further study of the implementation process. / Ph. D.

This thesis contains the results of a study of the architecture and history of drive-in restaurants from their genesis in the late 1920s to their decline in popularity during the 1960s. The study provides a context within which the historic, cultural and architectural significance of this building type can be evaluated. A Muncie, Indiana case study follows the study of the national context. Conclusions are reached concerning how the designs of drive-in restaurants in the Muncie study area compare to national design trends. It provides a framework for further research of the building type.Of the major drive-in restaurant styles, types or forms that were typical on the national scene, the Muncie study area demonstrated only the roadside stand-type, Modern style, and rectangular form. Independent of style or type, Muncie drive-ins demonstrated various interpretations of elements that were common nationally: the sheltering canopy, the pylon, lighting, electronic speaker systems for ordering, and plate glass. It is possible, though, that the Muncie study area contained other restaurants that exhibited national design trends but were demolished and left no record. / Department of Architecture

Franchising is the primary force in the growth and survival of the hospitality industry. Franchise systems contain legally independent, economically interdependent, and politically affective franchise organizations. Strategic management in hospitality franchise systems with emphasis on implementation methods is investigated in the present study. Impact of sources of power (economic and noneconomic), held by the franchisors, on franchisees’ strategy implementation process and eventual performance are also included in this study. Single unit Quick Service Restaurant (OSR) franchisees from six different concepts have participated in this study. A total of ten research hypotheses are empirically tested using various statistical procedures. The current study demonstrates that implementation plays an important role in determining performance (satisfaction) of an organization. It also shows that sources of power impact organizational performance (satisfaction) whether measured as revenues or profits. The QSR franchisees’ satisfaction with franchise arrangements is affected by the nature power sources. The results indicate that some implementation models are more effective than others, and different performance objectives demand different implementation models. The "match" between the outcome objectives and the implementation model is essential to achieve the desired performance. Different sources of power (coercive, legitimate, referent, and information) have varying effects on organizational performance, financial or nonfinancial. Originality of the instrument is one of the major methodological contributions of the study. Positive and statistically significant results achieved in the current study offer empirical validity to the instrument. Another major contribution is the confirmation of earlier studies by several authors on relation between power and satisfaction, and power and performance using the hospitality industry setting. The results also indicate that for long term survival, the OSR franchisees must consider different implementation models and their congruence with the nature of power present in the franchise system. / Ph. D.

The null hypothesis for this study was there were no differences in caloric intake, cholesterol, and sodium intakes of food prepared at home as contrasted with food prepared outside of the home when consumed by men 45-54 years old. The three dietary intakes have been associated with medical conditions that cause death in humans. This study provided information which could enable nutrition educators, foodservice managers, and men aged 45-54 who are employed at a factory to understand how consumption of these three intakes differs when foods were prepared at home as contrasted with outside of the home. Therefore, this study provided information to help lower the risk factors of heart diseases, hypertension, and obesity which are associated with caloric intake, cholesterol and sodium consumption.Participants completed three days of food frequencies and dietary records. The Sign Test was used to analyze the differences between food prepared at homeand outside of the home for caloric, cholesterol, and sodium intakes.Statistical analysis of the data revealed:(1) A significant difference in caloric intake of food prepared at home as contrasted with food prepared outside of the home when consumed by men 45-54 years old (p < 0.05).(2) No significant difference in cholesterol intake of food prepared at home as contrasted with food prepared outside of the home when consumed by men 45-54 years old (p > 0.05).(3) No significant difference in sodium intake of food prepared at home as contrasted with food prepared outside of the home when consumed by men 45-54 years old (p > 0.05). / Department of Home Economics

Given unprecedented shifts in the U.S. demography marked by rapid growth in Hispanic, Asian and other ethnic market segments, marketing scholars and practitioners are confronting ways to cultivate ethnic consumers' brand preference formation, retail patronage and their ensuring consumption choices. Food is cited as a common signifier for consumers’ ethnic/cultural identity because food itself is a cultural symbol. However, little research has examined the influences of ethnic identities on consumers’ patronage behaviors of ethnic-themed restaurants. Thus, this dissertation critically explores the impact of ethnic identity and motivational factors to better understand consumers' choices of ethnic-themed restaurants with a mix-method approach. The present research investigates how ethnic identity and consumers’ need for uniqueness interplay with perceived authenticity in consumers’ patronage intention of ethnic-themed restaurants. The findings advocate the interplay among ethnic identity, consumers’ need for uniqueness, and perceived authenticity of general consumers in decision making choices of patronizing ethnic-themed restaurants. The findings have important implications for market segmentation guiding the owners of ethnic-themed restaurant the choice of environmental cues to encourage patronage intentions among general consumers. Furthermore, this study provides additional insights about motivating factors affecting decision making of patronizing ethnic-themed restaurants and contributes to the stream of research by enhancing understanding of marketing ethnic-themed restaurant in a multi-cultural society.

The purpose of this research project was threefold: 1) to establish a set of research questions, propositions and hypotheses about the nature of international fast-food franchising; 2) to identify the distinctive strategies employed by fast-food franchise firms in foreign markets and 3) to provide a set of guidelines for managers which will assist them in dealing with the challenges of initiating and expanding a fast-food franchise system in a foreign country. A multiple-case study approach was used focusing on how U. S . franchise firms have adapted their domestic business practices to the Canadian, Japanese, and Russian Markets. Special attention was given to the degree to which their firms have modified franchise objectives, expansion strategies, marketing mix elements, control system and support services. A principal finding of this research project is that fast-food companies do in fact extend domestic franchise strategies to foreign markets when expanding internationally. However, they do make certain alterations in their domestic method of doing business. The alterations are in the areas of expansion strategies, franchise objectives, control systems and support services. These alterations do not follow a consistent pattern. They vary from country to country and from firm to firm. / Ph. D.