Chew on this: Restaurant sales hit all-time highs

There's some good news for restaurant owners this week: Sales seem to be rebounding, reaching a record $45.9 billion in April. Restaurant operators can find ways to minimize potential health care penalties in the Affordable Care Act’s fine print. Marketing experts say an Arizona restaurateur made a serious misstep in firing back at negative online reviews. Upstart chefs are tweaking barbecue’s venerable traditions. And restaurants are offering lower-calorie cocktails to cater to weight-conscious consumers.

• Restaurant sales hit all-time highs. Sales reached $45.9 billion in April. (USA Today)

• How to minimize health care penalties. Restaurant operators who must offer coverage to hourly workers can find meaningful options in the Affordable Care Act. (Forbes)

• Online reviews can make or break. Marketing experts say an Arizona restaurateur made a serious misstep in firing back at negative online criticism. (Associated Press/NPR)

• Chefs take on barbecue. Up-and-coming chefs are rethinking barbecue's venerable traditions. (The Wall Street Journal)

• Slimming cocktail calorie counts. "Skinny" and "slender" drink options at restaurants cater to weight-conscious drinkers. (Advertising Age)