TREND WATCH : <i> A roundup of business developments spotted by other publications.</i>

McMeatballs: To increase dinner sales, McDonald’s is turning to pasta. Five Big Mac outlets in Scranton, Pa., are offering four pasta dishes in the evening. Prices range from $1.99 to $3.69. Unlike other new entrees (pizza, chicken, fish), pasta doesn’t compete with a national chain--yet. Crain’s Chicago Business

And the Kitchen Sink: Sears, in a move to broaden its profitable extended-warranty business, is testing whole home repair coverage in the Midwest. For $600 a year, Sears will cover everything from air conditioners to filtration systems, regardless of manufacturer or seller. The plan is available in Chicago and Minneapolis and should, in the words of one retail analyst, “encourage store loyalty.” Chicago Tribune

Individual Effort: The Marriott in Brookfield, Wis., may have found the solution to lodging-saturated markets: aggressive sales to individuals. This summer, the hotel will call potential guests to solicit their business. At the same time, the hotel will offer individual corporate customers discounts based on the number of nights contracted per year. Milwaukee Business Journal

Mower Business: Briggs & Stratton, which used to make engines for Toro lawn mowers, has reportedly won the business back from a Japanese competitor. In the early 1980s, Toro switched to Suzuki engines because of Briggs’ low quality and a weaker yen. Today, although Briggs won’t confirm the deal, industry watchers report Toro will buy about 250,000 Briggs engines a year during the next few years. Reasons for the switch: a better dollar-yen exchange, improved quality and quicker deliveries. Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee Business Journal