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2012 MenuMasters Award winners
The 2012 class of MenuMasters Award winners demonstrates there are many paths to success. All of this year’s winners displayed a flair for innovation in product development — some by introducing items...
View ArticleIFA introduces lending template, funding index
The International Franchise Association introduced new tools to help bridge the gap between banks and franchisees looking for financing, including a Franchise Lending Index and Franchise Lending...
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Café Enterprises to launch two new dining concepts
Café Enterprises Inc., the parent of the 49-unit Fatz casual-dining chain, plans to launch two new expansion vehicles this summer. The two concepts—a new casual-dining concept with a bar focus called...
View ArticleChili's steak deals boost Brinker's 3Q sales
Brinker International posted Monday a 12 percent increase in third-quarter profit as it saw its new two-level steak platform and bar initiatives at Chili’s Grill & Bar help boost sales....
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Wendy's debuts Signature Sides
Wendy’s is introducing three new Signature Sides — macaroni and cheese, baked sweet potatoes and chili cheese fries — at its more than 6,000 U.S. restaurants. The products are available a la carte for...
View ArticleDunkin’ Donuts inks three franchise deals in Texas
Dunkin’ Donuts continues to move forward with its goal to double its number of units in the United States with the signing of multiple deals in Texas. Parent company Dunkin’ Brands Inc. said it signed...
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Jimmy John's operator MikLin found guilty of violating labor law
The National Labor Relations Board ruled that MikLin Enterprises Inc., a 10-unit Jimmy John’s franchisee in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, committed unfair labor practices against members of the Jimmy...
View ArticlePinkberry makes first move into India
Pinkberry is moving into India for the first time in a move that will offer a “sizeable opportunity” as the frozen yogurt chain ramps up international growth, company officials said Monday. The Los...
View ArticlePollo Tropical names Danny Meisenheimer chief brand officer
Pollo Tropical, the subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, has named Danny Meisenheimer to the newly created position of chief brand officer, the company said Monday. Meisenheimer will oversee...
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Kimchi gains popularity in the U.S.
Korean food in the United States has long languished in obscurity while the cuisine of its neighbors, China and Japan, have been active players in the development of the modern American pantry. The...
View ArticleIHOP retails line of branded syrups
IHOP has rolled out a line of bottled syrups that is now available in grocery and other retail stores across the country, the family-dining chain announced Tuesday. The IHOP at HOME syrup line includes...
View ArticleBuffalo Wild Wings 1Q revenue up nearly 40%
Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. reported gains in first-quarter same-store sales and earnings based on the strength of traffic increases, solid sales at new locations and at units acquired from franchisees...
View ArticleSenate fails to overturn NLRB election 'ambush' rule
International Franchise Association officials voiced their disappointment Tuesday after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a resolution seeking to overturn the National Labor Relations Board’s rule to...
View ArticleBurger King rolls out Minibon nationally
Burger King plans to complete the rollout of Cinnabon's Minibon product to more than 7,000 restaurants across the United States by September, the company said Tuesday. Minibons, a miniature version of...
View ArticlePanera profit up 25% in first quarter
Panera Bread Co. posted Tuesday a 25.7-percent increase in first-quarter profit, crediting a 6.3 percent gain in systemwide same-store sales. The St. Louis, Mo.-based company reported net income of...
View ArticleBuffalo Wild Wings to fight inflation with menu price increase
Buffalo Wild Wings increased its first-quarter profit nearly 23 percent, but the company will stay aggressive with growth plans and cost management measures in order to hit its 2012 earnings growth...
View ArticlePanera co-CEOs Ron Shaich and Bill Moreton outline company plans
Panera Bread Co.’s new co-chief executives on Wednesday said recent C-suite changes will have minimal effect on the bakery-café chain’s performance. Ron Shaich, Panera’s chairman, and Bill Moreton, the...
View ArticleCarvel brand refresh taps nostalgia
Carvel Ice Cream will unveil a new yet familiar look at its more than 400 locations in the United States Thursday as part of its “Grand Reopening,” a move that president Gary Bales said was designed to...
View ArticleFamous Dave's 1Q net drops 32%
A pick-up in catering sales and strength in some franchise markets could not completely offset weakness in traffic for barbecue specialist Famous Dave’s of America Inc. in the first quarter, as net...
View ArticleThe Cheesecake Factory 1Q traffic up 2%
Net income was up a modest 1.3 percent for The Cheesecake Factory Inc. during the first quarter, but guest traffic at its casual-dining restaurants was up 1.9 percent for the quarter — the best it has...
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