Schlotzsky's changes service model

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In an effort to enhance the brand experience, the sandwich chain is beefing up service and operational procedures.

Starbucks closes several Maryland locations

April 12, 2009

Baltimore Sun: Starbucks is closing seven stores in Maryland as part of the company's overall plan to shutter 195 stores nationwide. Starbucks has more than…

Pollo Campero draws thousands of hungry diners

April 12, 2009

The Boston Globe: Thousands of hungry customers are pouring into the Boston area from across New England, waiting as long as two hours in the rain, wind and…

Manitowoc to display three NRA Kitchen Innovation Award products

April 12, 2009

MANITOWOC, Wis. — Lincoln Foodservice Products, a Manitowoc Foodservice company, will display its Quest Energy Management System at the 2009 National…

Red Mango announces U.S. franchise deals

April 9, 2009

DALLAS — Red Mango has announced record franchise development during the first quarter of 2009 as development deals with existing and new franchisees will…

Grand Traverse Pie Co. intros Strawberry Cream Pie

April 9, 2009

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Grand Traverse Pie Co. has announced the addition of Strawberry Cream Pie, just in time for Easter. The new 9-inch pie is made with…

Bread & Company lowers prices

April 9, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bread & Company has announced they are lowering the prices of all baked goods and deli items by as much as 60 percent, a price point the…

Buffalo Wild Wings to conduct Q1 earnings webcast

April 8, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced the company will conduct a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2009 results on April 28 at 4 p.m.

Chipotle to announce Q1 results

April 8, 2009

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has announced that it will host a conference call to discuss first quarter 2009 financial results on April 22 at 5 p.m.

Tropical Smoothie Café sends couple to Greek Isles

April 8, 2009

DESTIN, Fla. — Tropical Smoothie Café has announced the winner of its online sweepstakes celebrating the DVD release of the movie Mamma Mia! starring Meryl…

Pollo Campero opens 50th U.S. location

April 8, 2009

DALLAS — Pollo Campero opened its 50th U.S. location in Boston last week.   With its first location in New England, the chain achieved one of its…

Wingstop expands into Mexico

April 8, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced its first international franchise agreement for 10 restaurants in the State of Mexico and Mexico DF over the next two years. …

Ulster County N.Y. passes menu labeling

April 8, 2009

Ulster County, N.Y., which is located about 90 miles north of New York City, has become the fourth municipality to pass a menu labeling ordinance in the state.

The role of digital media in the restaurant

As digital media becomes a pervasive part of the customer experience, it is being used not only to entertain diners but as an integral building block of the…

Wingstop signs 5-year sponsorship deal with Dallas Cowboys

April 7, 2009

DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys and Wingstop Restaurants Inc. have announced a partnership deal in which Wingstop will be the official wings of the Dallas Cowboys.

Panchero's launches catering program

April 7, 2009

CORALVILLE, Iowa — Panchero's Mexican Grill has announced the debut of its new catering program.   Launched on April 2, the Panchero's catering program…

W.Va., Mass. town, quash menu labeling proposals

April 7, 2009

The Charleston Gazette: Members of the West Virginia House Government Organization Committee ate breakfast biscuits from Tudor's Biscuit World and McDonald's…

Red Mango launches franchise program in the U.S.

April 7, 2009

DALLAS — Red Mango has announced national expansion plans set to begin in the Dallas-Fort Worth and New York markets.   To launch the campaign, the company…

Franchisors make bold moves to aid franchisees in tough economy

April 7, 2009

Lansing State Journal: Franchisors are beginning to take aggressive steps in order to help their franchisees weather the economic recession. Tactics include…

Planet Smoothie embarks on franchise tour

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Companies get creative to woo new operators as franchise sales flatten.