Friendly's opens fast casual concept

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Friendly's Express will offer core menu items, shorter wait times and smaller check averages.

Which Wich founder opens burger joint

August 2, 2009

Jeff Sinelli, the founder and owner of Dallas-based Which Wich, has opened a new restaurant concept in May focused on Mexican-style burgers.    The…

Retail Brand Group gets into burger biz

RBG launches The Original Burger Company set to debut on three college campuses this fall.

Smashburger blows into Windy City

July 29, 2009

Smashburger has announced yet another franchise deal, this time with Chicago caterer Food for Thought Enterprises through their development arm, Smash Illinois…

First Black-eyed Pea Express opens

July 28, 2009

The first Black-eyed Pea Express restaurant has opened in Austin featuring a streamlined menu of home-style items that are prepared in just 3-5 minutes. …

Shane's Rib Shack to provide ownership opportunities

July 26, 2009

Shane's Rib Shack is extending beyond the traditional franchise model to help those looking to become a Shane's owner/operator.   Shane's is offering to…

Five Guys plans 10 Louisville, Ky., locations

July 23, 2009

Five Guys Burgers and Fries is moving forward with its Midwest expansion push. The company recently opened locations in southern Indiana and also announced it…

Second Dallas Cowboy joins Smashburger franchise

July 22, 2009

Marc Colombo, Dallas Cowboys starting right tackle, has signed an agreement with his teammate Leonard Davis to invest and participate in five of Davis' 3…

Burgerville dispatches mobile food truck

July 22, 2009

Burgerville is getting set to launch a mobile food truck in the Portland, Ore., area, according to an article in The Oregonian.   The truck will be introduced…

Smashburger to open first Tulsa location

July 16, 2009

DENVER — Smashburger has announced it will open its first location in Tulsa, Okla., on July 29 in the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center. A second store is scheduled…

Dallas Cowboys' Leonard Davis leads 30-unit Smashburger deal

July 15, 2009

DENVER — Smashburger has announced it has signed a 30-unit deal with BIGG Capital Holdings LLC, a business development group based out of Dallas, and led by…

Smashburger set to open first Idaho location

July 14, 2009

BOISE, Idaho — Smashburger has announced it will open its first Idaho location this August in Meridian. It's the first of five planned restaurants in the…

Food chains, packaging firms initiate recycling campaign in NYC

July 8, 2009

NEW YORK — Global Green's Coalition for Resource Recovery gathered 80 participants for a "value chain caucus" aimed at diverting prepared food packaging from…

Smashburger to open first two Utah locations

July 8, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY — Smashburger is set to open its two Utah locations this August, the company has announced.   At Smashburger, diners choose either a one-third…

Smashburger names new regional ad agency

July 5, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY — Smashburger has announced it has named Intrepid, a hybrid communications firm specializing in public involvement and media relations, as its…

Tropical Smoothie launches BBQ trio sandwiches, lemonade smoothies

July 1, 2009

DESTIN, Fla. — Tropical Smoothie Café is offering for a limited time its BBQ Trio Sandwiches and Lemonade Smoothies. The items are available at all 28…

Five Guys looks to raise $15M

July 1, 2009

Nashville Business Journal: Five Guys is looking to raise $15 million in private equity and has already raised $10 million of that total, according to a filing…

Sonny's Bar-B-Q announces new agency of record

June 29, 2009

MAITLAND, Fla. — Sonny's Franchise Co., parent company of Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q, has announced that Engauge will become its new agency of record as of July…

Burgerville intros July menu items

June 29, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. — July gourmet offerings at Burgerville will focus on a popular seasonal menu offering: Walla Walla Sweet Onions. Burgerville will begin…

Fuddruckers opens location near Reno, Nev.

June 28, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — Fuddruckers will open its 230th location with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony June 29, in Sparks, Nev., at The Legends at Sparks Marina, a…