Despite softer September sales, restaurant operators more optimistic

October 31, 2012

As a result of softer same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) declined in…

Restaurant traffic, sales up for 15th consecutive month

October 1, 2012

Buoyed by stronger same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) posted a modest gain…

Report: Chain restaurants growing through franchising

September 17, 2012

A new report by Technomic and Restaurant Finance Monitor finds that the franchising of restaurant brands continues to be a major growth avenue pursued by…

Restaurant operator optimism slips

August 31, 2012

As a result of softer customer traffic and a dampened outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index…

McAlister's Deli names Carl Jakaitis CFO

July 18, 2012

McAlister's Deli has announced that Carl Jakaitis has been named as the company's chief financial officer.

Restaurant industry reports continued positive sales

June 29, 2012

The outlook for the restaurant industry remained positive for the months ahead, as the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI…

Franchise lending up 6 percent year over year

June 18, 2012

Lending to franchise businesses saw a drop of about 0.5 percent from April to May, according to the monthly Franchise Lending Index from the International…

Togo's signs 10 new agreements in the West

June 8, 2012

Togo's Eateries Inc. has signed 10 agreements for new restaurants in California, Nevada and Oregon. Additionally, three new Togo's have opened thus far in 201…

Starbucks to acquire La Boulange bakery for $100 million

June 4, 2012

Starbucks Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire Bay Bread, LLC and the La Boulange bakery brand for $100 million in cash and expects the acquisition…

Restaurant franchise lending shows stabilization

May 22, 2012

Although franchise lending has been fairly static from March 2011 to March 2012 and franchisee credit access remains below its long-term average, lending to…

Centerbridge Partners commences tender offer outstanding shares of P.F. Chang's

May 15, 2012

In connection with a previously announced merger agreement entered into to acquire P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., Wok Parent LLC, Wok Holdings Inc. and Wok…

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf adds new CFO

May 3, 2012

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has named John Theuer as its new chief financial officer, reporting directly to president and CEO Mel Elias. In his new role…

Restaurant industry turns in strongest post-recession quarter

April 30, 2012

Driven by solid same-store sales and traffic results and an increasingly bullish outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association's…

Blake Bailey named Zaxby's CFO

April 25, 2012

Zaxby’s has announced the appointment of Blake Bailey to chief financial officer (CFO) for Zaxby’s Franchising Inc. (ZFI). Bailey succeeds Tony Townley…

Franchise lending on a steady upswing

April 17, 2012

Franchise lending has steadily increased throughout the past 12 months, according to the new monthly Franchise Lending Index from the International Franchise…

China leads global foodservice market recovery

April 17, 2012

Despite a continuously unpredictable global economy, there was a slight recovery for the global foodservice markets in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to…

Restaurant operators continue to report positive sales, optimism

April 2, 2012

Bolstered by positive same-store sales and traffic results and an optimistic outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association's…

Cosi revenue increases while net loss narrows

April 1, 2012

Cosi Inc. has reported a net loss for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 2, 2012, of $2.27 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted common share, compared with a net…

Report: Expectations rise for restaurant industry

March 27, 2012

The American restaurant industry is starting to benefit from a rise in consumer spending and foot traffic, albeit from a diminished base, according to the 22nd…

The Chalak Group secures $17 million in funding

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 25, 2012

The Chalak Group has raised $17 million in equity financing that will be used to expand its Genghis Grill and Baker Bros. American Deli chains, in addition to…