Quiznos launches microloan initiative

May 19, 2009

DENVER — Toasted sub chain Quiznos has announced a microloan initiative established to provide funding for current franchise owners seeking to expand their…

El Pollo Loco to offer $120M senior secured notes

May 13, 2009

COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco Inc. has announced that it plans to offer $120 million senior secured notes due 2012. The company intends to use the net…

Restaurant industry outlook continues to improve

April 29, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry improved in March, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

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…

NRA restaurant outlook reports slight gain, more uncertainty

March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Restaurant industry performance remained soft in February, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

ASK THE EXPERTS: Where can an operator find capital in a tough economy?

March 26, 2009

Tightening credit markets have forced restaurant operators from all segments of the industry to put expansion or renovation plans on hold as sources of…

NexCen Brands issues strategic plan

February 24, 2009

NEW YORK — NexCen Brands Inc. provided a business update, including a review of 2008 operating activities and information on the status of its efforts to…

Fast casual finance

Economic turmoil leaves operators scrambling for ways to raise startup money.

Bailout bill bonuses

Economic bailout package offers some tasty tax tidbits for fast casual operators.

Caught in the crisis

Economic conditions batter the industry, but operators insist quality still key.

COVER: Acquiring opportunities

October 5, 2008

Deep-pocketed partners can help some concepts live up to their potential

Pick Up Stix names VP of finance

July 13, 2008

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Pick Up Stix restaurants has announced the promotion of Rich Fox to vice president of finance.   Fox began his career with Pick Up Stix…

Raising Cane's signs $30M finance deal

May 13, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance and Baton rouge, La.-based Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers have completed a $29.5 million financing…

NRA to showcase top industry trends

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Building, kitchen design and more create exhibit hall of more than 2,100 booths.

Jamba Inc. secures $25M line of credit

April 21, 2008

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Jamba Inc. has secured a $25 million line of credit with Wells Fargo Foothill LLC, the company announced. Jamba plans to use the funding…

GE Capital Solutions provides $10M for Zoe's expansion

April 14, 2008

UFood completes over-allotment of private offering

April 3, 2008

BOSTON — UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced the close of its over-allotment option of the private-placement financing, led by Spencer Trask Ventures…

GE Capital Solutions completes $40 million deal

March 17, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance, has completed a deal with Back Bay Restaurant Group totaling $40 million. The finance agreement…

Controlling fast casual growth

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

When it comes to brand expansion, patience, persistence make the difference.

Au Bon Pain acquisition closes

March 3, 2008

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain and LNK Partners, a private equity firm focused on the consumer/retail sector, have announced that they have completed the…