Barberitos continues expansion push

December 15, 2011

Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina has announced that franchise contracts have been secured for 10 upcoming locations. Currently Barberitos has 2…

2011: The five stories and trends that shaped the year

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As we look back on 2011, several stories and trends stand out among the rest. Here's a look at our top picks.

Yogurt Mountain opens 40th store

December 15, 2011

Yogurt Mountain LLC has opened its 40th store. The new location is in Huntsville, Ala., marking its 9th in the state.

Saladworks' international expansion begins in Singapore

December 13, 2011

Pennsylvania-based Saladworks' expansion strategy has added an international market.

Beautiful Brands launches new Italian fast casual concept

December 13, 2011

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced a joint venture with Dean and Jill Bastian to develop and franchise Fresco Wood Fired Italian Kitchen. The…

Chipotle to present at 2012 ICR XChange

December 12, 2011

Executives from Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will present at the 14th Annual ICR XChange Conference at The Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla.

Così names Carin Stutz CEO

December 12, 2011

Così Inc. has announced the appointment of Carin L. Stutz as the company’s new chief executive officer and president, effective Jan. 1. She also will join the…

Famous Dave's opens fast casual restaurant

December 12, 2011

Famous Dave's of America has joined the expanding list of casual dining restaurant chains opening fast casual offshoots.

Wingstop celebrates 500-store milestone

December 11, 2011

In celebration of 500 restaurants, and as a thank you to fans across the country, Wingstop is offering a $5 special on its 5-wing combo – available Dec. 1…

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt heads to Aussie shores

December 11, 2011

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is opening its first international location in Melbourne, Australia, by franchise partners Joe Rossi and Phil Lancaster.

Mooyah spreads throughout Texas

December 8, 2011

MOOYAH franchisee Johnny Collins has opened his second location in the Lone Star State, bringing the burgers, fries and shakes concept to Mansfield. It is the…

Three Benefits of Using a Restaurant Design Build Firm

The right partner can increase speed to market, provide a strong ROI and decrease headaches.

GE Capital, Franchise Finance provides $2.8 Million to Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee

December 7, 2011

GE Capital, Franchise Finance provided $2.8 million in financing to Four M Capital LLC, a Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill franchisee. The funds will be used…

Go Roma launches franchise effort

December 7, 2011

Go Roma will expand outside of the Chicagoland area in 2012 through franchising, having just completed its Franchise Disclosure Documents and state filings for…

Fatburger expands into Seoul

December 4, 2011

Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.'s Fatburger restaurant chain has opened its first location in Seoul, Korea. The Gangnam-gu location, in the southeast part of the…

FREEBIRDS to open first Northern Calif. location

December 4, 2011

FREEBIRDS World Burrito has announced that it will open its first Northern California location in Roseville on Dec. 12. The Roseville FREEBIRDS is the seventh…

Muscle Maker Grill opens in Texas

December 1, 2011

Muscle Maker Grill has opened its first Texas location in Austin, just minutes away from the University of Texas. The restaurant is the first of 10 scheduled…

Epic Burger expands in Windy City

December 1, 2011

Epic Burger is launching two more restaurants in Chicago this December, giving the company a total of six locations in the Windy City. The fifth will be…

Red Mango heads to Mexico

December 1, 2011

Red Mango has announced its first international franchise agreement in an exclusive deal with Cinemex, a leading national chain with 184 movie theaters…

Wingstop partnership secures franchisee lending program

December 1, 2011

Wingstop has announced the launch of a new program designed to provide financing for franchisees. The financing will be provided through Franchise America…