Cosi names James F. Hyatt president and CEO

September 19, 2007

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Cosi Inc. has announced the appointment of James F. Hyatt as its president and chief executive officer.   Hyatt, 51, most recently was…

Taco Del Mar to expand in central California

September 18, 2007

SEATTLE — Taco Del Mar soon will introduce its third Fresno location and its first restaurants in Visalia and Tulare.   "People are thrilled by what they're…

Einstein Bros. opens at UT

September 18, 2007

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Einstein Bros. Bagels recently opened its newest location, which is on the University of Tennessee campus.   Einstein Bros. offers bagels…

Zoup! looks to Midwest for expansion

September 17, 2007

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Zoup! Fresh Soup Company has announced it is registered to do business in Indiana and Wisconsin.   "Our goal is to establish additional…

Wingstop to open Chicago locations

September 17, 2007

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced it has signed four franchise agreements that total 13 new locations, a move that will expand the brand throughout the Chicago…

Organic To Go acquires Sunflowers Cafe & Bakery

September 16, 2007

SEATTLE — Organic To Go has acquired Sunflowers Café and Bakery on La Jolla Drive in San Diego, the company has announced.   The La Jolla location will be…

Super Mex to focus growth in fast-casual segment

September 9, 2007

Orange County Register: Super Mex, a 13-unit Long Beach chain with a large presence in Orange County, said it plans to focus its future growth in the…

Baskin-Robbins manager kills would-be robber

September 6, 2007

Richmond Times-Dispatch (Virginia): The manager of a Baskin-Robbins store in South Richmond shot and killed a man who attempted to rob the store with a BB…

HMSHost to partner with Baja Fresh for travel outlets

September 6, 2007

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — HMSHost Corp., which operates shopping and dining outlets in more than 100 airport locations around the globe, has chosen Baja Fresh…

Summit seminar to tackle franchising pitfalls

September 6, 2007

Rich Hicks doesn't want to make the same mistakes others have made. The founder and president of Tin Star Southwest Grill hopes to learn from his peers…

Corner Bakery, Jersey Foods sign development agreement

September 4, 2007

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe has announced that it has signed a development agreement with New Jersey Corner Foods LLC for 11 locations over the next five…

Mid-Atlantic expo to offer expert advice

September 3, 2007

The voice of experience will speak loudly at the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Food, Beverage & Lodging Expo. At the two-day show, Sept. 19 and 20 at the Baltimore…

Starbucks to open in Russia

September 3, 2007

The Seattle Times: Starbucks plans to open its first coffee shop in Russia Sept. 6, 2007, in a mall north of Moscow.   Along with its traditional…

Starbucks to open in A&Ps

August 30, 2007

Forbes: The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. said it has signed an agreement to operate Starbucks coffee shops in some of its A&P grocery stores in…

Summit to tackle marketing, branding challenges

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

August 30, 2007

According to Fast Casual's 2007 Benchmark Study, 76 percent of respondents said they market to local businesses.   While marketing at the local level is a…

Focus Brands, Roark Capital complete Moe's purchase

August 29, 2007

ATLANTA — Focus Brands, an Atlanta-based franchisor and affiliate of Roark Capital, has announced the completion of the previously announced purchase of Moe's…

Franktitude sells first franchise location

August 29, 2007

MIAMI — Gourmet hot dog chain Franktitude has announced the sale of its first franchise location near Miami. The company's goal is to sign 24 more franchise…

Port City Java signs Dubai development deal

August 29, 2007

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Port City Java has announced it has signed a development agreement with the Dubai-based Almahmoud Group to develop the Port City Java brand…

Baker Bros signs five-unit Texas deal

August 28, 2007

DALLAS — Baker Bros American Deli announced it has signed a second area-development agreement to open five more franchise units in western Texas. The two…

Johnnie's Dog House to offer franchise opportunities

August 27, 2007

PHILADELPHIA — Todd S. Chusid, founder and CEO of Johnnie's Dog House, has announced plans to franchise the eatery in an effort to become a nationally…