Fast-casual barbecue ready for the big leagues

June 25, 2006

The Courier Journal: FireFresh BBQ is a new fast-casual concept that is set to expand with backing from the former president of Papa John's and that chain's…

Penn Station sets expansion plans

June 22, 2006

CINCINNATI — Penn Station East Coast Subs announced an expansion plan that calls for 120 additional locations.   Development markets include major cities in…

Fast-casual pizza operation sets lofty growth goals

RedBrick Pizza is a slick, solid fast-casual concept. But can it grow from 60 pizza restaurants to 12,000 in just 10 years?

Rubio's acquires four locations from Vegas franchisee

June 19, 2006

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill announced the purchase of four Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants in Las Vegas from its franchisee Fish…

Pollo Campero creates new logo, prepares for expansion

June 18, 2006

GUATEMALA CITY — Pollo Campero announced the introduction of a new logo in the United States.   "We hired Advance Design Center headquartered in Dallas to…

Lenny's Sub Shop signs agreements in Michigan

June 14, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, announced an agreement to expand the franchise to Michigan.   According to a news…

Camille's inks international agreements

June 14, 2006

TULSA, Okla. — Camille's Sidewalk Café has entered into a master franchise agreement to develop restaurants in Puerto Rico, South America, Caribbean Basin and…

Mexican franchises show strong popularity growth

June 13, 2006

Franchising.com: Despite recent national debates about the Mexican-U.S. border situation, Mexican food franchises continue to grow. Eating at QSRs like Taco…

European fast casual moves to the U.S.

June 13, 2006

WASHINGTON — Vapiano is a German-based fast-casual concept and it is moving to the United States. Specializing in Italian food with a European flair, the…

Investors sell Canadian rights to Original Soup Man

June 11, 2006

The Star Phoenix: Investors who bought the Canadian franchising rights to the Original Soup Man last year sold back their rights and closed their Ottawa…

The Bruegger's turnaround

The once fast-growing chain has learned slow-growth is better.

Taco Del Mar opens 200th store

June 7, 2006

SEATTLE — Taco Del Mar opened its 200th location in Palo Alto, Calif.   The North American independent restaurant chain, known for its "mondo burritos and…

Culver's boot camp

Not just anybody can join the Culver's family.

Private equity firms eye fast-casual franchises

May 29, 2006

Area Developer: Big money, in the form of private equity, is finding a home in franchising and bringing big promise to area developers and multi-unit…

2006 restaurant show wraps up

The 2006 National Restaurant Hotel & Motel Show offered big-time speakers and trendsetting technologies. Even if you attended, you probably didn't see…

Taco Del Mar signs Hawaii master developer

May 18, 2006

SEATTLE -- Taco Del Mar, a West Coast chain, is expanding to Hawaii. The restaurant recently signed Ken Nascimento as master developer for Hawaii, Saipan and…

Bruegger's sprawls to Alaska

May 17, 2006

BURLINGTON, VT. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. announced it will expand to Alaska.  The company signed an agreement April 20 with a new franchise group to…

Raving Brands acquires Flying Biscuit

May 17, 2006

ATLANTA — Raving Brands plans to acquire an interest in Atlanta icon Flying Biscuit, adding to its portfolio that includes Moe's Southwest Grill, Doc Green's…

Smoothies interest potential franchisors

May 16, 2006

Franchising.com: Smoothie and juice franchises are healthy and hot. "Juice and smoothies, including juice and smoothie bars, frozen dessert stores, and the…

Raving Brands signs new franchise agreements for Shane's Rib Shack

May 16, 2006

ATLANTA – Since announcing its acquisition of the tin-roofed, non-air-conditioned shack off Highway 155 in McDonough, Georgia, Shane's Rib Shack has moved…