Desert Moon announces franchising plans; challenges other fresh-Mex concepts

July 17, 2006

ORLANDO — Desert Moon, a fresh-Mexican restaurant based in New York, has announced it will franchise beyond the Northeast. The company recently signed area…

Zoup! Is du jour

Who would have thought a fast-casual soup concept would be so successful?

Investors purchase Fresh Bakery Café

July 11, 2006

Charlotte Biz Journal: A group of Charlotte investors has purchased the Just Fresh Bakery Café & Market chain with the goal of adding as many as 1…

Tijuana Flats signs N.C. franchisee

July 10, 2006

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando-based Tijuana Flats has signed 20th franchisee, P.J. Moore of Jacksonville, N.C.   According to a news release, Moore plans to expand…

The perfect plot of land

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

What is the best fast-casual real estate?

Panda Express opens first military location

June 29, 2006

Panda Express is celebrating the opening of their first military base location on July 5 at Edwards Air Force Base. In honor of both the opening and…

Taco Del Mar signs Tampa developer

June 26, 2006

SEATTLE —Taco Del Mar announced it signed Mike Taylor and Ben Sabo of Tampa-based 2 Jens Group LLC as its regional master developer. According to a news…

Franchise operators sue Subway

June 26, 2006

Reuters: Worldwide franchisees of Subway sandwich shops filed suit against the chain's founder Fred DeLuca and the franchisor Doctor's Associates Inc. on June…

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…