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…

Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express debuts in Boston

May 10, 2006

BETHESDA, Md. —World-renown chef and restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck, opened his first Boston location at the Logan International Airport. The chef partnered with…

City Wok signs new deals in California

May 10, 2006

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — City Wok, the Southern California based Chinese restaurant, recently signed four separate franchising deals, for a total of 18 new…

Chipotle triples profit for Q1

May 8, 2006

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. reported a substantially profitable first quarter.   Net income for the quarter was $8 million up from $2.6 million in…

Lenny's Sub Shop moves into the South

May 2, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, announced an agreement to increase its presence in Georgia and expand the franchise…

There's more to salad than just lettuce

Panera Bread, Einstein Bagel Bros. and Atlanta Bread serve salad, so do Fazoli's, McAlister's and Schlotzsky's. Casual-dining restaurants serve up $8-$1…

Wingstop expands in Phoenix

April 27, 2006

PHOENIX — Wingstop opened its fifth location in the Phoenix area. Wingstop has more than 450 restaurants either open or under development in 26 states.  The…

McDonald's reduces Chipotle ownership

April 26, 2006

OAK BROOK, Ill.— McDonald's Corporation announced its plan to reduce its ownership of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the near term and complete the separation of…

Pesto Bistro launches new Web site

April 24, 2006

Pesto Creative Italian Bistro announced the launch of its Web site, PestoBistro.com. The new site includes menu items, boasting an array of Italian Gelato…

Selecting a restaurant consultant

The right consultant can improve your restaurant, but the wrong one can cost you money.   

Jimmy Johns opens 10 stores in a month

April 19, 2006

CHAMPAGNE, Ill. — Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops opened its newest location in Las Vegas April 20. The store opening is the restaurants 10th since March…

Camille's opens 100th store

April 13, 2006

TULSA, Okla. — Camille's Sidewalk Café will open its 100th café this month on Tulsa's historic and exclusive Cherry Street.   According to a news release…

Tossed announces franchising plans

April 12, 2006

NEW YORK — New York-based Tossed, a fast-casual salad concept, said it plans to open 200 restaurants within five years and has long-term potential for 1,00…