Camille's opens five cafes in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates

January 21, 2009

TULSA, Okla. — Beautiful Brands International has announced international growth of its brand, Camille's Sidewalk Café, with the opening of five new cafes in…

Freshii inks deal for 80 Ill. units

January 20, 2009

CHICAGO — David Grossman has signed a master franchise agreement to open 80 Freshii locations throughout Chicago, the company has announced.   There are…

Fast casual finance

Economic turmoil leaves operators scrambling for ways to raise startup money.

Baja Fresh opens first restaurant of 2009

January 18, 2009

CYPRESS, Calif. — Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the grand opening of its newest franchise location in downtown San Jose, Calif. The new location…

First franchised FreshBerry location opens

January 15, 2009

HOUSTON — Beautiful Brands International has announced the opening of its first franchised FreshBerry café, located on Vintage Park Boulevard in Houston. …

Saladworks signs multiunit deal for San Diego, Palm Springs

January 15, 2009

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Saladworks has announced it has entered into an agreement with a multiunit developer to open nine locations in the San Diego and Palm…

Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie sold

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Raving Brands has sold two of its five concepts, the company has announced.

Camille's opens in Wisconsin

January 13, 2009

TULSA, Okla. — Camille's Sidewalk Café has announced the opening of its first Camille's restaurant in Chippewa Falls, Wis.   Camille's is one of two current…

Smashburger inks 45-unit franchise development deal

January 13, 2009

DENVER — Smashburger has announced it has secured its third franchisee and "Founders Club" member, SB Alamo Development LLC. The latest franchise agreement…

Einstein Bros. opens fifth Illinois location

January 1, 2009

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Einstein Bros. Bagels opened its fifth Illinois location on Dec. 29 in Schaumburg.   The restaurant spans nearly 3,000 square feet, seats up…

Entrepreneur Magazine names Saladworks top salad franchise

December 28, 2008

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Saladworks has been named the nation's No. 1 salad franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2009. In the magazine's 30th Annual Franchise 50…

Smashburger opens first of 30 Houston locations

December 23, 2008

HOUSTON — Denver, Colo.-based Smashburger has announced it has opened its first location in Texas, the first of 30 planned for the Houston area. The…

Buffalo Wild Wings opens in Flint, Mich

December 23, 2008

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — On Dec. 21, AMC Wings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc., opened a Buffalo Wild Wings location in…

Marble Slab expands into St. Lucia

December 21, 2008

NEW YORK — NexCen Brands Inc. has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement for the expansion of Marble Slab Creamery franchised stores into St.

Smashburger opens first franchise location

December 21, 2008

DENVER — Smashburger has announced it will open its first location in Wichita, Kan., on Dec. 16, which represents the chain's first opening outside of its home…

Saladworks franchisee shatters sales expectations

December 16, 2008

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — University of Delaware graduate Josh Burton opened his second Saladworks franchise in Bear, Del., on Black Friday.   The Bear Saladworks…

Firehouse Subs opens 50th location in 2008

December 15, 2008

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Firehouse Subs has opened its 50th restaurant for 2008 in Columbia, S.C.   This is Judy and Charlie Divita's fourth Firehouse Subs…

Papa Romano's, Mr. Pita to enter Ill., Ind. markets

December 14, 2008

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Papa Romano's Pizza and Mr. Pita have finalized an agreement to open multiple locations in Indiana and Illinois. The two chains…

Sandella's to expand to Alabama

December 14, 2008

WEST REDDING, Conn. — Sandella's Flatbread Café has finalized a deal with franchisee Ronald Roan to bring two units of the fast casual concept to Birmingham…

New Zoe's Kitchen CEO outlines expansion plans

December 9, 2008

The Birmingham News: Greg Dollarhyde, new CEO of Zoe's Kitchen, plans to double the size of the 21-unit chain within 18 to 24 months. He plans to focus on new…