Bruegger's announces California, South Carolina expansions

January 18, 2007

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. has signed new agreements with two new franchise groups to develop 15 Bruegger's bakery-cafés over the next…

Chipotle eyes 100-unit expansion

January 14, 2007

Denver Post: Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. plans to accelerate its expansion this year, adding 95 to 105 restaurants after it improved training for employees who…

Salad Creations plans expansion

January 10, 2007

Detroit News: Anthony Ciotti and Luciano Gonzalez are looking for entrepreneurs willing to invest in Salad Creations, a Florida-based chain that recently…

The Counter 2006 sales surpass $3.3MM

January 7, 2007

LOS ANGELES — The Counter, a fast-casual burger concept, said 2006 systemwide sales surpassed $3.3 million. The company projects 2007 sales will surpass $1…

Organic To Go 2006 sales reach $10MM

January 3, 2007

SEATTLE — Organic To Go, the nation's first fast-casual cafe certified as an organic retailer, ended 2006 with $10 million in sales.   The 13-unit company…

ARAMARK unveils new bakery café

December 26, 2006

PHILADELPHIA — ARAMARK Corporation recently unveiled a new urban-style bakery concept, Bleecker Street Café, to meet the demand for more fast-casual dining…

UPDATED: Taco John's reacts to lawsuit

December 21, 2006

In a lawsuit recently filed, a woman said she ate at a Taco John's in Waterloo, Iowa, and later became ill with E. coli, which would make four stores…

Shane's Rib Shack signs 126 agreements

December 20, 2006

ATLANTA — Raving Brands' Shane's Rib has signed 126 franchise agreements. The franchisee operators include:  Bada Bing Barbecue, LLC – multiple units in…

Judge grants Quiznos franchisees injunction hearing

December 19, 2006

A judge has ordered Quiznos to halt the terminations of 10 operators and to resume sending food supplies to their stores.   The operators, who are board…

Caribou Coffee to enter Asian markets

December 17, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee plans to enter the Asian market and develop a minimum of 25 stores in South Korea over the next five years through a licensing…

Quiznos franchisees fight back

December 14, 2006

A group of franchisees whose agreements were terminated by Quiznos filed an injunction Dec. 15 in the District Court of Colorado.   Quiznos terminated their…

Quiznos reacts to Toasted Subs Association comments

December 13, 2006

After FastCasual.com and QSRweb.com published Quiznos terminates multiple franchisees on heels of suicide, Quiznos Corporate Communications department…

Quiznos terminates franchisees on heels of suicide

The sub chain reacts swiftly following the Web-posting of a franchisee's alleged note.

Cold Stone Creamery forms alliance with Six Flags

December 11, 2006

NEW YORK — Cold Stone Creamery and Six Flags announced a multiyear strategic relationship.   According to a news release, Six Flags will open and operate Cold…

Desert Moon opens second restaurant in Northwest Indiana

December 7, 2006

VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y. — Desert Moon Franchise Corp. announced that its multiunit franchisee, Trios Hospitality Group, has opened its second of four units…

Mama Fu's franchisees sue Raving Brands

Suit accuses franchisor of racketeering and not following UFOC, but legal experts say plaintiff's case might have holes.

Brands seek military veteran franchisees

November 30, 2006

Kita Business: VetFran, shorthand for the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, offers reduced-cost entry into the world of franchising. Originally, it…

Strategic Restaurant Acquisitions invests in Bear Rock Café

November 28, 2006

CARY, N.C. — Strategic Restaurant Acquisitions Corp., a fast-food company focused on franchise development and acquisition, has invested in Bear Rock Cafe.

Tijuana Flats shuts down Louisville stores

November 27, 2006

Courier Journal: All three Tijuana Flats restaurants in Louisville, Ky., have closed their doors. Darrell Current, the franchisee and majority investor in the…

Wendy's completes Baja Fresh sale

November 27, 2006

Wendy's International Inc. announced the completion of the Baja Fresh Mexican Grill sale for approximately $31 million.   Four years ago it paid $275 million…