CYPRESS Calif. Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is testing a new prototype in Irvine, Calif., that features a more upscale design and will be the first corporate location to offer beer and agave wine margaritas. The new unit is part of the 300-unit chain...
GAITHERSBURG Md. Contract feeder Sodexo USA said Wednesday it has inked a 10-year deal with Red Mango to open units of the frozen yogurt chain at its various college, corporate dining, government and health care accounts.As a master licensee...
The pending federal minimum wage increase to $7.25 per hour appears to be ruffling few feathers as its July 24 effective date nears. While none of several operators interviewed cheered the 11-percent increase over the previous minimum wage rate of...
When the federal minimum wage hike takes effect July 24, some operators could be tempted to slash labor to protect profits. But stretching staffs too thin can make for sloppy sanitation, especially at the close of a shift, say those in the know...
DALLAS Pizza Hut on Wednesday unveiled a free application for iPhone and iTouch users that allows customers to place food orders and download coupons. With the application, available from Apple's iTunes App Store, users can find...
ATLANTA Multiconcept operator Focus Brands Inc. said Tuesday that Gary Bales, president of the company's Carvel chain, will take on the additional role of president of Cinnabon. Bales replaces Geoff Hill, who will become vice president of Roark...
WASHINGTON The International Franchise Association urged the federal government on Tuesday to help keep CIT Group Inc., one of the largest small business lenders, solvent during its current liquidity crisis. Earlier this week CIT Group said it ...
An economic turnaround is still out of reach as restaurant chains continue to cut pay and staffing levels, according to a recent survey of Chain Restaurant Compensation Association, a group of more than 100 member companies. "This is a tough time...
CHICAGO Morton’s Restaurant Group, whose namesake steakhouse chain has suffered dramatic drops in sales this year, recently closed three of its 81 restaurants. Morton’s spokesman Roger Drake on Tuesday cited “a strategic assessment of trends” for...
MIAMI Burger King Corp. said Tuesday it would distribute coupons for a $1 double cheeseburger after franchisees reportedly rejected proposals to feature the sandwich at that price on their menus. The franchisor also said it would focus marketing...
