Fazoli’s said to be selling some Fla. units

Jul 21, 2008

ORLANDO Fla. Fazoli’s Inc., franchisor of the namesake fast-casual pasta chain, is reportedly looking to sell or sublease at least nine units in Florida as part of a shift in its franchising strategy. The Orlando Business Journal reported...

Noble Roman’s to fight franchisees’ suit over dual-brand rollouts

Jul 21, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS —Arguably, nothing could damage a franchisor’s reputation more than allegations it had duped franchisees with a bad concept, then took their money and ran. That’s probably so even...

BK buys 72 stores from 32-year franchisee

Jul 17, 2008

MIAMI Burger King Corp. said it has purchased 72 units in Iowa and Nebraska that were operated by Simmonds Restaurant Management, a franchisee of the concept since 1976. Terms were not disclosed. Simmonds remains a franchisee of the Taco...

Guests get their say quickly and easily with electronic aids

Jul 14, 2008

Managers have told restaurant employees about customer calls of complaint or praise since the advent of the telephone, but new technology providing real-time distribution of call recordings is changing worker-coaching initiatives. “You...

Melting Pot’s focus on staff training pays off, COO says

Jul 14, 2008

After six years of nearly constant double-digit increases, customer counts are flat for the Melting Pot fondue specialty chain. Flat does not feel good, but it’s better than negative, conceded Bob Johnston, president and chief...

Friday's adds perks with new loyalty program

Jul 14, 2008

CARROLLTON Texas T.G.I. Friday’s is launching a new customer-loyalty program with the introduction of its “Give Me More Stripes” benefits. With such perks as a pass to jump the waiting line for tables, the new program is more about ...

KFC political T-shirt promo steers left and right, bypassing moderate voter-diners in both parties

Jul 14, 2008

Would you like to show your political support in a “fun and fashion way?” That’s how KFC is pitching a new line of T-shirts as the Democrats and Republicans prepare to nominate Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain as their presidential...

Salsarita's taps new leader

Jul 11, 2008

CHARLOTTE N.C. The Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina said it has named franchising veteran Paul Mangiamele its new chief executive and president. Mangiamele, 55, will oversee the fast-casual Mexican chain’s franchise growth plans, as well as...

Investment firm adds to Hooters holdings

Jul 09, 2008

CHARLOTTE N.C. Chanticleer Holdings Inc., which in March agreed to buy 22-unit franchisee Hooters Inc. in Florida for $55.1 million, on Tuesday said it was buying the assets of Dallas-based Texas Wings, a 45-unit Hooters franchisee, for $106...

IHOP and Applebee’s franchisees look to form co-op

Jul 08, 2008

GLENDALE Calif. Franchisees of the IHOP and Applebee’s chains together will form a purchasing cooperative to improve buying leverage now that the two brands are under parent company DineEquity Inc. “The purchasing power of that combined...