Multi-brand franchisee buys Stewart'sMulti-brand franchisee buys Stewart's

MILLER PLACE N.Y. Rockelle Corp., the licensee of such quick-service brands as Chock full o'Nuts, Blimpie and Surf City Squeeze, has purchased the 80-year-old Stewart's Original Root Beer concept from Frosted Mug Holdings LLC. The purchase includes 50 Stewart's restaurants, which are located in nine states. The acquisition also gives Rockelle the trademark rights to market all of Stewart's products including soda syrups, hamburgers, hot dogs and condiments.

The company plans to merchandise Stewart's products in supermarkets around the country. Several restaurant concepts, such as Cracker Barrel Restaurants, already carry Stewart's products.