Emerald City Smoothie grows by thinking small

The Seattle-based smoothie chain has adapted its store design and franchise marketing to continue its expansion plans.

QSR franchise sales require harder work

Growth is possible in the tightened credit market, but brands and franchisees must get creative.

Asian segment provides untapped QSR niche

As consumers' palates become more adventurous, the Asian restaurant segment offers a growth opportunity.

Wendy's seeks amendment to issue debt

June 1, 2009

Reuters: Wendys/Arbys Group Inc. has said its Wendy's International Holdings unit was seeking to amend its credit agreement to allow it to issue debt, with an…

Yum! Brands completes cash tender offer

May 31, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc., parent company of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC, has announced the results of its cash tender offer to purchase up to $15…

Restaurant Performance Index hits highest level in nearly a year

May 28, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  The outlook for the restaurant industry grew more optimistic in April, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…

Popeyes sees Q1 comps improve, net income fall

May 27, 2009

ATLANTA — AFC Enterprises Inc., the franchisor and operator of Popeyes, has reported an increase in systemwide sales of 1.1 percent, compared to an increase of…

Sonic, Jack in the Box announce conference participation

May 27, 2009

Sonic Corp. has announced that the company will participate in two upcoming investor conferences, including: Goldman Sachs 2009 Lodging, Gaming, Restaurant…

Yum! Brands adds price to cash tender offer

May 26, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc., parent company of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, has announced that it has priced its cash tender offer to purchase up to…

Burger brands announce conference participation

May 21, 2009

Burger King Holdings Inc. and Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. have announced that the companies will participate in the Goldman Sachs 2009 Lodging, Gaming…

Institutional Investor survey names Yum! CFO tops in restaurant industry

May 17, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc.'s chief financial officer Richard Carucci has been recognized by Institutional Investor's 2009 America's Best CFOs survey…

Yum! Brands amends terms of cash tender offer

May 14, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc., parent company of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell, has announced that it has amended the terms of its cash tender offer to…

Tim Hortons Inc. Q1 net up 7.5%

May 7, 2009

OAKVILLE, Ontario — Tim Hortons Inc. has reported same-store sales have increased 3.4 percent in Canada and 3.2 percent in the United States for the first…

A&W qualifies for SBA Registry to streamline franchisee credit

May 5, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A&W Restaurants Inc., which is celebrating its 90th anniversary by introducing a new state-of-the-art drive-in concept, has been approved…

Has Krispy Kreme turned the corner?

With debt down and same-store sales finally up, maybe the company isn't doomed after all.

Yum! Brands announces $150M cash tender offer

May 3, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc., parent company of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell, has announced that it will offer a cash tender offer to purchase up to $15…

Restaurant industry outlook continues to improve

April 29, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry improved in March, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

Wells Fargo offers McDonald's franchisee loan program

April 15, 2009

SAN DIEGO — Wells Fargo Restaurant Finance — part of Wells Fargo & Co. — has announced a new McDonald's Loan Program featuring customized financial…

U.S. Bank intros loan program for McDonald's franchisees

April 14, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Bank has announced a new lending program featuring financial products and solutions for McDonald's U.S. franchisees. The program will be…

Burger King menu to get creative

New flexible broilers allow the chain to go beyond Whoppers into casual dining fare.