CIT Group: Expect M&A to pick up in 2011

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Private equity firms attracted to strong growth potential.

Subway’s DeLuca to keynote CFA event

March 30, 2011

Fred DeLuca, president and co-founder of Subway Restaurants, is one of several franchisors who will deliver a keynote presentation at the 20th annual Canadian…

DQ names AOR, sells 52 units to franchisee

March 30, 2011

American Dairy Queen Corp. has selected Chicago-based Spark Communications, part of Starcom MediaVest Group, as its Media Agency of Record after a competitive…

Tim Hortons adds to menu, tests Panini

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

March 30, 2011

Ontario-based Tim Hortons is testing new Panini sandwiches in Dayton, Ohio and Rochester, N.Y. The company's U.S. operations are based about an hour outside of…

NRA: Restaurant capital spending outlook at a 40-month high

March 30, 2011

The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) indicated continued improvement in February, with higher sales and traffic levels, as…

Subway hits 200-unit milestone in India, aims for 300 more by '15

March 29, 2011

The Subway restaurant chain opened its 200th store in India this week in Ahmedabad.

Seven KFC units closing as franchisee retires

March 29, 2011

Five KFC units in western Massachusetts and two in northern Connecticut have closed after franchisee Jesse Lanier's retirement.

Dunkin' Donuts opens 3,000th international restaurant

March 29, 2011

Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' Donuts, a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands, has opened its 3,000th international location. The new unit is located in Shanghai, China…

Let’s twist again: Pretzels make a comeback

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Cost, portability and versatility are all contributing to what many are calling a trend.

Gluten-free is not so free for restaurants

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

In the beginning of March, I had the pleasure of attending a hospitality trade show for both hotels and restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland. It was an…

Tasti D-Lite launches Healthy Habit campaign

March 28, 2011

Tasti D-Lite has launched its Tasti Healthy Habit search, a year-long, nationwide contest to find people whose healthy habits – including eating Tasti D-Lite …

Popeyes targets Tampa

March 28, 2011

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has launched an aggressive growth plan to increase its presence in the Tampa, Fla., market.

Rebranding after the recession

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Many chains have adopted new taglines embracing positivity, quality and authenticity.

Wienerschnitzel fans ‘Cash in on a Corn Dog’

March 27, 2011

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Wienerschnitzel is running its second annual “Cash in on a Corn Dog” sweepstakes, featuring $50,000 in cash prizes…

Burger King revamps its chicken tenders

March 27, 2011

Burger King Corp. has rolled out its revamped chicken tenders to restaurants nationwide, featuring an all new seasoning and shape.

Fresh Healthy Café opens unit at Petro Shopping Center

March 27, 2011

Professional drivers in the Kingsland, Ga., area now have a healthy meal option at the Petro Shopping Center on I-95 off of exit 3. The Fresh Healthy Café has…

KFC opens first Zambia unit, brings Double Down to Australia

March 27, 2011

KFC opened its first unit in Zambia last week. The restaurant is located in Lusaka and the opening was marked by First Lady Thandiwe Banda.

Commentary: New management smothers creative spark

When a company is taken over, changing agencies should be reconsidered to avoid discontinuity.

Boardwalk to open 30 new units

March 24, 2011

Columbia, Md.-based Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries has finalized a master franchise deal with restaurant developer Lucky Patel to open more than 30 new…

El Pollo Loco rolls out new sides

March 24, 2011

Beginning March 28, Costa Mesa, Calif.-based El Pollo Loco is expanding its side dish menu with three new premium items – flame-grilled corn, sweet corn cake…