Restaurant News

Burger lovers in the Cypress district of Houston will be treated to a new dining destination when Smashburger, a fast-casual restaurant, opens its ninth Houston-area location on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

The team at pizzaBOGO developed what it considers to be an industry-changing pizza crust that passed all taste tests and is loaded with natural and organic ingredients.

Genghis Grill – The Mongolian Stir Fry, will open its 50th location, Saturday, September 4th.

Perkins restaurants' comparable sales decreased by 5.1% and Marie Callender's restaurants' comparable sales decreased by 5.6% in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009.

Existing Franchisee David McNulty to Open Three Restaurants in 2011 and Remainder by 2014

Church’s Chicken announced today that John F. Bowie has joined the company as President, US operations for the globally recognized QSR chain. John will be responsible for overseeing all company and franchise restaurants operations. He joins a team of veteran industry leaders who have been hired over the last year to support the brand’s growth and retail initiatives.

Dave & Buster's, Inc. today announced that effective August 25, 2010, Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) has been dismissed as the Company’s independent auditor. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the dismissal of E&Y on August 24, 2010.

Same-store sales and customer traffic levels remained negative in July; Restaurant operators are less optimistic about growth in the months ahead

Restaurant chains still consider new franchise agreements to be a main avenue for growth, says a new report from foodservice consultant Technomic. In response to the recession, many franchisors have offered their franchisees incentives like enhanced credit support, fee reductions, and temporarily reduced royalty rates. Others have worked with franchisees to drive down supply chain costs.

Tootie Pie Company, Inc. (OTCBB:TOOT) announced that Dawson Holdings, LP has taken a 15% equity stake in the Tootie Pie Company.

UFood Restaurant Group, Inc. (OTCBB: UFFC) announced today that it has signed an area development agreement with the Robinson Hill Hospitality Group of Chicago for additional UFood Grill units at 5 major United States airports.

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced that Leonard Lieberman has retired from the Board of Directors after 21 years of service, effective August 27, 2010. The company also announced that Jeffrey Schutz, managing director of Centennial Ventures, a leading venture capital firm, has been named to the Board.

Master Franchise Agreement Provides for At Least 30 Stores Over 10 Years

Logan’s Roadhouse, Inc. (Logan’s) announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Kelso & Company (Kelso).

Innovative Tools Include Customized Lists and Mobile Downloads

Rhinehardt has been in the hospitality business for over 20 years. For the last 18 years, Rhinehardt was an executive with Hooters, one of the most recognized brands in the industry.

Smashburger Partners with Bridging Culture Worldwide to Source Multi Unit Franchise Partner

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) (NASDAQ: CPKI), announced the opening of its first restaurant in India. Opened by CPK franchise partner JSMGGC India Pvt. Ltd., a joint-venture between Mumbai-based JSM Corporation and Dubai-based Gourmet Gulf Company, it is located in the upscale Bandra Kula Complex (BKC) district of Mumbai.

If you don't want fast food and you don't want an expensive full service meal, a fast casual restaurant might be just the ticket.

According to the California Restaurant Association Office, San Francisco's Happy Meal Toy Ban was assigned to the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee, chaired by Supervisor Carmen Chu.