Food Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Fourth Annual Nationwide Awareness Campaign Featured Social Media Fundraising through #givingmenu
COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine, Dec. 4, 2013 - Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries across the country, today announced that Jersey Mike’s, a nationwide sub sandwich franchise, has donated $305,000 to support its mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach our children the value of freedom.
From Oct. 1 through Nov. 11, all Jersey Mike's locations throughout the nation collected donations for the nonprofit organization, which lays hundreds of thousands of remembrance wreaths at the headstones of the nation's veterans during the holiday season...

Fans can show off their seasonal garb for the chance to win a prize pack featuring an exclusive Dunkin' Donuts holiday sweater
December 13, 2013 // Franchising.com // CANTON, Mass. - As people prepare their seasonal sweaters, vests and hats for holiday celebrations during the next two weeks, Dunkin' Donuts is once again giving fans the opportunity to present their favorite and festive holiday fashions and finery for the chance to win some truly exclusive presents. Dunkin' Donuts, America's all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, today launched its HoliDDay Fashions contest, inviting people to post photos of themselves in their holiday clothing and costumes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This year, five winners will receive a special prize pack that includes a custom-made, not-available-for-sale Dunkin' Donuts holiday sweater, as featured in the brand's recent television commercial for its holiday coffees and lattes, which can be viewed at: http://youtu...

Healthy Acai Bowl Concept Poised for Major Expansion
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, December 12, 2013 – Bowl of Heaven, the CA-based concept featuring healthy acai bowls and fresh blended smoothies, just signed a 3-unit franchise deal for Northern California. Uniquely positioned in the growing health conscious fast casual segment, Bowl of Heaven is ramping up franchise expansion with the help of partner Fransmart.
JMD Management, the brand’s new multi-unit franchisee, is an enterprise focused on healthy foods. While the hi-tech industry background of its founders is typical of the region, they see a growing awareness and need for healthy but tasty alternatives to fast food. They want to bring the benefits of super-foods like Maqui berry, Acai, Gac fruit and more from around the world in a delicious yet healthy form to the Tri-Valley neighborhood...

Casual Dining Franchisor Acquires Five Restaurants in North Carolina, Indiana and Virginia
SHARON, Pa. - Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - The Award-Winning casual-dining franchise Quaker Steak & Lube® known for its Best Wings USA and more than 25 sauces, announced today it will be acquiring five restaurants in North Carolina, Indiana and Virginia. Previously owned by 3G Management, the Quaker Steak & Lube® restaurants in Concord, N.C., Fort Wayne, Ind., and Newport News, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg, Va. will be corporate owned and operated beginning December 12, 2013.
"We are looking to have a stronger corporate presence in these key markets; this represents an important step forward for our brand as we continue with our national expansion plans," said John Longstreet, chief executive officer of Quaker Steak & Lube®...

Growing Arizona-based Frozen Yogurt Franchise Set to Open First Location in Georgia
December 12, 2013 // Franchising.com // PHOENIX – Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, an Arizona-based self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, has announced the signing of a development agreement to expand the brand into the Atlanta market. Local franchisees Craig and Robin Kovel plan to open multiple locations, with the first set to open mid-2014. The first Zoyo – a 1,300 square-foot-store located in Kennesaw – will provide members of the community with a place to socialize while enjoying their signature frozen yogurt flavors and toppings.
"Atlanta is a dynamic, growing community and a great place to own and operate a family-friendly business," said Craig Kovel...

Certified Public Accountant Brings Wealth of Financial Experience to International Franchisor
ALISO VIEJO, Calif., - Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - All-American international franchise company, Johnny Rockets, is pleased to announce Chad Hope as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and seasoned veteran of the food franchise industry, Hope brings years of investment management and international operations experience to the Company's corporate team. Prior to his position with Johnny Rockets, Hope served as CFO of FSC Franchise Co, LLC, franchisor of Beef 'O' Brady's Family Sports Pubs and Brass Tap Craft Beer and Wine Bars. With 226 combined domestic and international units, FSC reports system wide sales of $210 million...

VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. - Dec.12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Manhasset is the latest Long Island town to get a big dose of pure sweetness. Chocolate Works, the burgeoning franchise concept that transforms the corner candy shop into an interactive chocolate factory experience, has just opened its third Long Island franchise this quarter. The new Manhasset store is located at 346 Plandome Road, Manhasset NY 11030.
Owners Ann and Brian Jackelow, who also reside in Manhasset, opened for business last Friday and plan to host an official Grand Opening Event this Saturday, December 14th starting at 2pm.
"After attending a friend's child's birthday party at the Valley Stream location, I knew Manhasset needed to have a Chocolate Works of its own," explains Ann Jackelow...

The 'Wing Experts' are now serving at 2600 Oswell St.
December 12, 2013 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop is now open at 2600 Oswell St. for wing fans in Bakersfield.
The Oswell St. location is the second to open in Bakersfield, and the 149th in the Golden State. The new restaurant is thanks to Brand Partner Clinton Lewis, who also operates one other Bakersfield location.
"I am excited to expand the Wingstop brand with our other location in the area," said Lewis. " With the response we received from the community from our first Bakersfield restaurant, it was only right that we show our gratitude by providing a second Wingstop location."
The Wingstop menu features classic and boneless wings, made fresh to order in ten intense flavors including Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan and Original Hot...

Shop Online or in Over 400 Stores Nationwide
ATLANTA - Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - HoneyBaked*, known for the world's best ham, is helping to create stress-free holidays by offering gifts for everyone on your nice list online and in 400+ stores nationwide. Whether you are showing appreciation to a neighbor or rewarding a co-worker for a job well done, HoneyBaked gifts, from gift cards to delectable desserts, are ones that will be savored and remembered.
HoneyBaked fulfills nearly a quarter of a million gift orders every year and is the perfect place to pick up or ship a last-minute hostess gift or everyone's favorite Original HoneyBaked Ham®. Gifts come in all price ranges, including:

$5 and up: Available in any denomination, HoneyBaked gift cards allow recipients to choose something for themselves — from our world-famous hams to our delicious turkey breasts, sides, desserts and more...

December 12, 2013 // Franchising.com // Villa Enterprises Management Ltd., Inc., a global, multi-concept restaurant operator, celebrates the grand opening of its newest quick-serve concept, Tinta Mexicana, at the Arizona Mills Shopping Center located in Tempe, AZ.
With decades of experience in the restaurant business and a variety of concepts under Villa Enterprises’ belt, the creation of an authentic Mexican brand continues the expansion of culinary options within the company’s portfolio, providing more opportunity for the company and franchisees alike. In order to meet local tastes, Villa Enterprises collaborated with local chef, Silvana Salcido Esparza, to create a Mexican restaurant experience for the shopping center in order to appeal to local and tourist shoppers from the area...

Company supports U.S. Department of Defense as it implements its Healthy Base Initiative, mobilizing military personnel and their families to lead healthier lifestyles.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) December 12, 2013 - Fresh Healthy Vending International, Inc.(OTC: VEND), a leading healthy vending franchisor, announces its short-term contract award with Hill Air Force Base in Utah for the installation of four Healthy Vending Café machines last month. Based upon the performance, Fresh Healthy Vending opens the door to potential future long-term contracts.
As part of the company’s corporate owned operations division, announced in October, the on-base machines will be owned by Fresh Healthy Vending and maintained by collective servicers Matthew and Kimberly Solorio...

Charlotte Uncle Maddio’s to Give Away Breakfast on Dec. 12 and 13 in the Uptown Location
Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) December 12, 2013 - Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint will begin serving breakfast at one of its Charlotte, NC, locations and will be giving away breakfast pizzas, paninis and break-zones on Thursday December 12 and Friday December 13, 2013 at the 101 South Tryon Street location in Charlotte’s Overstreet Mall.
"We are very excited to now offer breakfast at Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Uptown Charlotte," said Jerry Licari, Uncle Maddio’s Charlotte-area franchise owner. "Our customers are craving more from Uncle Maddio’s, and we are happy to deliver with innovative and creative new breakfast items, along with fresh fruit, premium coffee, and fresh-squeezed juices...

DECEMBER 1, 2013 - For a limited time, Shane’s Rib Shack is offering new freshly prepared Boneless Wings & Honey BBQ Sauce. Shane’s Boneless Wings are prepared fresh daily, all white meat, never frozen, double-breaded, & toppped off with a special seasoning. They can be tossed in any of Shane’s signature sauces including the newest and sweetest sauce yet, Honey BBQ. Beginning today until January 31st, guests can receive the special offer of a 10 piece Boneless Wings with French Fries for just $6.99!
Please visit the Shane’s Rib Shack location nearest you to try the new Boneless Wings before they are gone. Wanting more? During your visit, sign up for Shane’s text loyalty program, PlumReward, where you can receive exclusive offers...

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Beginning Friday, December 13, Johnny Rockets will offer its timeless all-American brand of food and fun inside Richmond Coliseum, in a 520 square foot space outside Section 20L. Just in time for the John Mayer concert, franchisee Kevin Sanford will provide concert-goers with the same freshly made comfort foods, a crew in classic restaurant attire and the friendly service made famous by the Johnny Rockets brand.
A local resident, Sanford also owns the Johnny Rockets restaurants at Short Pump and Hancock Village, from which he will select employees for Coliseum events throughout the year.
"Johnny Rockets thrives in venues where people go to have fun and, with more than 130 annual events, we're sure to please sports and music enthusiasts of all ages," said Sanford...

Leading Fast Casual Pizza Chain to Bring Nearly 40 Locations to the DC Area
WASHINGTON - Dec. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - A better way of experiencing pizza is sweeping the nation. By mid-2014, residents inside and outside the Beltway will find out why.
Pie Five Pizza Co., the nation's leading fast casual pizza chain, announced today that it has awarded 38 franchise units to ALC Hospitality, a restaurant management company owned by Alyse Cohen, who will bring the trend-setting concept to Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland and the District of Columbia.
At Pie Five, guests can choose from more than a million combinations of handcrafted pizzas and a variety of specialty pie choices prepared in less than five minutes on one of four crusts...

In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, Romeo's Pizza will launch the 12 Pizzas of Christmas campaign on December 12.
Medina, Ohio (PRWEB) December 11, 2013 - Romeo's Pizza will feature a different specialty pizza each day for 12 days at a very special holiday price of $12 for a medium. The "12 Pizzas of Christmas" campaign kicks off on December 12 and will continue through December 23. The 12 Pizzas of Christmas campaign will be promoted in social media and email blasts. All 32 Romeo's Pizza locations in Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Columbus will be participating in this campaign.
"We thought this was a fun way to celebrate the season with our fans and also reintroduce them to all our great-tasting specialty pizzas," said Patty Steen, Director of Marketing at Romeo's Pizza...

MINNEAPOLIS - December 12, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. today announced that PepsiCo, Inc. will become the restaurant's primary soft drink and non-carbonated beverage provider, bringing some of the country's most popular beverage brands to Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants beginning in 2014. In addition, Buffalo Wild Wings and PepsiCo plan to combine the power and excitement of their respective brands through joint marketing initiatives tied to sports and entertainment, opening the door to a wide range of new opportunities that will further enhance the Buffalo Wild Wings guest experience.
"This partnership between PepsiCo and Buffalo Wild Wings is a natural fit. We see tremendous opportunities to leverage PepsiCo's diverse food and beverage portfolio in ways that benefit both companies through exciting new innovations, unique consumer engagement programs, and powerful brand activations tied to sports and entertainment"
The relationship will include corporate-owned and franchise restaurants, totaling more than 975 locations in the United States...

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - (Marketwired - Dec. 11, 2013) - Liquid Nutrition Group Inc. (TSX VENTURE:LQD) has announced that Michael Pesner will be joining its Board of Directors.
Mr. Pesner is a Chartered Professional Accountant who was formerly a Senior Partner at KPMG for 26 years. He currently sits on the boards of both private and public companies including Richmont Mines Inc., David's Tea Inc., Le Chateau Inc., Well.ca, Quest Rare Minerals Ltd., and Alexandria Minerals Corporation.
Mr. Pesner brings considerable experience with financings and financial management, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions.
"Michael Pesner is an extremely well-respected business man and sits on many prestigious boards," says President and Chief Marketing Officer Chantal Chamandy...

The "Wing Experts" opens its first location at 9211 N. Tryon St.
December 12, 2013 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop has officially entered the Charlotte market with the opening of its first Wingstop located at 9211 N. Tryon St.
The new Wingstop, located across from the UNC Charlotte campus, is thanks to Brand Partners Alexandra Acosta and Miguel A. Flores Stringel, a father-daughter team. The duo, which currently owns and operates several agricultural-based businesses throughout Mexico, signed a three-store agreement earlier this year. They have plans to open two additional locations in Matthew, N.C. and Harrisburg, N.C.
"After falling in love with the Wingstop brand and food in Kingsville, Texas, we are excited to introduce a great concept and wings to the Charlotte area," said Acosta...

Select City Walk Mall Prepares for Queues of Krispy Kreme Fans
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire - Krispy Kreme (NYSE: KKD) announced today that it plans to open its first store in Delhi on Saturday, December 14, 2013. The new doughnut cafe will be the first of 35 planned Krispy Kreme stores in Northern India by Krispy Kreme's new franchise partner, Bedrock Foods Pvt., Ltd.
"We are excited to partner with Bedrock Food Company in taking the one-of-a-kind Krispy Kreme taste and experience to the people of Delhi," said Jeff Welch, Krispy Kreme President - International. "With our initial launch in Bangalore this past January, we have seen great acceptance of Krispy Kreme and our signature products by the Indian consumer...