Food Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt Store Fulfills Cravings with Family-Friendly Treats
August 01, 2014 // Franchising.com // San Jose, Calif. - Menchie's, the friendliest place on earth with a mission to make every guest smile, has opened its newest store in San Jose at 925 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose, CA 95123. Offering high quality, delicious self-serve frozen yogurt, Menchie's is sure to become a San Jose favorite!
To celebrate the opening, Menchie's will spread smiles with a soft opening and a two-day grand opening celebration from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, packed with free giveaways including t-shirts, Menchie's merchandise, family-friendly activities and free servings of its best-in-class frozen yogurt.
"Menchie's yogurt, charity fundraising initiatives and focus on quality of not only the yogurt but also the total experience impressed me when I was vetting franchises," said franchisee Gabriel Dosdos...

July Same Store Sales +13.7%, Two Year Increase of +32.1%
Announces New Hatch Valley Green Chile Tortas
GOLDEN, Colo. - August 01, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Good Times Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq:GTIM), operator of Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, a regional quick-service restaurant chain focused on fresh, high-quality, all-natural products and a licensee of Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, a full-service, upscale concept today announced that its same store sales increased 13.7% in July 2014 over the prior year's increase of 18.4%, representing a two year increase of 32.1%, the tenth consecutive month of two-year same store increases over 20% and an acceleration of the recent 27-28% two year sales increases.
Boyd Hoback, President & CEO said, "The two-year increase of 32...

Multi-year Agreement Includes All Papa Murphy's Locations Nationwide
VANCOUVER, Wash. - August 01, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Papa Murphy's Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRSH) the world's leading take 'n' bake pizza franchise, today announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with PepsiCo to renew their longstanding partnership of over 16 years. Under the new deal, PepsiCo will remain the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage provider and offer its iconic brands such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer and Sierra Mist at more than 1,400 locations across the United States.
"For more than 16 years, we have been proud to partner with PepsiCo to offer our customers products from one of the world's leading beverage companies to accompany our fresh, take and bake pizza," commented Ken Calwell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Papa Murphy's Holdings, Inc...

First Franchised Stores To Open After Company Units In D.C.
August 01, 2014 // Franchising.com // Washington, D.C. - CaliBurger™ announced today that it has executed a franchise agreement with an experienced operator to develop ten CaliBurger restaurants in Maryland. The opening of the first franchised restaurants will follow the launch of CaliBurger's company owned units in Washington DC.
The franchisee is Goel Management LLC, an organization that operates a portfolio of Baja Fresh restaurants in the Maryland area. Sumeet Goel, President of the firm, stated: "We wanted to take a position in the growing premium burger market with a brand that stands out among its competitors based on the value proposition; CaliBurger provides the highest quality product we have tried at a meaningful price discount to its competitors...

Vermont's Finest Delivers Free Scoops on its Quest for Local Flavor in the Windy City
BURLINGTON, Vt. - August 01, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Calling all Ben & Jerry's ice cream fans! It is officially the sweetest time of year. Today, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Truck kicks of its first-ever tour in Chicago, giving away FREE scoops to loyal fans. The truck will be scooping its newest line of flavor innovations: Ben & Jerry's Cores. And if that wasn't enough, Ben & Jerry's very own Storyteller, will be joining the truck crew, giving ice cream lovers the inside scoop on the truck's winding path and reporting on all the things that make this Midwest city so unique from the people she meets, to the food she tries and the experiences she has throughout the month...

Louisville, Ky. - August 1, 2014 - (Business Wire) - Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced that the Board of Directors has approved a 12 percent increase in the quarterly dividend payable on Papa John's International, Inc. common stock, resulting in a quarterly dividend rate of $0.14 per share, or $0.56 on an annual basis. The Board of Directors declared the $0.14 dividend per common share, payable August 22, 2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 13, 2014.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Part I...

July 31, 2014 // Franchising.com // DUBLIN, Ohio – The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) announced the declaration of its regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on September 16, 2014, to shareholders of record as of September 2, 2014.
The approximate number of common shares outstanding as of July 18, 2014 was 367.0 million.
About The Wendy's Company
The Wendy's Company is the worlds third-largest quick-service hamburger company. The Wendy's® system includes more than 6,500 franchise and Company-operated restaurants in the United States and 29 countries and U.S. territories worldwide. For more information, visit aboutWendy's.com or Wendy's.com.
Notes: There can be no assurance that any additional regular quarterly cash dividends will be declared or paid after the date hereof, or of the amount or timing of such dividends, if any...

August 01, 2014 // Franchising.com // MANASQUAN, N.J. - Jersey Mike's Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has launched an online merchandise shop just in time for the hottest days of summer. Located at www.shopjerseymikes.com, the site is only place for customers and fans to purchase Jersey Mike's branded apparel and gear which includes t-shirts, beach crew sweatshirts, ball caps, coolers, travel mugs and even Mini Mike's temporary tattoos.
"For years, our customers who are passionate about Jersey Mike's have been asking us for branded items," said Rich Hope, chief marketing officer, Jersey Mike's. "With these custom items, you can feel like you are at the Jersey Shore no matter where you are."
The company is promoting the online store with point-of-purchase advertising as well as grassroots promotion cards that will be handed out locally for interested customers...

Lakewood, Colo. - (Business Wire) - July 31, 2014 - Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:BAGL), a leader in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry operating under the Einstein Bros.® Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels®, and Manhattan Bagel® brands, announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share, payable on October 15, 2014 to stockholders of record as of September 1, 2014.
As of July 31, 2014, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. had approximately 18 million shares of common stock outstanding.
About Einstein Noah Restaurant Group
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading company in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry that operates, franchises and licenses locations under the Einstein Bros...

Greenwood Village, Colo., July 31, 2014 (Globe Newswire) - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (Nasdaq:RRGB), a casual dining restaurant chain focused on serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced that it will release results for the quarter ended July 13, 2014, on Thursday, August 14, 2014. The Company will host a conference call to review financial results on Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 10:00 AM ET.
The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (888) 280-4443, or for international callers (719) 457-2637. A replay will be available from two hours after the end of the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 or (858) 384-5517 for international callers; the conference ID is 7896315...

Nation's Largest Barbecue Chain Brand Adds Leadership Roll to Enhance Growth Efforts
August 01, 2014 // Franchising.com // Dallas, TX - Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the nation's largest barbecue chain, today announced Andy Abbajay as the new chief operations officer. Employing multiple touch points, additional support layers and a collaborative leadership style, Abbajay will lead the brand as it closes in on its 500th restaurant opening and the brand's eventual international expansion.
"Andy joins us with a proven track record of creative problem solving and will be instrumental in leveraging best in class operation procedures for our growing system," said Roland Dickey, Jr., president and CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc...

July 31, 2014 // Franchising.com // TORONTO, ON - Canadian pizza lovers have done it again! Pizza Pizza has successfully collected over 5,700 electronic devices in this year's Slices for Devices program, doubling last year's total, and setting a new record for the 11th annual campaign. Customers were offered a free slice for every small electronic device dropped off in-store as part of its 2014 Earth Month activities.
Throughout the month of April, Pizza Pizza locations collected smart phones, cameras, ink cartridges, adapters, and iPods that will now be turned over to GreenTec to be recycled and then sold to the refurbishing industry. Each collected device can generate up to $5. All funds raised will be donated to Children's Miracle Network and its 14 member hospitals across Canada...

Deal With Imperial Restaurant Group Will Bring the Popular Sports Bar and Grille to the Southern Half of the Garden State, Another Strategic Step Toward Expansion Throughout the Northeast
July 31, 2014 // Franchising.com // HANOVER, Md. - The Greene Turtle announced today that a group of investors with extensive quick-service and petroleum distribution/retail experience has signed an agreement to develop 11 units in New Jersey for the popular casual dining restaurant/sports bar chain, marking the first locations slated to open in the Garden State. The franchisees, operating as Imperial Restaurant Group LLC, consist of individuals with diverse business experiences and core competencies. The group will be led by Raj Rana, a former multi-unit QSR restaurant owner, and Balrup Hundal, Surinder Hundal and Parminder Singh, who operate a petroleum distribution business and more than 30 gas and convenience store locations, and will focus its development efforts on the southern half of New Jersey...

Same-store Sales Increase by Nearly 10% in Second Quarter; Franchise Opens 21 New Stores across U.S.
NEW ORLEANS, - July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the premier smoothie and nutritional lifestyle center, released statistics today showing significant growth during the first half of 2014 compared to the same timeframe last year. Same-store sales jumped 7.16 percent in the first quarter compared to last year and increased to an even stronger 9.79 percent in the second quarter. Additionally, within the past six months, the smoothie franchise has opened 21 new locations across the U.S. The award-winning smoothie company now has 690 stores worldwide and plans to open an additional 55 by the end of 2014.
"While much of the foodservice industry experienced decreased traffic and sales earlier this year because of severe winter weather, Smoothie King remained ahead of the competition and continued that momentum into the second quarter with positive same-store sales and aggressive franchise development," said Smoothie King Global CEO Wan Kim...

Global Family Sports Restaurant Brand Opens 9th Location in Jordan, Launches in Saudi Arabia and Signs an Area Development Agreement for Kuwait
CINCINNATI (PRWEB) July 31, 2014 - Further cementing its position as the hottest restaurant in the global casual-dining arena, Buffalo Wings & Rings continues its expansion in the Middle East with the opening of its 9th location in Jordan. The family sports dining restaurant has also opened the first of 12 planned locations in Saudi Arabia and signed its first area development agreement for Kuwait. Spearheading the expansion of the brand overseas is Haytham David, President and CEO of Buffalo Wings & Rings International.
"The inviting atmosphere and delicious food available at Buffalo Wings & Rings has led to impressive response from families in the Middle East," David said...

Vermont Ice Cream Maker Looks for Local Gems in the Emerald City
BURLINGTON, Vt. - July 31, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Calling all Ben & Jerry's ice cream fans! It is officially the sweetest time of year. Today, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Truck kicks of its annual month-long tour in Seattle, giving away FREE scoops to loyal fans. The truck will be scooping its newest line of flavor innovations: Ben & Jerry's Cores. And if that wasn't enough, this year Ben & Jerry's very own Storyteller, Doree Speidel, will be joining the truck crew, giving ice cream lovers the inside scoop on the truck's winding path and reporting on all the things that make Seattle so unique from the people she meets, to the food she tries and the experiences she has throughout the month...

Hollywood Burger Chain Continues To Expand Internationally
July 31, 2014 // Franchising.com // LOS ANGELES – Fatburger, the iconic Hollywood burger brand, has opened its first location in Doha, Qatar in The Pearl, a top tourist and recreational destination. Franchisee Khalifa Al Sowaidi, and Al Sowaidi Investment, will provide residents of the development with an all-American dining experience.
The fast casual burger brand currently delivers custom, made-to-order burgers, crispy "Fat Fries," hand-scooped milkshakes and hand-battered onion rings to over 150 locations in 32 countries. With successful openings in Abu Dhabi, Vancouver and Tunisia, the 62-year-old burger franchise now takes its next step into a booming international market with its opening in Doha, Qatar...

Frozen Yogurt Brand Raises Money And Brings Smiles To Children With Life-threatening Medical Conditions
July 31, 2014 // Franchising.com // ENCINO, Calif. - Menchie's, North America's largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, is teaming up with Make-A-Wish® to help raise funds and make a difference in the lives of
From August 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014, Menchie's will be raising money to help Make-A-Wish grant life-changing wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions, with a guaranteed minimum contribution of $115,000. This fundraiser is giving both Menchie's and guests the opportunity to truly make a difference in a child's life. With donations of $1 or more, guests will receive a coupon sheet worth $8 as a thank you for their donation...

NEW YORK - July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and raised its full year fiscal 2014 earnings guidance. Second quarter 2014 results include:

Revenues of $397.5 million, down 15.6% versus the prior year period, with total paid weeks down 14.4%
Cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $145.5 million year-to-date
Earnings per fully diluted share (EPS) were $0.95

"While Q2 financial performance is down significantly year over year, our transformation plan remains on track," commented Jim Chambers, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. Chambers added, "Given our performance in the first half and our expectations for the balance of the year, we are raising our full year fiscal 2014 earnings guidance to a range of $1...

Award-winning franchise ranked as one of the fastest growing small chains in the U.S. 
WINSTON-SALEM, NC - July 31, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ - East Coast Wings & Grill, an upscale, award-winning chicken wing franchise, has been named one of the fastest growing small chains by Restaurant Business.
The magazine's annual round up of The Future 50 was compiled through date from the Chicago research firm Technomic. All rankings are based on total percentage change in system wide sales from 2012 to 2013. East Coast Wings & Grill brought in $32.6 million in system wide sales, a 17 percent increase from the following year. In addition, the franchise also averaged $1.3 million in sales at a unit level.
"We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the top 50 fastest growing small chains," said Sam Ballas, CEO of East Coast Wings & Grill...