Food Franchise Industry News & Announcements

LONDON, ONTARIO - (Marketwired - March 7, 2014) -  Giant Tiger stores in London are pleased to announce a donation of $6,332 to the Mission Services of London. This donation represents proceeds from a two-month long "Scan Away Hunger" campaign hosted at three different Giant Tiger stores in London from the beginning of November through the end of December, 2013.
During the "Scan Away Hunger" event, before cashiers finalized a sale, they would ask the customer if they would be interested in adding a donation of $3.11 to the total of their purchase. The amount donated went to providing the Mission Services of London with one meal for one individual who relies on the shelter.
Giant Tiger Stores Limited has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities we call home...

Jamba Reports Second Fiscal Year of Net Income since Becoming a Public Company
Comparable Store Sales Increase for Third Consecutive Year
JambaGO doubles; International Enters New Markets
Premium Juice Set for National Expansion
EMERYVILLE, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Mar. 6, 2014 - Jamba, Inc. (NASDAQ:JMBA) today reported unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Jamba demonstrated renewed momentum in the quarter and delivered on a majority of its strategic and financial targets, including a third consecutive year of comparable store sales growth for Company-owned stores and a second year of net income since becoming a public company. Key growth drivers all performed solidly with JambaGO more than doubling in size with the addition of over 1,000 units, international showing strong growth in all countries and adding two new markets in the Middle East and Mexico, and the Premium Juice and Whole Food Blending platform exceeding test market projections...

HOUSTON - March 4, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Ignite Restaurant Group (NASDAQ:IRG) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2013.
Highlights for the fourth quarter of 2013 were as follows:

Total revenues were $186.9 million, including $88.3 million associated with Macaroni Grill, which was acquired on April 9, 2013;
On a comparable 13-week basis, system-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 1.9% at Joe's Crab Shack and increased 6.6% at Brick House Tavern + Tap. Comparable sales decreased 9.0% at Macaroni Grill;
Net loss and net loss per diluted share were $4.4 million and $0.17, respectively;
Adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss per diluted share (which are non-GAAP financial measures) were $4...

DEERFIELD, Ill. - March 07, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - BAB Systems, Inc., the franchising subsidiary of BAB, Inc. (OTCBB: BABB), today announced that effective with the recent filing of its 2014 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees now have the option to include its SweetDuet® frozen yogurt program to their new Big Apple Bagels® or My Favorite Muffin® franchise. There is no additional initial franchise fee for this program.
The SweetDuet® program allows the franchisee to choose from a product line of approximately 75 varieties of premium quality frozen yogurt from which the store will offer up to 15 varieties daily. The concept is self-serve and includes abundant topping selections from which customers can create their own Duet Yourself® "sundae...

DALLAS - March 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Fresh off a record-breaking year, Wingstop today announced plans to significantly expand its presence in the Northeast by opening at least 25 new restaurants in the New Jersey area over the next five years.
The expansion will be accomplished through franchising, and Wingstop officials are actively seeking existing multi-unit restaurant franchisees looking to add a new concept to their portfolio. One-on-one meetings are being scheduled with franchise prospects for March 19 and 20 at the Hilton East Brunswick in East Brunswick, NJ.
The announcement comes after a strong 2013 in which Wingstop opened a record-breaking 74 new restaurants and signed 182 domestic development agreements, bringing the total number of opened restaurants to more than 600 in 32 states, Mexico, Russia and Singapore with commitments for more than 500 additional new restaurants...

March 07, 2014 // Franchising.com // Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is pleased to announce that its chairman for South Asia, K.B. Kachru, has received the Hall of Fame – Lifetime Contribution in Hospitality Award from the from the International Council of Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA). The award recognised Kachru’s outstanding contribution to the public and private sector in the hospitality business. It was presented at a ceremony held at the International Tourism Exchange Berlin (ITB) Convention, the world’s leading travel trade show.
"This award is a tremendous honor and I am grateful for the recognition. Hospitality has been a lifelong passion and I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to realize my goals alongside the vision and support of Carlson Rezidor...

March 07, 2014 // Franchising.com // DUBLIN, OHIO – The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer Emil Brolick and Chief Financial Officer Todd Penegor will participate in a live question-and-answer session at RBC Capital Markets' Consumer and Retail Conference at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12 in Boston. Investors and interested parties may listen to a live webcast of the question-and-answer session from the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.aboutwendys.com.
In addition, the Company will host one-on-one or small group meetings at the following conferences during March:

Brolick, Penegor and Vice President of Investor Relations David Poplar will attend the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Consumer and Retail Conference on March 11 in New York...

Free Pizzas for Facebook Fans on March 10
LOS ANGELES, CA - (Marketwired - Mar 6, 2014) - Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza today announced that it is scheduled to open its first Isla Vista location at 6546 Pardall Rd., adjacent to the University of California, Santa Barbara campus, on Saturday, March 8. To celebrate, the company is set to offer its custom built, fast-fire'd artisan pizzas FREE to Blaze Pizza's Facebook fans on Monday, March 10 between 11:00 a.m. and midnight. Those who "like" the Blaze Pizza page on Facebook can print out a screen shot, or present it on their mobile device to obtain their free pizza at the Isla Vista restaurant, located at 6546 Pardall Rd. The new restaurant features an outdoor patio for afternoon and evening dining and is located near Freebirds and The Habit...

DALLAS - March 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) announced today that Guy Constant, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and President of Global Business Development has resigned from his position effective immediately. Marie Perry, Senior Vice President Treasurer and Controller for Brinker, will serve as interim CFO until a permanent successor is named. The company will immediately commence an internal and external search for a successor.
"On behalf of everyone at Brinker, I want to thank Guy for his many contributions to the organization these last nine years and wish him well," said Wyman Roberts, CEO and president of Brinker International and president of Chili's® Grill & Bar. "We remain committed to pursuing the solid business strategy we laid out four years ago and are confident in Marie's skills and talents to oversee the continued financial health of the company...

MINNEAPOLIS - March 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (Nasdaq:BWLD) announced today that the Company will present at an upcoming investor conference.
On Thursday, March 13, 2014, the Company will present at the UBS Global Consumer Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company's investor presentation will be webcast live at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at ir.buffalowildwings.com.
About Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., founded in 1982 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a growing owner, operator and franchisor of Buffalo Wild Wings® restaurants featuring a variety of boldly-flavored, made-to-order menu items including its namesake Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings...

HOUSTON - March 5, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Ignite Restaurant Group (NASDAQ:IRG) today announced that Robert S. Merritt has been appointed as an independent member of its Board of Directors, effective March 4, 2014. Mr. Merritt will replace Zane Leshner, who resigned from the Board of Directors effective February 27, 2014.
Paul R. Vigano, Chairman of Ignite Restaurant Group, stated, "We are thrilled to announce the addition of Bob to our Board. He is one of the true pioneers in the casual dining industry and we are excited by the vast experience, vision and leadership that he brings to Ignite. We look forward to working with Bob and are confident that his skills will benefit our Board, our Company and our shareholders."
Mr...

March 06, 2014 // Franchising.com // Berlin - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Panorama Group signed a strategic partnership in Berlin a year ago, presided over by Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister, Dr Mari Elka Pangestu. The strategic partnership will see the development of 20 Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson hotels within seven years in attractive tourist destinations and top tier cities including Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Yogyakarta, as well as emerging cities such as Manado, Makassar, Palembang and Medan.
Significant progress has been made within a year of the signing. To date, four new hotel deals have been signed Radisson Bali Uluwatu, Radisson Batam, Park Inn by Radisson Lampung and Park Inn by Radisson Makassar...

Free Burritos for a Year for First 25 Customers
WICHITA, Kan. - March 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Freebirds World Burrito will open its second location in Wichita, Kan. on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the Village at Greenwich located at 2350 N. Greenwich, Suite 100. The first 25 customers at the location will be rewarded with free burritos for one year.
The new Wichita location is the seventh restaurant for FB Midwest Development, LLC, the first Freebirds franchisee. The fast casual concept owned by Tavistock Restaurants currently operates more than 100 locations across the United States.
"We are excited to open another location in the vibrant Wichita community," said Freebirds Midwest Development Director of Marketing Caitlin Noble...

Rapidly Growing Fast-Casual Chain to Introduce 10 of its Signature Neighborhood Bakery Cafes to Indianapolis as Part of New Multi-Unit Development Agreement
March 06, 2014 // Franchising.com // DALLAS – Corner Bakery Cafe, the fast-casual bakery cafe known for its ingredient-inspired menu, made fresh to order breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering for any occasion, announced today that the company has signed a new multi-unit development agreement to open its first restaurants in Indianapolis beginning later this year and the remaining sites over the next six years.
The new franchisee joins a roster of 27 franchise partners, with 53 open cafes and development commitments for more than 300 more, as Corner Bakery Cafe continues on its goal to more than double its U...

Slapfish to Bring Sustainalicious, Boat-to-Plate Menu to the Middle East
March 06, 2014 // Franchising.com // Huntington Beach, CA - Slapfish, Huntington Beach’s chef-driven fast casual seafood restaurant with an emphasis on serving fresh, sustainable seafood dishes, is building out its first location in Dubai. The Dubai location will be the first Middle East unit to come out of a major master franchise deal that was signed in 2013, under a notable operator/franchisee that has brought other successful restaurant brands over to the region.
The first site, which is currently under construction, is set to open in the Ibn Battuta Mall - where the same franchisee also just recently opened a Flippin’ Pizza location. The second Slapfish restaurant in MENA will be built off of Sheik Zayed Road, also in Dubai...

At The Embassy Suites San Diego Bay-Downtown
Opening Marks Debut of First Non-traditional Dunkin' Donuts Restaurant in San Diego County; Dunkin' Brands Continues to Recruit Qualified Operators for Growth in Golden State
March 06, 2014 // Franchising.com // SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Dunkin' Donuts, America's all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, along with its sister brand Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, will celebrate the grand opening of a combination restaurant in San Diego at The Embassy Suites San Diego Bay-Downtown at 601 Pacific Highway on Monday, March 10, 2014. The opening marks the debut of the first non-traditional Dunkin' Donuts restaurant in San Diego County and the third non-traditional location in the state of California...

Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt Store Fulfills Cravings with Family-Friendly Treats 
March 06, 2014 // Franchising.com // GROVE CITY, OH - Menchie's, the friendliest place on earth with a mission to make every guest smile, has opened its newest location in Parkway Center North located at 1730 Stringtown Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123. Offering high quality, delicious self-serve frozen yogurt, Menchie's is sure to become a Grove City favorite!
To celebrate the opening, Menchie's will spread smiles with a seven-day grand opening celebration from Saturday, Mar. 15 to Friday, Mar. 21, packed with free giveaways including t-shirts, Menchie's merchandise, family-friendly activities and free servings of its best-in-class frozen yogurt.
"Once I made the business decision to open a frozen yogurt shop, selecting Menchie's was actually the easy part," said franchisee, Mike Vargo...

New Presidents named for Romano's Macaroni Grill and Brick House Tavern + Tap
HOUSTON - March 3, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Ignite Restaurant Group (Nasdaq:IRG) today announced new leadership for two of its popular brands.
John Gilbert has been named President of Romano's Macaroni Grill. A former member of the Ignite Restaurant Group Board of Directors, Gilbert was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Minnetonka, MN-based Famous Dave's of America. With a long history in the restaurant industry, Gilbert previously served in top marketing roles with Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc., Yum! Brands Inc., and Carlson Restaurants Worldwide/TGI Friday's, Inc. He served on the Ignite Board of Directors from January 2008 through June 2013...

Find your perfect excuse to catch college basketball tourney action with freebie deals and enter to win a trip to the "Big D" at Hooters.com/Hooky.
ATLANTA - March 06, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Hooters is offering official excuses to play hooky during basketball tourney season with downloadable deals on menu items all March long. Hoops fanatics can visit Hooters.com/Hooky to download coupons for featured food specials each week.
"We wanted to make it that much easier to play hooky at Hooters by offering free deals each week, not to mention a chance to travel to Dallas for a piece of the action as college basketball icons duke it out for the national title."
As a bonus, every game day download comes with an automatic entry to win a prize package trip to Dallas for this year’s college basketball finals...

Conference Call Scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET
March 06, 2014 // Franchising.com // INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Noble Roman's, Inc. (OTC/BB: NROM), the Indianapolis based franchisor of Noble Roman's Pizza and Tuscano's Italian Style Subs, today announced that management will report its fourth quarter and full year 2013 financial results after the market close on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.
Management will conduct a live teleconference to discuss its financial results at 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Anyone interested in participating should call 1-877-941-1427 if calling from the United States, or 1-480-629-9664 if dialing internationally. A replay will be available until March 19, 2014, which can be accessed by dialing 1-877-870-5176 within the United States and 1-858-384-5517 if dialing internationally...