The 32-unit Boston-based chain, best known for its mall and airport locations in seven Eastern Seaboard states, has debuted two smaller, neighborhood concepts: Legal Crossing, sporting an edgier, more adult look; and Legal Oysteria, a cozy Italian concept. The company, which also has four Legal C Bar stores, and solo Legal Test Kitchen and Legal…
Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy’s has wrapped up its System Optimization initiative, launched in July 2013, with the sale of 104 restaurants to franchisees in Albuquerque, Los Angeles/Palm Springs, Phoenix and Hawaii. In total, Wendy’s has sold 418 company-operated restaurants concentrated in 13 U.S. markets, primarily in the West. The purchase agreements include commitments to reimage about…
Yum! Brands is revamping its image and menu at its KFC stores in China. On March 25, the chain launched a new menu and marketing campaign there and announced plans to rethink its store design. The Louisville, Ky., chain also plans to freshen up its branding in China with new packaging, employee uniforms and new…
It’s a new look and long-term strategy for St. Louis-based Panera Bread Co. Chain execs convened last week in Charlotte, N.C., a 10-unit test market for the chain’s new bakery-café format, to formally unveil “Panera 2.0,” which includes an emphasis on kiosk and mobile ordering, operational modifications and plans for smaller restaurants. The new format,…
The influence of Panera and Chipotle on the fast-casual market continued last week in Baltimore when Fazoli’s debuted its entry into the competitive market segment. Its new Venti Tre Modern Italian offers an ordering format familiar to patrons of these pioneering chains: Customers choose either a piada, salad or pasta as the base of their…
Americold, the Atlanta-based maker of temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics, has named COO Fred Boehler as its new president. Boehler will hold both titles as he assumes the senior executive leadership role at Americold. Jeffrey Gault, president/CEO, is retiring; he’ll continue to serve on the company’s board of trustees and work with Boehler to ensure a…
Sentinel Capital Partners, the private equity group which purchased Checker’s/Rally’s earlier this year, has closed on its acquisition of Newk’s Holding Co. LLC, the owner and operator of the Newk’s Eatery franchise. Terms of the purchase agreement were not disclosed. The fast-casual chain, founded 10 years ago in Oxford, Miss., offers made-from-scratch sandwiches, soups, salads…
The private-equity owners of El Pollo Loco Holdings are planning an initial public offering of shares in the quick-service chicken chain. Details of the El Pollo Loco offering, including timing, have yet to be announced. The Costa Mesa., Calif., chain, which specializes in flame-grilled chicken and Mexican entrees, operates about 400 company-owned and franchised stores…
Industry veteran Rob Geile has been appointed vice president of consultant services for Ali Group North America. Geile has already assumed the office, where he is responsible for developing and cultivating relationships within the consultant community on behalf of Ali Group North America and its operating companies, namely: Aladdin Temp-Rite, ACP/Amana, Belshaw/Adamatic, Beverage-Air, Burlodge North…
Brian Kearins has joined Star Mfg. as vice president and general manager. Kearins will be working with David Brewer, chief operation officer-Middleby Foodservice Group, on sales and operational initiatives related to the six brands in the Star portfolio. “Brian’s track record, ability to meet goals and get results speaks for itself. His past experience in…