Still thinking about next year’s sales strategy? There’s still time to register for the industry’s only hard-numbers forecast seminar for the E&S market. Foodservice Equipment Reports’ 2014 E&S Market Forecast President’s Preview is Wed., Aug. 7, at the Westin O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Ill. The annual one-day event provides manufacturers, operators, dealers and others in…

Five Guys has crossed the pond. While the United States celebrated its independence last week, the chain opened its first unit in the United Kingdom. The freezer-free burger chain’s debut London unit is in Covent Garden; a second outlet will open in August in Reading, and it’s rumored in the British press that two additional…

It’s a reinvigorated look for Hooters, which marks its 30th anniversary this year. The Atlanta chain has unveiled a new modern prototype in Slidell, La., that it says sets the tone for future locations and renovations. The new design includes expansive windows, more exposed wood and more open space to encourage social interaction. The bar…

Southern California’s car culture will soon have some new outlets. Sonic, America’s Drive-In, is set for further expansion on the West Coast, including franchise deals for 15 new drive-ins in Southern California. The Oklahoma City chain’s five-unit franchise partner SPG Management will develop five new drive-ins in San Diego County and 10 new drive-ins in…

It’s a milestone year for Cold Stone Creamery. The chain is marking its 25th year in business by setting up shop in Turkey—its 25th country of operation. Parent company Kahala has inked a master franchise agreement with Ulker Golf, aiming to open 15 stores in the market over the next five years. Since debuting its…

Landry’s Inc. has acquired Mastro’s Restaurants LLC, a high-end steak and seafood chain. The 10-unit chain, based in Woodland Hills, Calif., includes two main concepts: Mastro’s Steakhouse and Mastro’s Ocean Club. Mastro’s has five sites in California, three in Arizona, one each in Chicago and Las Vegas. The upscale Mastro’s Ocean Club has units in…

Robert Hund has been named president of Manitowoc Foodservice, effective August 1. He will report to Glen Tellock, chairman and CEO of The Manitowoc Co. Hund is a veteran of Manitowoc’s Crane division. He most recently served as an executive v.p.in the Crane Care division, overseeing a global network of service and distribution centers for…

Dunkin’ Donuts has scratched the seven-year itch and unveiled its first new store design in that timeframe. The contemporary new look might remind some patrons of Starbucks. It features updated, modern seating areas and multiple power outlets and bar top areas for smartphones and computers; many also feature flat-panel TVs, satellite music and soft seating.…

Huddle House kitchens are still plating burgers and waffles, but refreshed dining rooms and exteriors are bringing in new business for the 400-unit, family-dining chain. The redesigned stores, sporting a more modern look and increased seating, have seen sales rise by at least 15%. The Decatur, Ga., chain says 10% of franchisees have converted to…

Southern California burger chain Johnny Rockets has a new owner. Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen might soon, too. Sun Capital Partners, the parent company of Captain D’s, has acquired the 300-outlet Johnny Rockets; in the meantime, unconfirmed news reports circulate that the Boca Raton, Fla., private equity firm is putting Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen up for…