Trends

Keeping the foodservice equipment marketplace up to date with the latest menu and concept trends.

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Chain Operating Report

Several chains explore new markets, another expands its franchise network while another pilots a program with a major convenience store chain. All this and more in this week's chain operating report.

Tex-Mex chain El Fenix opened a restaurant in Wichita Falls, Kan. This is the chain's first location outside of the Dallas-Ft. Worth market. In addition, El Fenix will use the Wichita Falls opening as an opportunity to introduce four new "Light and Lean" entrees that are less than 500 calories each.

Moe's Original Bar B Que's opened a location in Boulder, Colo. The 10-year-old chain now operates 18 locations across Alabama, Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina.

Noble Roman's, Inc., the Indianapolis-based pizza franchisor, is partnering with The Pantry, Inc., a convenience store operator in the southeastern United States with more than 1,650 locations in 13 states, for a pilot program featuring Noble Roman's branded foodservice system. The pilot program will begin with a first location inside a Kangaroo Express, The Pantry's primary operating banner, in Raleigh, NC., during the first quarter of 2012.

Beautiful Brands inked an agreement with multi-unit developers Brad and Francy Bauer to open 20 new Smallcakes A Cupcakery stores in North Carolina. The first store will open spring 2012 in Wilmington, N.C. Smallcakes now operates 18 locations.