Chain Operating Report for Oct. 31, 2012

Published on Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Written by The Editors

Bagger Dave's, First Watch, LaRosa's Pizza, Papa John's and Wingstop are among the restaurant chains on the move this week.

DineEquity, parent company of Applebee's and IHOP, announced its financial results for the company's third fiscal quarter. Applebee's domestic system-wide same-restaurant sales increased 2.0 percent for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same time period one year ago. The increase in same-restaurant sales reflected a higher average guest check, partially offset by a decline in traffic compared to the third quarter of 2011, according to a company release. Also, IHOP's domestic system-wide same restaurant sales decreased 2.0 percent for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011. The decline in same-restaurant sales reflected a decline in traffic, partially offset by a slightly higher average guest check compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc., the owner of Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern, opened a location in South Holland, Mich. This is the chain's 11th location system wide.

First Watch Restaurants, Inc., a breakfast, brunch and lunch concept, acquired the two company-owned restaurants of Atlanta-based J. Christopher's Restaurants, LLC as well as the rights to purchase the brand, concept and all intellectual property. This represents the concept's initial foray into the Georgia market. First Watch also opened its first location in the Ocala, Fla. market.

LaRosa's Pizzeria, Cincinnati-based family pizza restaurant, has targeted the Columbus, Ohio, market for expansion and is recruiting franchisees for the area. LaRosa's established markets include Northern Kentucky, Southeastern Indiana and the Greater Dayton area.

Papa John's added Denver Broncos' quarterback Peyton Manning to its franchisee team. Manning, in a partnership with the pizza chain, will own 21 restaurants in the Denver area.

Wingstop inked a five-store development deal with longtime franchisee Donnie Reeves that will allow the chicken wing chain to take flight in Utah. Reeves formerly owned Wingstop locations in El Paso and currently has two restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.