Trends

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

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Chain Operating Report for Nov. 28

A handful of restaurants entered new markets, while another breaks away from its food court roots by opening a standalone location.

AFC Enterprises, Inc. completed its $13.8 million acquisition of 27 restaurants in Minnesota and California. The acquisition was approved by the bankruptcy court overseeing the bankruptcy of the seller. Twenty-six of the acquired restaurants will be converted into the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen image and the other restaurant property will be sold.

The Egg and I opened its first location in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Fresh To Order (f2o) signed a development agreement to open eight locations in the Orlando market, a new region for f2o. The chain also announced its intent to open locations in Atlanta and on Concourse B at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, a fast-casual restaurant concept, opened its first Oklahoma City location.

Quaker Steak and Lube signed an area development agreement with Salt & Pepper Restaurants Inc. for four new restaurants throughout Houston, Texas, and the surrounding cities. The first restaurant is planned to open in 2013.

Sarku Japan, a quick-service Japanese chain, opened a location in New York's Harlem neighborhood. Traditionally located in mall food courts nationally, Sarku expanded its brand in 2008 with the launch of free-standing restaurants in major metro markets across the country.

Wingstop opened a location in Southfield, Mich., its first in the Detroit market.

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