This week's chain operating report includes one concept expanding via non-traditional locations, another looking to grow its presence in China, one entering the franchising and much more.
Dairy Queen opened its first DQ Grill & Chill restaurant in Pooler, Ga. The 2,760-square-foot restaurant features the chain's new prototype design that includes a modern open-air grill and separate "Grill" and "Chill" sections. The restaurant also features booth and table seating and warm lighting. The restaurant can seat 76 guests inside, 12 outside and also offers a convenient drive-thru window.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened a restaurant in Northridge, Calif., its first location in the Los Angeles market.
As part of its expansion plan, Dunkin' Donuts will open a total of three locations on college campuses this month: University of Alabama, Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Baltimore. Other college and university locations set to open this fall include Montclair State University, Virginia Tech and Liberty University. Factoring in locations recently opened on the campuses of Emory University, Providence College, SUNY – Old Westbury and Seton Hall University, Dunkin' Donuts will have opened 10 college and university-based locations during the first part of the school year.
To help further its international expansion plans, Fatburger has entered into a partnership with PUJI Capital Limited, a Shanghai-based boutique investment bank and asset management firm. PUJI will act as exclusive strategic partner identifying large real estate and foodservice partners to expand Fatburger across greater China, Taiwan and Singapore. Fatburger currently has a total of four restaurants across Beijing and Macu.
Goose Feathers Café, a Savannah, Ga.-based fast-casual breakfast and European café concept, has announced plans to expand via franchising throughout the Southeastern United States. The restaurant's target expansion markets include: Charleston, S.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Asheville, N.C.; St. Augustine, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Athens, Ga.; Atlanta; Brunswick and surrounding Isles Ga.; Gatlinburg, Tenn.; and Mobile Ala.
Tim Hortons is participating in the International Franchise Association's (IFA) Veterans Franchise Initiative (VetFran), which provides financial incentives to qualified veterans to help them acquire franchised businesses. As part of its commitment to the VetFran program, Tim Hortons will waive qualified veterans' initial franchise fee for their first restaurant, and reduce monthly royalty payments by 2.5 percent for the first 12 months of operation. For veterans franchising under a Tim Hortons Operator Agreement, the company will waive the security deposit for the first restaurant and reduce the monthly operator fee by 2.5 percent for the first 12 months of operation.
