A handful of chains expand into new geographic markets by inking a series of development deals.

East Coast Wings & Grill, a North Carolina-based fast-casual restaurant concept, signed a franchise development agreement that will allow the chain to expand its presence in Kentucky through four new locations set to open during the next several years. Franchisee Jim Cornish agreed to open four locations in Kentucky's Fayette County, including one in Lexington expected to open in March 2013.

The Egg & I opened a location in Waco, Texas.

First Watch announced plans to open a restaurant in Carmel, Ind., in the first quarter of 2013. This will be the chain's third location in Indiana. The new 3,388-square-foot restaurant will feature an "urban" interior design concept, which incorporates rich hues to convey the warm and inviting personality of the First Watch brand, stained concrete floors and communal tables. The design also accentuates the restaurant's open-kitchen concept – reinforcing First Watch's honest approach to fresh food preparation.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar and Grille inked a deal that will bring the sports bar concept into New York, marking the chain's first venture outside the Mid-Atlantic region. Franchisees Jeff and John Froccaro, operators of 38 local Burger King restaurants under the name Burger Brothers of Long Island, will open 10 locations, with the first coming online in early 2013 in Nassau County's Franklin Square.

The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., a fondue restaurant franchise, signed a development agreement to bring 12 units to 8 countries in the Middle East. Hospitality Concepts and Solutions (HCS) has agreed to open restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.

Ruth's Chris Steak House opened a location in Cincinnati, its 135th location systemwide.

Shula Burger opened a location in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Fast-casual chicken wing concept Wingstop opened locations in Bellevue, Wash., and Perris, Calif.