Developing new site models, current and future franchise expansion, financing news and more are covered in this week's restaurant chain operating report.
Beautiful Brands International (BBI) signed a master franchise agreement with Chris Holland to open at least 25 new CherryBerry Self-Serve Yogurt Bars throughout Montana. The first CherryBerry unit from this agreement is slated to open in Billings by the summer of 2012. CherryBerry has a total of 52 stores open nationwide with 20 more stores under construction and 60 more to be opened within the next year.
CiCi's Pizza is working with Birchwood Resultants to develop a new site model for the chain known for its custom pizza buffet. The new site model will provide a research-driven basis for CiCi's enhanced field and digital marketing initiatives. Cici's goal is to add 500 restaurants in the next eight to ten years.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit, a Dallas-based fast-casual concept, opened its first Concord, Calif. location. It also opened a location in Midwest City, Okla.
Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, signed agreements to develop 25 new Dunkin' Donuts and two Baskin-Robbins in Louisiana during the next several years. Locations targeted for development include the following: three Dunkin' Donuts restaurants will be developed in Baton Rouge by AJP Company; Nice Foods Limited, LLC plans to open eight Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in Baton Rouge; Southwest Investment Group, LLC plans to open ten Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in Shreveport between 2012 and 2018; Kenny Bordes and Thomas Hubert will open four Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in New Orleans by 2016; existing franchisee Mike Jolly plans to open his second Baskin-Robbins in New Orleans in 2012; and existing franchisees Jagdish Chawla and Adil Sequira plans to open their second Baskin-Robbins in New Orleans next year.
With the acquisition of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Oceanaire, and the McCormick and Schmick's deal pending, Landry's Restaurants is on a hiring spree, looking to fill 175 positions by year end, according to published reports. Landry's also unveiled plans to offer $90 million in notes to cover the McCormick & Schmick's acquisition.
