{"id":202,"date":"2012-03-20T12:21:00","date_gmt":"2012-03-20T16:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/newsroom.chainstoreguide.com\/2012\/03\/foodservice-industry-updates-4\/"},"modified":"2012-03-20T12:21:00","modified_gmt":"2012-03-20T16:21:00","slug":"foodservice-industry-updates-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/2012\/03\/foodservice-industry-updates-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Foodservice Industry Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\" trbidi=\"on\">\n<div><span style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\">Personnel Updates:<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Bargreen Ellingson<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> named David Ellingson as President, replacing Paul Ellingson who remains as Chainman.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Cinemark Holdings<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> promoted Tim Warner to CEO; he succeeds Alan Stock who is retiring 5\/1\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Del Taco<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> hired David Pear as Senior VP of Operations and Chad Gretzema as Senior VP of Operations Support and Engagement. Pete Honer was promoted to Senior VP of Finance with oversight for real estate, market planning and asset management, and Noah Chillingworth was promoted to VP of Marketing.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Domino\u2019s Pizza<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">named Kevin Vasconi as CIO\/Exec VP.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Dunkin\u2019 Brands Group<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> appointed Giorgio Minardi as President, Dunkin&#8217; Brands International. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Firehouse Subs<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">promoted Doug Reifschneider to VP of Marketing Services, Kristen Majdanics to Director of Brand Marketing, Brittany Johnson to Regional Marketing Manager, and Matt Olsen to Digital Marketing Manager.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Jamba Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. announced that Julie S. Washington will become Chief Brand Officer\/Senior VP and Susan Shields will become Chief Innovation Officer\/Senior VP.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Kona Grill<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced that COO Larry Ryback resigned to become COO of <b>P.F. Chang\u2019s China Bistro division.<o:p><\/o:p><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Panera<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported that CFO Jeff Kip has resigned, effective 3\/15\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Quiznos<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced it has named Harsha V. Agadi as Executive Chairman.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Ruth&#8217;s Hospitality Group, Inc.<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> announced that President\/COO of Mitchell\u2019s Fish Market Sam Tancredi will transition to a consulting role with the company, and Peter Beaudrault will assume the position of President and COO of the brand effective immediately.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Sonic Corp<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. announced the appointment of James O&#8217;Reilly as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer; he most recently held a similar position at <b>Einstein Noah Restaurant Group<\/b>.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Strategic Equipment and Supply Corp<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. named Karen McCain as CFO.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">The Majestic Star Casino<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> appointed Peter M. Liguori as CEO and President.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Tossed<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced the hiring of A. Michael (A.T.) Toroyan as Chief Development Officer. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">TriMark USA<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">promoted Mark Fishman and Kim Gill to the new role of corporate vice president.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Tropicana Entertainment<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> appointed Tony Rodio as President\/COO. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Zoe\u2019s Kitchen<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">named Archie Andrews as VP of Design and Construction, Allyn Taylor as VP of Development, and Rachel Phillips-Luther as VP of Marketing.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\">Financial Focus: <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Ameristar Casinos<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported net revenue of $1,214,506,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Ashford Hospitality Trust<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenue of $889,797,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $158,258,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">BJ\u2019s Restaurants<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported revenues of $620,943,000 for the year ending 1\/3\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Boyd Gaming<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported net revenues of $2,336,238,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $388,148,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Bravo Brio Restaurant Group<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported revenues of $369,245,000 for the year ending 12\/25\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Buffalo Wild Wings<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenue of $784,478,000 for the year ending 12\/25\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Caribou Coffee Company<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total net sales of $326,504,000 for the year ending 1\/1\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Carrols Restaurant Group<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $822,486,000 for the year ending 1\/1\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">CEC Entertainment<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $821,178,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Chesapeake Lodging Trust<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenue $172,191,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $37,781,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Chick-fil-A<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported systemwide sales of $4,050,992,837 for 2011.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Chipotle Mexican Grill<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported revenue of $2,269,548,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Cinemark Holdings Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. reported total revenues of $2,279,613,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; concessions sales were $696,754,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Cineplex Inc.<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported revenues of $998,195,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; concession sales were $291,638,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Denny\u2019s Corporation<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total operating revenue of $538,534,000 for the year ending 12\/28\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><\n\ndiv><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">DiamondRock Hospitality Corporation<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $638,230,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $165,114,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Dunkin\u2019 Brands<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported total revenues of $628,198,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Famous Dave\u2019s of America<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenue of $154,811,000 for the year ending 1\/1\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Felcor Lodging Trust Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. reported total revenues of $945,992,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $151,799,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Gaylord Entertainment<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenue of $886,755,000 from its Hospitality operations for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Great Wolf Resorts<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $296,708,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $46,507,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Host Hotels &#038; Resorts<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $4,998,000,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/2011; F&#038;B sales were $1,427,000,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Hyatt Hotels Corporation<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $3,698,000,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Keg Restaurants Ltd<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. reported systemwide sales of $$480,700,000 for 2011.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Kona Grill reported restaurant sales of $93, 657,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/2011.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Las Vegas Sands Corp<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. reported net revenues of $9,410,745,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">LaSalle Hotel Properties<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $719,007,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $198,332,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Loews Corporation <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported revenues from its hotels of $337,000,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Marriott International<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported revenue from Lodging operations of $8,401,000,000 (excluding North American limited service) for the year ending 12\/31\/2011.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">MGM Resorts<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">International reported net revenue of $7,849,312,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $1,425,428,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Monarch Casino &#038; Resort Inc.<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported net revenue of $140,632,205 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $42,933,675.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Morgans Hotel Group<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $2017,332,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $66,253,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">O\u2019Charley\u2019s <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported revenues of $827,087,000 for the year ending 12\/25\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">P.F. Chang\u2019s China Bistro Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. reported total revenues of $1,238,755,000 for the year ending 1\/1\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Panera Bread <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported total revenues of $1,822,032,000 for the year ending 12\/27\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Papa John\u2019s International <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported total revenues of $1,217,882,000 for the year ending 12\/25\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Papa Murphy\u2019s International <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported U.S. systemwide sales of $702,000,000 for 2011.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Pebblebrook Hotel Trust <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported total revenue of $287,987,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were 92,898,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Peet\u2019s Coffee &#038; Tea Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. reported net revenue of $371,919,000 for the year ending 1\/1\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Red Lion Hotels<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported total hotels revenue of $132,304,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $32,741,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Red Robin Gourmet Burgers<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $914,850,000 for the year ending 12\/25\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Regal Entertainment Group<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $2,681,700,000 for the year ending 12\/29\/11; concessions sales were $708,000,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Ruth\u2019s Hospitality Group<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenue of $369,573,000 for the year ending 12\/25\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Six Flags Entertainment Corp<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. reported total revenue of $1,013,174,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Strategic Hotels &#038; Resorts<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $763,838,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $267,194,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Sunstone Hotel Investors<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported total revenues of $834,729,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11; F&#038;B sales were $196,524,000.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Texas Roadhouse<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported total revenue of $1,109,226,000 for the year ending 12\/27\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">The Cheesecake Factory<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported revenues of $1,757,624,000 for the year ending 1\/3\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">The Wendy\u2019s Company<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported revenues of $2,431,400,000 for the year ending 1\/1\/12.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Wyndham Hotel Group <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported Lodging revenue of $749,000,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Wynn Resorts<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">reported net revenues of $5<\/p>\n<p>,269,792,000 for the year ending 12\/31\/11.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\">Mergers &#038; Acquisitions: <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">FranWorks Group of Companies<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> acquired <b>Elephant &#038; Castle Group.<\/b><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Gordon Food Service<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> announced January 31 that it has acquired <b>Perkins<\/b>, a leading broadline foodservice distributor located in Taunton, Massachusetts. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Morton&#8217;s Restaurant Group, Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. was acquired by an affiliate of Fertitta Entertainment; the company subsequently closed eight Morton\u2019s units.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">NPC International, Inc. <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced it has completed the acquisition of 36 Pizza Hut units in the Jacksonville, FL, market.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">O\u2019Charley\u2019s Inc. <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Fidelity National Financial; no time frame was announced.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">P.F. Chang&#8217;s China Bistro, Inc.<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> announced its agreement to acquire a majority equity ownership position in True Food Kitchen, a Fox Restaurant Concept specializing in healthy, locally sourced and globally inspired meals. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Real Mex Restaurants, Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. was acquired by a group of noteholders that includes Tennenbaum Capital Partners, Z Capital Partners and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, under the entity RM Opco LLC.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">. was acquired by Cibus Holding LLC; the transaction privatized the company.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">SYSCO Corp.<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced plans to acquire <b>European Imports<\/b>.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\">Industry Insight:<b><o:p><\/o:p><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Beef \u2018O\u2019 Brady\u2019s<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> signed a franchise agreement for five restaurants in Qatar over the next 10 years.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Caesars Entertainment<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> became a publicly owned company.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Front Burner Brands<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> announced a franchise agreement for <b>Melting Pot Restaurants<\/b> in Saudi Arabia. <\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">KFC<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> has become the first U.S. fast food chain to operate in the Palestinian territories; KFC also opened a restaurant in Iran. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Marco\u2019s Pizza<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">has partnered with privately held movie rental chain Family Video to open Marco\u2019s outlets within as many as 350 of its movie stores.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Moe\u2019s Southwest Grill<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> has entered an international development deal to open 50 locations in Russia. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Spicy Pickle c<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">losed six of its seven corporate stores.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Starbucks<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">will be partnering with Target to open coffee shops inside the majority of the retailer\u2019s new Canadian stores.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Typhoon! Inc.<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">closed the last of its four locations on 2\/4.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\">Real Estate:<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Bob Evans<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">expects to remodel 90 restaurants in fiscal 2012 and 150-160 in fiscal 2013.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Buca di Beppo<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">and General Growth Properties announced the scheduled opening of 10 Buca restaurants at malls owned by GGP during the summer of 2012.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Buffalo Wild Wings<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> has selected eSite to provide support as the chain works toward a goal of having more than 1,000 restaurants by 2013.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Chick-fil-A<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">plans to open 92 new locations in 2012 and remodel more than 300 existing locations.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">CiCi&#8217;s Pizza<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">plans to add 500 new restaurants by 2020; the company is actively seeking qualified multi-unit and single-unit operators to help grow the brand in Southern CA, the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and South FL, as well as select cities in TX and other regions across the nation<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Corner Bakery Cafe<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> reported that the following are key markets for expansion: the New York Metro area, Northern CA, Central and Northern FL, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Louisville, Columbus, Charlotte and Nashville.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Del Taco<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> plans to open 60 restaurants in the metro Atlanta market.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Dunkin&#8217; Donuts<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">plans to add 11 stores in the Denver area and eight n El Paso, with the first opening as early as this year. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Energy Kitchen<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">plans to open 21 new stores this year. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Famous Dave\u2019s of America<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> plans to open 15 units in 2012, including its first international location in Canada.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Garbanzo Mediterranean G<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">rill announced a partnership with Gemini Investors to grow the chain.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Hurricane Grill &#038; Wings<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> announced that it has signed up its first MN franchisee with plans to open its inaugural restaurant here in October.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Jack in the Box<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">will makes its Ohio debut sometime this summer in the Cincinnati market; the chain plans to open 25 to 30 this year. <o:p><\/o:p\n\n><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Panera Bread<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced the opening of its 1,500th bakery-cafe and its first in Manhattan; the company plans to open 115-120 new units systemwide in 2012.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Red Robin Gourmet Burgers<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"> expects to open 13-15 company-owned restaurants in 2012.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Schlotzsky\u2019s<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">is partnering with the Sac-N-Pac convenience store chain to open locations inside the stores; Schlotzsky\u2019s plans to open 50-60 stores this year.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Sizzler<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced a deal to develop five new restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area and upgrade and remodel existing locations in Sacramento, Auburn, Pinole, Hayword and Santa Clara. Sizzler looks to continue its development in California and across the nation in a strategic expansion plan also targeting Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">The Briad Group<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">announced a licensing agreement with Fox Restaurant Concepts to develop Zinburger locations in all 23 states east of the Mississippi.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Yard House <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">expects to open five locations this year.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-size: 14.0pt;\">Green Initiatives:<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">Chick-fil-A<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">received LEED Gold certification for its restaurant at Montgomery Plaza, Fort Worth, TX. It is the first LEED Gold-certified restaurant in Fort Worth. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">US Foods <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\">has announced that nearly 85% of its New York City area division\u2019s annual energy will come from solar power by July 2012. The installation of rooftop solar panels at the warehouse in Perth-Amboy, N.J., is currently underway. The solar installation is the fourth at a US Foods distribution facility.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Personnel Updates: Bargreen Ellingson named David Ellingson as President, replacing Paul Ellingson who remains as Chainman. Cinemark Holdings promoted Tim Warner to CEO; he succeeds Alan Stock who is retiring 5\/1\/12. Del Taco hired David Pear as Senior VP of Operations and Chad Gretzema as Senior VP of Operations Support and Engagement. Pete Honer was&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/2012\/03\/foodservice-industry-updates-4\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Foodservice Industry Updates<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"post-template-no-sidebar.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[6,11],"class_list":["post-202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-restaurant-foodservice","tag-csg-old","tag-eupdate","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=202"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}