{"id":4839,"date":"2015-03-19T09:43:00","date_gmt":"2015-03-19T09:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/newsroom.chainstoreguide.com\/?p=4839"},"modified":"2015-03-19T09:43:00","modified_gmt":"2015-03-19T09:43:00","slug":"industry-updates-restaurant-foodservice-march-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chainstoreguide.com\/offthechain\/2015\/03\/industry-updates-restaurant-foodservice-march-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Industry Updates: Restaurant & Foodservice \u2013 March 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

Personnel Updates<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bloomin\u2019 Brands Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0named Gregg Scarlett President of Bonefish Grill<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Brinker International, Inc.\u00a0<\/strong>announced that Thomas J. Edwards Jr. has been named Executive VP and CFO of the company, effective 3\/16\/15<\/p>\n

Caesars Entertainment Corporation<\/strong>\u00a0announced that Gary Loveman, Chairman and CEO, has decided to begin transitioning management of the company at the end of the first quarter. Loveman will continue to serve as Chairman of Caesars Entertainment and of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company. Mark Frissora joins Caesars Entertainment as CEO Designee and will become CEO on 8\/1\/15.<\/p>\n

Capital Restaurant Concepts<\/strong>\u00a0(CRC) announced the appointment of Tom Gregg as CEO.<\/p>\n

Carlson<\/strong>, parent company of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group<\/strong>, announced that CEO and President, Trudy Rautio, will retire from the company after 18 years of service, effective 5\/1\/15. Current COO, David Berg, will be promoted to CEO. The company also appointed Greg O\u2019Stean as Chief Development Officer and promoted Frances Gonzalez to VP of Operations for Latin America.<\/p>\n

Centerplate\u00a0<\/strong>hired Gil Logan as Executive Chef for the Kentucky International Convention Center.<\/p>\n

Chesapeake Hospitality<\/strong> added hospitality industry veteran Tony Harber as VP of Operations.<\/p>\n

Chesapeake Lodging Trust<\/strong> promoted Nishil Patel to VP and Treasurer and Nicholas Jette to VP of Acquisitions and Asset Management.<\/p>\n

Darden Restaurants, Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0announced that its Board of Directors appointed current Interim CEO Eugene I. Lee, Jr. as CEO and Director, effective immediately.\u00a0Since a CEO has now been chosen, the Company will turn to its search for the next CFO to succeed C. Bradford Richmond upon his retirement, which will include both external and internal candidates.<\/p>\n

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group<\/strong>\u00a0appointed Ian R. Carter as Chairman of the Board, effective 4\/1\/15.<\/p>\n

Delaware North <\/strong>promoted the following to Executive VP (as an addition to their current titles): current President of Delaware North’s Parks and Resorts as well as Executive Chairman of its operations in Australia and Asia, Rick Abramson, as Executive VP of Delaware North and will assume COO responsibilities; current CFO, Christopher Feeney, as Executive VP; and\u00a0current General Counsel and VP of External Affairs, Rajat Shah, as Executive VP and Secretary.<\/p>\n

East Coast Wings & Grill<\/strong>\u00a0named Stacey Kane as VP of Marketing.<\/p>\n

Famous Dave’s of America<\/strong>\u00a0announced John (Jack) P. Beckman as the VP and Chief Accounting Officer as of 2\/16\/15.<\/p>\n

Friendly’s Ice Cream <\/strong>appointed Michael Dion as the company’s CIO.<\/p>\n

Great Wraps Grill<\/strong>\u00a0appointed\u00a0Spencer Reid as VP of Franchise Development,\u00a0Drew Garverick as VP of Operations,\u00a0Jackie Bak as Manager of Restaurant Development, and Brian Gibson as Manager of Corporate Training. (Mark Kaplan, CEO and Chairman)<\/p>\n

Hard Rock International<\/strong> appointed Jon Lucas as Executive VP of Hotel & Casino Operations.<\/p>\n

Hilton Worldwide<\/strong>\u00a0appointed Tom Potter as Senior VP of Caribbean and Latin America.<\/p>\n

Hyatt Hotels Corp.<\/strong>\u00a0appointed Debra Goetz Senior VP of Corporate Marketing and Global Communications and Sandra Cordova Micek Senior VP of Global Brands.<\/p>\n

Johnny Rockets<\/strong>\u00a0appointed Charles Bruce as the company’s new President and CEO. (Most recently, Charles Bruce was President and CEO of Peter Piper Pizza)<\/p>\n

Kahala Brands<\/strong>, a franchisor of\u00a0Blimpie<\/strong>,\u00a0Cold Stone Creamery<\/strong>,\u00a0Johnnie’s New York Pizzeria<\/strong>,\u00a0Taco Time<\/strong>, and America\u2019s Taco Shop<\/strong> selected John Wuycheck to join the company as Senior VP of Franchise Development.<\/p>\n

Logan\u2019s Roadhouse Inc.<\/strong> CFO Amy Bertauski left the 2\/27\/15. The company is launching a nationwide search for a successor.\u00a0The company also named Len Van Popering Chief Marketing Officer.\u00a0Van Popering was most recently Senior VP of Brand Development and Product Innovation at Arby\u2019s<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Long John Silver\u2019s<\/strong>\u00a0named James O\u2019Reilly as CEO, effective 3\/2\/15.<\/p>\n

Marcus Hotels & Resorts <\/strong>announced Michael Swasey joined the company as Area VP.<\/p>\n

Montage Hotels & Resorts<\/strong>\u00a0appointed Matthew Stephen-Hassard as VP of Acquisitions & Development.<\/p>\n

National Restaurant Association’s\u00a0<\/strong>Executive VP of Policy and Government Affairs, Scott DeFife, has left the organization to pursue new opportunities.\u00a0The NRA will recruit for a replacement. In the interim, the association\u2019s Managing Director of Prime Policy Group, Chuck Merin, will assume a leadership role.<\/p>\n

Noodles & Company<\/strong>\u00a0announced that Dan Fogarty has resigned as Executive VP of Marketing for personal reasons. Mr. Fogarty’s resignation will be effective 3\/13\/15.\u00a0The company also announced that Gretchen Paules has joined its team as VP of Field Marketing.<\/p>\n

P.F. Chang’s<\/strong>\u00a0announced Michael Osanloo as CEO; Rick Federico remains as full-time Executive Chairman of WokHold Co<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Pizza Patr\u00f3n<\/strong> promoted Victor Vazquez to VP of Business Development and Andrew Gamm to Executive VP.<\/p>\n

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc.<\/strong> named two executives to key domestic and international positions:\u00a0John K. Merkin as COO for the US and Andrew Skehan as President of International.<\/p>\n

Potbelly Corp.<\/strong>\u00a0CFO Charles Talbot has resigned \u201cto accept a senior leadership position with another company outside of the restaurant industry.\u201d\u00a0Potbelly did not say where Talbot would be working. Talbot would remain with the Chicago-based sandwich chain until 3\/27\/15. The company said a search is underway for his successor.<\/p>\n

Real Mex Restaurants Inc.<\/strong> named Bryan Lockwood CEO, effective immediately.<\/p>\n

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. <\/strong>promoted Denny Marie Post to Executive VP and Chief Concept Officer, and appointed Lee Dolan as Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer.<\/p>\n

Restaurants Canada<\/strong>\u00a0elected Paul Methot, Senior VP of Operations for Pizza Pizza<\/strong>, Chair of the Board and will serve a one-year term.<\/p>\n

Ruby Tuesday, Inc.\u00a0<\/strong>appointed Rhonda Parish as Chief Legal Officer, effective 3\/16\/15.\u00a0Ms. Parish most recently served as the Chief Legal Officer of Einstein Noah Restaurant Group<\/strong> in Lakewood, CO, and was previously the Chief Legal Officer of Denny’s Corporation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0announced changes in its operations management: Daniel B. Brown as Chief Parks Operations Officer, Donald W. Mills as Orlando Park President (SeaWorld<\/strong>, Discovery<\/strong> Cove<\/strong>, and Aquatica<\/strong>), and Terry Prather as Senior VP of Operations.<\/p>\n

Singer Equipment Co.<\/strong> promoted Andrew Beauchamp to the newly created position of Sales Manager. The company also promoted Rich Zang to VP of Purchasing and Operations in NY.<\/p>\n

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0announced that Frits van Paasschen resigned by mutual agreement with the Board of Directors as President, CEO, and a Director. Adam Aron has been named Interim CEO while the Board conducts a search for a permanent CEO.<\/p>\n

Ted\u2019s Montana Grill<\/strong>\u00a0promoted Nancy Furr to CFO. The company also named Rebecca Copeland VP of Human Resources and Training.<\/p>\n

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf<\/strong> named Andrew Nathan Senior VP of the Asia Pacific region.<\/p>\n

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts<\/strong>\u00a0named\u00a0Bob Chapek as Chairman.<\/p>\n

Westmont Hospitality Group<\/strong>\u00a0appointed Gopal Rao to the position of VP of Sales & Marketing.<\/p>\n

Wyndham Hotel Group<\/strong>\u00a0announced the appointment of Barry Goldstein as Chief Digital and Distribution Officer, a newly created role designed to support the company\u2019s digital marketing and distribution strategies.\u00a0Wyndham <\/strong>division, Wyndham Vacation Ownership\u00a0(WVO), appointed Mark Johnson as Chief Hospitality Officer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mergers & Acquisitions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Altamont Capital Partners<\/strong>\u00a0acquired Cotton Patch Cafe<\/strong>, a 45-unit casual-dining restaurant with locations in TX, OK, and NM.\u00a0Kathy Nelson will continue in the role of Cotton Patch CEO.<\/p>\n

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>parent\u00a0company\u00a0of American Burger Co.<\/strong> and Just Fresh<\/strong> LLC<\/strong>, signed a definitive agreement to acquire\u00a0BGR: The Burger Joint.\u00a0<\/strong>Chanticleer Holdings expects to close the acquisition on or around 3\/15\/15.<\/p>\n

Flanagan Foodservice<\/strong> acquired \u201csubstantially all of the assets\u201d of Mississauga, ON-based\u00a0Reliable Food Supplies Inc<\/strong>. in a deal that closed February 2015.\u00a0A Flanagan spokesperson confirmed that Flanagan is serving Reliable\u2019s former customers out of its Kitchen facility, but could not provide details about the assets acquired or plans for the Reliable location.<\/p>\n

Hilton Worldwide<\/strong>\u00a0acquired the\u00a0Waldorf Astoria<\/strong>\u00a0in Orlando and the\u00a0Hilton<\/strong>\u00a0in Orlando Bonnet Creek.<\/p>\n

Ignite Restaurant Group Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0said\u00a0that it would sell Romano’s<\/strong> Macaroni Grill <\/strong>for $8M to Redrock Partners LLC<\/strong>, a new Phoenix-based company headed by John Gilbert, Macaroni Grill\u2019s President for the past year. Ignite bought Macaroni Grill from Golden Gate Capital<\/strong> for $55 million in April 2013. Analysts expressed optimism about the Macaroni Grill sale, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-April. <\/strong>Romano’s Macaroni Grill’s talented team of employees are expected to join the new enterprise under John Gilbert, who will be CEO going forward.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Levy Acquisition Corp.<\/strong>\u00a0announced the company will acquire\u00a0Del Taco Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0for $500M including debt. Levy will first invest $120M in the company, gaining 46% control, and then a Levy Acquisition unit will take Del Taco public through a reverse merger creating\u00a0Del Taco Restaurants Inc.<\/strong> which is expected in June 2015. After the deal closes, Levy will become Chairman of the Del Taco board of directors and will partner with management to oversee the company\u2019s growth. Del Taco\u2019s management team, led by CEO Paul Murphy, is expected to remain with the company.<\/p>\n

Sysco Corporation<\/strong> notified USF Holding Corp.<\/strong> of its decision to extend the termination\u00a0date of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated 12\/8\/13, for sixty days, from the current termination date of 3\/8\/15, to 5\/7\/15.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Financial Focus<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cara Operations<\/strong>\u00a0Limited<\/strong>, parent company to Cara Operations<\/strong>, announced that the company has filed preliminary prospectus for a proposed initial public offering.<\/p>\n

Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd.<\/strong> hired an investment bank to explore a possible sale.<\/p>\n

Saladworks LLC<\/strong>\u00a0filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection saying it was necessary for the company to be sold or restructured.<\/p>\n

Z Capital Partners<\/strong>\u00a0announced it is seeking a buyer willing to pay between $175 million and $225 million for\u00a0Famous Brands International<\/strong>, the parent of\u00a0Mrs. Fields<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0TCBY<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Industry Updates<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Beef<\/strong> \u2018O\u2019<\/strong> Brady\u2019s<\/strong> parent company announced it may develop a fast casual concept.<\/p>\n

Burger King Worldwide Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company will expand into sub-Saharan African countries to tap into a middle-class that has tripled since 2010. The company plans to have locations up and running by year-end providing distribution centers and supply chains can be established. It also plans to open locations in Angola.<\/p>\n

Chase Hospitality Group<\/strong>\u00a0announced that a new\u00a0contemporary Japanese cuisine\u00a0restaurant and lounge, Kasa Moto<\/strong>, will open in the heart of Toronto’s Yorkville this spring.<\/p>\n

Courtyard<\/strong>\u00a0by\u00a0Marriott<\/strong>\u00a0has begun its global celebration marking its 1,000th hotel milestone.<\/p>\n

Denny\u2019s Corp.<\/strong>\u00a0announced plans to grow its fast casual concept called\u00a0The Den<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Domino’s <\/strong>started the year with two new market openings in Azerbaijan and Cambodia.<\/p>\n

Fuddruckers<\/strong> finalized a new development agreement that will extend the popular fast casual restaurant group’s base in South America and into Bogota, Colombia.<\/p>\n

Golden State Foods Corp.\u00a0<\/strong>announced plans to open a $40M state-of-the-art meat processing facility in Opelika, AL.<\/p>\n

GRILLiT, Inc.<\/strong> executed an exclusive franchise marketing and representation agreement for certain territories in the Middle East which include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.<\/p>\n

Hilton Worldwide<\/strong>\u00a0signed an agreement to open its largest Hampton<\/strong> by Hilton<\/strong> hotel to date, in central Berlin and is slated to open in early 2018.<\/p>\n

Hooters of America <\/strong>(HOA<\/strong>) announced it is set to open three new Hooters<\/strong> locations in Honduras and Nicaragua over the next three years with the first Hooters location slated to open in Managua, Nicaragua, in late 2015.<\/p>\n

Mama Fu\u2019s Asian House<\/strong> rolled out 33 new branded delivery vehicles.<\/p>\n

Marriott International<\/strong>\u00a0opened its first hotel in Haiti.<\/p>\n

McDonald\u2019s Corp.<\/strong>\u00a0announced it expects to launch a smartphone app in the U.S. this summer as part of an effort to catch up to its competitors on the digital front.<\/p>\n

Mooyah Burgers, Fries, & Shakes<\/strong>\u00a0opened its first Saudi Arabia location in Riyadh.<\/p>\n

Panera Bread<\/strong> debuted its first citywide delivery service in Louisville, KY. The program is part of the Panera 2.0 ordering system which debuted last year and allows customers to customize their order and pay through a digital platform.<\/p>\n

Planet Hollywood<\/strong> announced it is transforming its Orlando flagship location into a four-story star-gazing observatory set to debut in spring 2016. The reimagined \u201cPlanet Hollywood Observatory\u201d will overlook the heart of Downtown Disney with a newly-expanded outdoor terrace and bar.<\/p>\n

Red Lion Hotels Corporation<\/strong>\u00a0(RLHC<\/strong>)\u00a0announced that the company signed franchise license agreements with the new owners of three hotels in NM.<\/p>\n

Romano’s Macaroni Grill<\/strong>\u00a0announced the company is expanding its fast casual Romano’s<\/strong> Kitchen<\/strong> Counter<\/strong> concept to dinner.<\/p>\n

Ruby Tuesday<\/strong>\u00a0stated that the company may create a corporate satellite office in Orlando, FL.<\/p>\n

Russo’s New York Pizzeria\u00a0<\/strong>stated plans to significantly enhance the brand’s footprint in France and throughout Europe specifically in Paris, Nice, Marseilles, and Cannes for growth. Other European countries of interest are Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany, among others.<\/p>\n

Shake Shack Inc<\/strong>. announced that it will open the first-ever Tokyo Shake Shack<\/strong> in 2016 and has plans to open nine more throughout Japan by 2020.<\/p>\n

Starbucks<\/strong>\u00a0expanded its mobile ordering system it currently offers at select OR stores to about 650 shops in OR, WA, ID, and AK next week. The feature is available only to iPhone users. An Android version is in development, and the company hopes to roll out the function nationwide by the end of the year.<\/p>\n

Starwood Capital Group <\/strong>announced that Las Vegas Convention<\/strong>\u00a0and Visitors Authority<\/strong> is considering purchasing the\u00a0Riviera Casino<\/strong>\u00a0on the Las Vegas Strip for $182.5M. <\/strong>The 60-year-old casino would close in August and be torn down to make way for an expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Starwood Hotels & Resorts<\/strong>\u00a0announced an agreement to debut the Aloft<\/strong> and Element<\/strong> brands in Dubai. The Aloft Dubai Raffa and Element Dubai Radda will open in 2018.<\/p>\n

Texas Roadhouse<\/strong>\u00a0announced it is looking for additional growth beyond its flagship casual dining chain. The company recently opened\u00a0Jaggers<\/strong>, a fast-food restaurant selling chicken sandwiches, burgers and salads.<\/p>\n

Yum! Brands Inc. <\/strong>mentioned the company\u00a0will open its second Super Chix<\/strong> restaurant in Dallas in late April, a year after opening the concept in suburban Arlington, TX.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Real Estate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Boardwalk<\/strong> signed a development agreement for northern CA, north of Santa Barbara, expanding north to OR. This development will provide 20 new\u00a0Boardwalk Fries, Burgers, Shakes<\/strong>\u00a0locations in this area, with the first location slated to open by the end of 2015.<\/p>\n

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream<\/strong> signed development agreements for 15 new locations, with at least 12 scheduled to open this year.<\/p>\n

Capriotti’s<\/strong>\u00a0announced plans to open its first IL location in Chicago late 2015.<\/p>\n

Chick-fil-A<\/strong>\u00a0announced the company will open its first stand-alone location in NYC in late summer.\u00a0The company will debut a three-level, 5,000-square-foot eatery marking the 48-year-old company\u2019s first foray into the Big Apple market.<\/p>\n

Chronic Tacos<\/strong>\u00a0announced immediate plans to open its first AZ location in Phoenix, and will look to add up to 14 more franchisees in the state.<\/p>\n

Church’s Chicken<\/strong> entered into a 10-unit franchise development agreement with Road Ranger<\/strong>, truck stop, gas station, c-store, and travel center chain in the Midwest spanning IN, IL, WI, IA, MO, and TX. The terms of the deal, while not disclosed, focus on developing non-traditional locations co-located in the Road Ranger travel plazas. The transaction marks a new emphasis on growing the Church’s footprint along major travel corridors throughout the US.<\/p>\n

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill<\/strong>\u00a0signed five multi-unit franchise agreements in 2014, totaling 41 new restaurant locations added to the pipeline, with the first already open in Atlanta.\u00a0Costa Vida will be opening new locations in UT, AZ, TX, ID, and IL \u2013 specifically in Denver, Vancouver\/Portland, Atlanta, Tampa\/Sarasota and Northern CA \u2013 this year.<\/p>\n

Del Taco<\/strong>\u00a0reported that the brand will focus on expansion plans for GA, FL, and the Carolinas.<\/p>\n

Dunkin’ Brands Group<\/strong>\u00a0announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement to develop two Dunkin’<\/strong> Donuts<\/strong> restaurants and one combination restaurant with its sister brand, Baskin-Robbins<\/strong>, in Columbia and Jefferson City, MO.\u00a0The company also signed multi-unit store development agreements with two existing franchise groups to develop 46 restaurants in IN over the next several years. Additionally, Dunkin’\u00a0Donuts is recruiting franchisees throughout the state of LA with an emphasis on New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Lafayette. Currently, there are 9 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the state.<\/p>\n

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc.<\/strong> closed\u00a039 under-performing Einstein Bros. Bagels<\/strong> restaurants across the US with 11 in Chicago specifically.<\/p>\n

El Pollo Loco<\/strong> signed a franchise development deal to open 5 new restaurants in the area of Salt Lake City, UT. Three long-time franchisees have committed to reinvesting in the brand and expanding El Pollo Loco’s presence to a total of 7 locations in Utah by 2018.<\/p>\n

Golden Corral<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company charts expansion plans for 20 new stores.<\/p>\n

Granite City<\/strong>\u00a0said it expects to build 4 additional units in IL, MI, and MD in 2015.<\/p>\n

Great Wraps<\/strong>\u00a0announced that its new prototype, Great Wraps Grill<\/strong>, will soon have airport locations. Great Wraps Grill features a new modern design, an expanded chef-created menu, and refined operations that provide hot-off-the-grill freshness and greater customer choice. Great Wraps is already a favorite of travelers and airline crews in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Salt Lake City airports.<\/p>\n

Guthrie’s<\/strong>\u00a0Chicken<\/strong> announced its smaller franchise format,\u00a0Guthrie’s To Go<\/strong>, as a\u00a0simple drive-thru\/walk-up restaurant concept, typically sized between 500-750 square feet. The smaller size reduces the amount of up-front capital required to build the restaurant, including land and personnel costs.\u00a0The newest Guthrie\u2019s To Go location opened in Opelika, AL, and several more are expected to open in 2015.<\/p>\n

IHOP <\/strong>announced the company is testing a new prototype design, starting in 28 locations, that could bring a completely new look to the family-dining chain. If results are positive, the company may roll out the new look to franchisees late this year.<\/p>\n

IKEA\u00a0<\/strong>announced that contractors are hired for its future Las Vegas store which is scheduled to open summer 2016.<\/p>\n

Jamba Inc.,<\/strong>\u00a0parent of smoothie chain Jamba Juice<\/strong>, announced plans to double its unit openings in 2015, with a target of 100 to 125 new locations.<\/p>\n

John’s Incredible Pizza Company<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company is slated to open in late 2015 a 60,000 square foot family entertainment center in Las Vegas. The venue will be located in the Boulevard Mall located at 3528 Maryland Parkway. John’s will add approximately 200 jobs to the local area and will be able to accommodate over 1000 guests while serving up to 700 pizzas an hour.<\/p>\n

Kona Grill Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company will open international franchises in Latin America, the Middle East and beyond, but not until 2016.<\/p>\n

L&L Drive-Inn <\/strong>stated the company\u00a0is expanding the footprint of its\u00a0L&L Hawaiian Barbecue<\/strong>\u00a0restaurants worldwide. The company will open another Las Vegas location and expand to TN within the next six months, and it recently opened two new locations in CA and plans to open 10 new restaurants in Malaysia, Guam, the Philippines, and possibly Japan.<\/p>\n

Ladeki Restaurant Group<\/strong>\u00a0launched its first fast-casual concept, Table 89<\/strong>, in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

Larry\u2019s Giant Subs<\/strong>\u00a0announced plans to open 3 locations this year nationwide, with a focus in the southeastern region of the US.<\/p>\n

Luby’s Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company is set to open its first co-branded location outside the Lone Star State.<\/p>\n

McAlister’s Deli<\/strong>\u00a0announced growth plans for\u00a030 new locations expected to open across the country.<\/p>\n

MOD Pizza<\/strong>\u00a0stated plans to reach the 100 store mark by the end of the year from its current total of 32 stores. The company raised more than $40 million in funding to help with expansion plans. The cash infusion brings the total amount of investment capital raised by the company to more than $70 million.<\/p>\n

Moe\u2019s Southwestern Grill<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company is seeking growth opportunities throughout the DC metropolitan area during the coming 18 months.<\/p>\n

Newk’s Eatery<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company is entering the areas of San Antonio, TX, and Columbia, SC, as part of a broader expansion plan that includes 30 new franchise and corporate stores in 2015.<\/p>\n

Penn Station East Coast Subs\u00a0<\/strong>announced the company <\/strong>is aggressively targeting Kansas City, Dallas, and Atlanta for growth. Other markets targeted include Richmond, Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, the greater Pittsburgh area, NC, and SC.<\/p>\n

Pie Five Pizza<\/strong> debuted its first Omaha area restaurant.<\/p>\n

Qdoba Mexican\u00a0Grill\u00a0<\/strong>announced the company’s new “in your face” design. Two undisclosed restaurants are being dressed in the new design, but no word on where these locations are. The company also plans to open 50 to 60 new Qdoba restaurants in fiscal 2015.<\/p>\n

Rita’s Italian Ice<\/strong>\u00a0announced plans to open at least 66 locations in NM and southern CO over the next five years. The first location opened in Albuquerque 3\/16\/15, with a second location and six mobile carts coming within the next six months.<\/p>\n

Romano\u2019s Macaroni Grill <\/strong>stated the company is seeking growth opportunities throughout MD, VA, and DC during the coming 18 months.<\/p>\n

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company will remodel 15 locations this year.<\/p>\n

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill<\/strong>\u00a0stated the company is planning for new restaurants in several U.S. markets: first will open in Peabody, MA, on 3\/9\/15, the second will open in Chicago in late July, and a third location along the East Coast with a date not yet finalized.<\/p>\n

Southern Hospitality<\/strong>\u00a0announced plans for a new fast casual concept to open\u00a0up to five units in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets over the next 18 months.<\/p>\n

Starbucks<\/strong>\u00a0announced the company is seeking growth opportunities throughout northern DE, southern NJ, and eastern PA during the coming 18 months.<\/p>\n

Studio Movie Grill<\/strong>\u00a0announced 5 new theaters in TX, CA, and PA.<\/p>\n

Taco Bueno<\/strong>\u00a0broke ground on the first of three new restaurants planned to open in Colorado Springs, CO, this year. In total, the three locations are anticipated to add more than 100 jobs in the community. Each of the three new company-owned Taco Bueno restaurants will seat approximately 50 guests and include a convenient drive-thru window.<\/p>\n

Taco John’s\u00a0<\/strong>signed deals to open 25 stores and is poised for rapid growth. The new stores will be developed in current markets, as well as new markets in IN, VA, and NY.<\/p>\n

Target Corp<\/strong>. stated the company is considering opening TargetExpress<\/strong> locations in the greater Philadelphia market during 2016.<\/p>\n

Texas Roadhouse Inc.<\/strong>\u00a0mentioned the company is increasing development of its\u00a0Bubba\u2019s 33<\/strong>\u00a0concept by\u00a0as many as 5 new Bubba\u2019s locations this year.<\/p>\n

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery<\/strong>\u00a0announced the addition of more than 20 new pubs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts in the next three to five years.<\/p>\n

TopGolf<\/strong>\u00a0announced a new flagship location at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino<\/strong>.\u00a0When completed in spring 2016, the new 105,000-square-foot, four-level flagship facility will sprawl across eight acres and look over a 215-yard outfield. The first three levels will feature 102 hitting bays, while the fourth will include VIP areas with water features.\u00a0Also planned are a stage for live musical performances, full-service restaurants and bars, and 3,000 square feet for private meeting space. Catering will be available for private parties of 10 to 2,000 people. Additional hubs in Orlando, Nashville, and New York City are also in the works.<\/p>\n

Uncle Maddio\u2019s<\/strong>\u00a0signed agreements to build 8 units in communities throughout metro-Atlanta specifically in north Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Cobb counties.\u00a0The company also opened its first Charleston, SC-area restaurant in Mount Pleasant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Green Initiatives<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts<\/strong>\u00a0announced that it has achieved World Wildlife Fund Climate Savers Program targets, reducing its operational CO2 emissions by 20% below its 2006 levels. Fairmont is the first hotel brand to meet this goal.<\/p>\n

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.<\/strong> earned the company\u2019s global headquarters the highest LEED certification available. Home to more than 1,200 Starwood associates representing nearly every global function, One StarPoint is the only building in Stamford, CT, to achieve this level of LEED certification. Among the LEED Platinum decisions:<\/p>\n