In late January, John R. Koelmel, President of HarborCenter Development LLC in Buffalo in Western New York announced plans for (716) Food & Sport, a 13,000 square foot full service restaurant, “Dedicated to providing the best-in-class fan, food and sports experience,”…
Chuck E. Cheese to Join Apollo
In mid-January, an affiliate of global alternative investment manager Apollo Global Management, LLC and CEC Entertainment Inc. entered into a definitive merger agreement in which Apollo will acquire 577 Chuck E. Cheese’s family dining and entertainment restaurants for approximately $1.3-billion,…
Restaurants Coming to Charlotte Center
Columbia, South Carolina-based developer EDENS reports that John Paglia and Wendy Leege will be opening their first premium, all-natural gelato and fresh fruit sorbetto concept at the Park Road Shopping Center in Charlotte, North Carolina in February. The 620 square…
Sees Consolidation in the Future
In mid-January, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. and U-Swirl Inc. reported that U-SWIRL International Inc., which operates and franchises self-serve frozen yogurt cafés, has acquired the business assets of two operators and franchisors of self-serve frozen yogurt cafés. Combined, the two…
Carrying Momentum into 2014
With a goal to double its footprint in the United States over the next three years, Dallas-based Corner Bakery Café signed twelve new area development agreements in 2013. This represents commitments for more than 120 new cafes and raises the…
Convenience Restaurant Opens in Goldsboro
Pennsylvania-based convenience, restaurant and gas chain Sheetz Convenience Restaurants opened a 6400 square foot location in Goldsboro, North Carolina in mid-January. Located at N. Spence Ave. just off highways 111 and 13, the unit features a drive-thru window, inside seating and a…
Dunkin’ Brands Continues Global Growth
Early in January, Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. reported that the company anticipates a strong global expansion in 2014 that will see the company open 685 to 800 new locations. This follows the 790 new Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins locations that were…
Launches New Format & Aggressive Plans
In mid-January, Shoney’s introduced its new prototype restaurant at Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The new restaurant, its first in an enclosed mall, features the traditional Shoney’s favorites like cooked-to-order entrees and seasonal buffets, in addition to full liquor service…
Ranks in the Top 500
Introduced in 2011, Let’s YO! has more than 30 locations in operation across the eastern half of the country, with 50 additional units slated to open along the East Coast within the next year. Eric Casaburi, founder and CEO of…
A Politically Incorrect Industry Problem
Performance-enhancing drugs have been the topic of conversation in sporting circles for several years now. It decimated some Olympic track and field teams a few years ago, it is hinted to be in sports programs from high schools to professional…