Earlier in December, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint has signed development agreement with franchisee Briann Welborn that will see the fast casual pizza franchise to expand into North Georgia. Welborn plans to open three locations in the Cumming, Dawsonville and Gainesville communities…

A few weeks ago, I attended an Idea Exchange event in South Florida put on by the International Council of Shopping Centers, the trade association that ties together the various parts of the shopping center industry.  And that includes the…

In mid-November, the Altamarea Group opened its first full service casual dining Osteria Morini restaurant in the Washington DC market. Featuring a Northern Italian cuisine, the 4250 square foot unit is at Water St. and 3rd St. SE in the…

In late November, Newk’s Holding Co. announced that Kevin Anderson has been promoted to Vice President of Company Operations for the fresh casual Newk’s Eatery restaurant concept. Anderson joined the company four years ago as general manager of a training…

In late November, Atlanta-based Hooters of America, LLC announced the appointment of Jim Parrish as chief operations officer and Mark Whittle as vice president of North American franchise development. Parrish has been a member of the Hooters of America Executive…

The Board of Directors of Carlson has authorized a review of strategic alternatives available to the company, including a possible sale of TGI Friday’s Restaurants.  As part of the evaluation process, the board of directors of the global hospitality and travel…

After operating the chain of sports-themed family restaurants in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia for about 17 years, in early November, Glory Days Grill announced that it is offering franchise opportunities in the tri-state area, covering parts of greater Washington…

Smashburger, the six-year old chain of quick casual ‘better burger’ restaurants has just added four new franchisees that will add over 50 new restaurants and see the chain expand in five markets, four of which are in the East Coast…

City Tap House is coming to Washington DC in mid-December with its American pub-style restaurants with its rotating 40 beer line and more than 60 local, regional, national and international specialty beers.  The 180-seat restaurant is locating in the former…

Franchise owners Tom Markert and Peter Guala through their company Casual Dining Ventures, Inc. have opened the latest Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurant in Boynton Beach, Florida in time for the holidays. Known for its uniquely savory, fresh jumbo chicken…