While other restaurant chains are struggling in the current poor economy of the country, McDonald’s is still soaring ahead. Franchisees see great success due in part to the skills and genius of CEO Jim Skinner. He’s turned the company around since joining the McDonald’s Corporation in 2004 with a growth in sales of 5%.
OpenTable has announced the winners of their Top 50 Restaurants for Late Night Dining. The company used over 10 million reviews to compile the best in this category from across the country. 5 locations of the B.B. King’s Blues Club received top ranks in different cities like Las Vegas and Tennessee. New York had the most spots with four.
Buzztime provides great games and entertainment to bars and taverns around the country with innovative computer systems. The system will soon launch a new football game called The Season. The game will only be available on Friday nights throughout September. Players from all states will play live football trivia games and win great prizes.
Hooters has a new President and CEO. Terrance Marks is joining the company from The Pantry, a large chain of full-service convenience stores. He also gained valuable experience with 21 years at Coca Cola in various finance, sales and distribution positions. The change came as part of new ownership under a group of private investors.
TCBY, also known as The Country’s Best Yogurt, was founded nearly 30 years ago. The chain still has over 600 locations today and continues to grow. To celebrate the milestone anniversary the company plans to host a promotional 30% coupon on their Facebook page. Fans can also enter to win free frozen yogurt through the page.
Applebee’s, through a partnership with the Corner Bakery Cafe chain, has raised over $350,000 for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The funds will help support the fight to end childhood cancer. The two chains have raised money during the past seven summers for the charity, with a grand total of over $2 million dollars.
Spicy Pickle Sandwich Company recently opened their newest franchised location in Minot, South Dakota. The store’s grand opening celebration was met with record sales and excitement from the community. The restaurant uses the newest store layout and menu and serves breakfast, a relatively new feature for the chain.
A new Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers restaurant opened in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Monday, August 29th. The franchise location is owned by Reid Fogleman. The restaurant offers the full menu from the brand, including gluten free crust options for diners with food allergies. The full-service bar and wide selection of beer is another draw.
Yogurtini, a self-serve yogurt chain that began in 2008, has announced the grand opening of its 12th location. The new restaurant will open in the Denver Tech Center in Denver, Colorado. To celebrate the location will be giving away free frozen yogurt to guests on the grand opening day, which will be August 27th.
Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a new development agreement with Southern Food Services. The company will develop four new locations in the Huntsville area of Alabama. One of the restaurants will be open by the end of next year. The company is owned and operated by the Robinson family, but other franchise opportunities are still available around the state.