Chili’s has been working on spicing up their brand with restaurant renovations, new menu items and the return of the $20 Dinner for Two deal. A new ad campaign made by Hill Holliday features humorous voice-overs mixed with footage of menu items that are part of the deal. New menu additions include grilled shrimp tacos.
Saladworks is beginning a new customer loyalty program to reward regular visitors. Guests earn points on all purchases at the chain with the Fresh Fan Club card. The free program awards users with food and drink items after certain point amounts are reached. Registering the card with the official website gives users enough points for a free menu item of their choice.
GE Capital’s Franchise Finance program has loaned a Famous Dave’s franchisee company the money needed to refinance previous debts and buy out a partner. Blue Ribbon BBQ received a $9 million credit to help develop their 6 stores in Michigan. GE Capital chose to approve the loan based on the company’s success with the Famous Dave’s brand.
The company known as Tavern International has purchased licensing rights to the “Tavern on the Green” name. This will allow them to attach the name to restaurants, retail products and other items of their choosing. The company paid just over $1 million for the license, despite the name being valued at over $19 million in 2008.
Arby’s is helping kids in America two ways with a new Kids Meal and a partnership with No Kid Hungry. The chain is adding a new Kids Meal to their menu that features healthier choices than most fast food restaurants currently offer. They will also donate at least $1 million to the childhood hunger initiative by the end of the year.
Straw Hat Pizza is celebrating both National Pizza Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month at once by making donations throughout October. Every Queen-sized pizza purchase will put $2 towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Each new fan on the chain’s Facebook page will count for 10 cents in donation as well.
Noodles & Company is expanding again in Utah with a new restaurant in Riverdale. The restaurant will open on October 6th and features a menu combining the best of American, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. This new location also features a prototype kitchen design that will possibly increase production times.