More Articles By Maya Norris, Managing Editor
- Staging a Comeback at Pizza Inn
With tumultuous times behind, President and CEO Charlie Morrison has implemented a turnaround strategy that focuses on enhancing operations, customer service and product quality at Pizza Inn to improve franchisee profitability and position the 325-unit restaurant chain for expansion. More - Digital Surveillance: Watch and Learn
The digital video surveillance system at Miami-based Lime Fresh Mexican Grill has helped the restaurant chain improve operations and loss prevention—crucial as the fast-casual upstart embarks on expansion this year. More - Outsourcing Lends a Helping Hand
Small restaurant companies outsource services as a cost-effective way to grow. It gives them the expertise and manpower they need while allowing their executives to concentrate on the restaurants. Chain Leader spoke with operators about the functions they outsource as they expand their upstart chains. More - Restaurant Expansion: Shrimp Market's Sea Change
Shrimp Market is out to prove that shrimp is no longer just for special occasions. The quick-service restaurant chain says it offers high-quality shrimp at affordable prices thanks to its parent company, which serves as its supplier. Now the Aventura, Fla.-based company is ready to roll out the brand to new markets. More - Sharing Responsibility in Health Care
Health-care benefits can give a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining employees in a tight labor market. To contain expenses while offering coverage employees will use, companies are turning to consumer-driven health-care products that shift more of the costs and decision-making to employees. More - ZED451's World View
ZED451 has broken away from its Brazilian churrascaria roots in favor of a concept that focuses on international flavors and guest-focused hospitality. The three-unit steakhouse chain hopes the makeover will position it for national expansion. More - Subway Reports for Duty at Military Bases
The military has been a useful ally for Subway. By opening units on military bases overseas, it gives the Milford, Conn.-based sandwich chain a launching pad into civilian locations in countries such as Portugal and Italy. At the same time, it allows the company to extend its brand domestically. More - Going to Market with Your Concept
No matter how sound and profitable a small, growing restaurant chain is, sometimes it just doesn't have the resources to move to the next level. One option is to sell to a larger company that has more capital and expertise. More - Smashburger Is Well-Rounded
Smashburger has jumped into the better-burger category with its updated spin on the iconic burger. With a focused menu, a team of restaurant veterans and $15 million in capital, the five-unit chain says it is poised for expansion and to become a leader in the segment. More - Restaurants Diversify the Work Force
Given the significant shifts in demographics, industry executives must adjust their recruitment and retention strategies to meet the needs of a more diverse work force, according to speakers at the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance's Talent Summit. More - Sol Food at Baja Sol
Baja Sol Restaurants Group is well aware of how competitive the Mexican segment is. But the Inver Grove Heights, Minn.-based company says its interpretation of Mexican fare will help the Baja Sol brand stand out and position it for nationwide expansion. More - Growing Limited-Service Chains Look Long Term
Expansion in a soft economy is proving tougher than expected for some of the limited-service concepts in Chain Leader 's ranking of Top Chains Under 50 Units. As they slow down restaurant growth, these up-and-coming concepts are turning to tried-and-true strategies that play up their brands and stay true to their values. More - Small but Able: Top 50 Chains Under 50 Units
Casual-dining chains dominated Chain Leader ’s ranking of Top 50 Chains Under 50 Units. From fine-dining to budget-priced concepts, the emerging chains are using various strategies to grow and leverage their brands. What they have in common is the use of creative yet disciplined tactics to compete with large players and deliver an experience that connects with customers. More - Franchisee Turned Owner Revives Mama Fu's
Mama Fu's Asian House is the latest brand from Atlanta-based Raving Brands to find a new home. Former franchisee Murphy Adams Restaurant Group purchased the concept in March and is betting on new training, support and service programs to set Mama Fu's on the path to profitability. More - Management Systems: Retaining Unit Managers
General managers are vital to any successful restaurant chain. So how do small, expanding chains compete against larger companies for such an important asset? More - Alamo Drafthouse Offers Dinner and a Movie
Alamo Drafthouse is not your typical movie theater. The Austin, Texas-based cinema eatery has gained a cult following over the last 11 years for showing both first-run and obscure art-house films while offering guests a made-to-order menu that goes beyond popcorn and candy. Now seven-unit Alamo is ready to expand its laid-back, campy brand outside Texas. More - Dunkin' Brands Adds Political Activism to its Agenda
Director of Federal and State Government Affairs Cicely Simpson spoke to Chain Leader about the legislative issues she's tackling on behalf of Dunkin' Brands. More - Samurai Sam's Tests Asian Fusion Concept
If all goes well, Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill may evolve into Samurai Sam's Asian Fusion. Brand President Sean Wieting spoke to Chain Leader about how rebranding the Teriyaki Grill concept will help the 79-unit chain differentiate itself from competitors and set it up for expansion. More - Panda Managers in Leading Role
Panda Express has reduced management turnover with training programs that emphasize leadership skills as well as operational standards More - Einstein Bros. Is College Bound
College isn't for everybody. But Einstein Bros. Bagels seems to be reaping the benefits of the academic environment. The company is ramping up growth on colleges, where it gains access to one of its prime demographics while building brand awareness with those unfamiliar with its bakery-cafe concept. More
Advertisement
Advertisements
