More Articles By Maya Norris, Managing Editor
- International Expansion: Church's Chicken Lands in India
Church's Chicken, which has 1,650 units in 20 countries, opened its first franchised store in Hyderabad, India, in September. CEO Harsha Agadi spoke to Chain Leader about why the second most populous country in the world is fertile ground for expanding the brand. 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 - Raising Cane's Weathers Hurricane Gustav
The quick-service chicken chain relied on advance planning, teamwork and communication to reopen quickly after the storm, providing lessons to those hunkering down for the next one. 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 - UFood Grill Creates Healthy Choice
UFood Grill has evolved over the last nine years, trying to find the best way to bring healthful fare to the masses. It says its latest incarnation will broaden its appeal to a larger audience as it forges ahead with expansion. More - From the NRA Show: The Business Case for Training
Training is just as integral to a restaurant chain as operations, real estate and menu development, according to Gail Lyman, director of training and development for First Hospitality Group, during an educational session at the NRA Show. More
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