Crumbs Holdings LLC (“Crumbs”), the creator of the gourmet cupcake and the largest U.S.-based retailer of cupcakes, which operates under the name Crumbs Bake Shop, and 57th Street General Acquisition Corp. (“57th Street”), a special purpose acquisition company, announced that they have entered into an agreement through which 57th Street will acquire Crumbs. The proposed transaction […]

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) announced the addition of Kansas City–based cupcakery Smallcakes to its portfolio of restaurants to market and franchise worldwide.  The agreement also calls for the development and openings of cobranded Smallcakes and FreshBerry stores. BBI is also considering cobranding Smallcakes with BBI's flagship brand, Camille's Sidewalk Cafe. “Smallcakes is the perfect addition […]

Freebirds World Burrito, known for offering custom-built burritos, salads, nachos, tacos, and more, announced it will open sixteen restaurants in California in 2011. The first new California opening will be located across from the University of Southern California campus at 3335 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles and is slated for Thursday, January 13, 2011. The […]

Noodles & Co., the Broomfield, Colorado-based noodle fast-casual, has been acquired by an investment group that's led by Catterton Partners. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, however, Catterton Partners has invested in foodservice brands including P.F. Changs, Baja Fresh, and Odwalla. It is not known how the change will affect franchisees of […]

Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept, has reached agreements with two new franchisees to further develop the Pennsylvania market.  A husband and wife duo and a father, son, and brother-in-law team are planning to open stores in Bucks County and Lehigh Valley, respectively.  Adding to over 40 locations already thriving in […]

In an effort to participate in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign against the rising childhood obesity epidemic, New York City–based fast casual Chop’t Creative Salad Company announced that it is partnering with a nonprofit that brings healthier food alternatives to New York City public schools. Colin McCabe, cofounder of Chop’t, says that through the partnership […]

Texas may have just a single lone star, but it will soon boast more than 70 Corner Bakery Cafe locations. Celebrating a strong year of sales, the Dallas-based restaurant chain announced substantial new growth plans in its home state, with new and existing franchise partners slated to bring more locations to Houston, fuel expansion into […]

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, a Denver-based fast-casual restaurant concept featuring an authentic Mediterranean menu, announced its expansion into a third Colorado market: Boulder. The 13th Garbanzo location opens December 22 and is located on the 29th Street Mall at 1905 29th Street. Restaurant hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The latest Garbanzo restaurant […]

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes announced its expansion into Arkansas and northern Louisiana. The brand, which has 15 open locations, just inked deals with six eager new franchisees in the states. Scott Strzelecki, a Little Rock franchise development agent, is overseeing the new spots and guiding the new franchise owners through the process. “We have […]

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, a Denver-based fast-casual restaurant concept featuring an authentic Mediterranean menu, announced its second location to open in Colorado Springs on December 3 in the First and Main Town Center. The 12th Garbanzo restaurant is located at 3779 Bloomington Street and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The newest Garbanzo […]

It may have Denny's name hanging on its sign, but the menuboards on the wall and the lack of hosts and servers insinuate a slightly different adventure. Denny’s ventured into the fast-casual market on Nov. 12 with the opening of the first Denny’s Café in Orange, California. The café is the brainchild of Steve Dunn, […]

Saladworks, the nation's No. 1 fresh-tossed salad franchise, announced the grand opening of its first location in Connecticutat the Westfield Trumbull Mall's dining terrace on Friday. The opening of Saladworks in Connecticutis the first of the franchise's long list of store openings in new markets. Fans can anticipate new stores in California, Texas, and North […]

Einstein Bros. Bagels announced that it is entering the fourth quarter of 2010 with a momentum cultivated from three quarters of transaction and franchising success. James O’Reilly, chief concept officer for Einstein Bros., says the company wants to be the “fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant chain in America,” and that both organic transaction growth and franchising efforts […]

Reno, Nevada-based Port of Subs, Inc., announced today the continuation of its expansion across seven western states, opening the first of several restaurant locations in the greater Salt Lake City area on Nov. 17, 2010. For more than 30 years Port of Subs has become synonymous with the highest quality made-to-order sandwiches and superior customer […]

Fabian Rosario and his business partner John Harris are no strangers to the restaurant business. Rosariohas ties to one of the top-selling IHOP restaurants in its system and Harris owns a full-service restaurant, both located in Brooklyn, New York. But now the two are entering a new sector of the restaurant business and have signed […]

A small team from Chipotle Mexican Grill led by founder, chairman, and co-CEO Steve Ells is working on an Asian restaurant concept that follows the Chipotle model. The company plans to open one Asian-inspired restaurant in 2011.

More than 400 locations will feature the gourmet, single-cup brewing system.

UNO opens two locations on college campuses.

Exit41, which partners with la Madeleine to grow its to-go business through integrated online, mobile, phone-in, and Facebook applications, named chain’s top vendor.

Grand opening celebrations planned for new Freshii units in each city.

The new Japanese restaurant in Manhattan expands its hours beyond lunch.

New York and New Jersey to receive the roll out of upgrades and new menu items designed to significantly enhance the Boston Market guest experience.

University of Denver location will have a delivery component beginning October 13.