Finance

Fast Casual Strengthens, Led by Panera, Five Guys

QSR magazine — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:47:47 +0000

Fast-casual chains strengthened their gains on the overall restaurant industry, with the top 150 fast-casual chains growing 8.4 percent to $21.5 billion in 2011, a faster rate than in 2010 (6.6 percent). In comparison, 2011 sales growth for the Top 500 U.S. chains was 3.5 percent.

Sonic Turns to 1010data for Business Analytics

QSR magazine — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:57:40 +0000

SONIC has embraced 1010data’s Internet-based Big Data Warehouse to analyze billions of records to enable critical business decisions ranging from operations to marketing.

A passionate focus on data analytics is one of the reasons why the fast growing chain, with more than 3,500 locations, has been able to improve operational consistency and product management.

Fazoli’s Continues Sales Streak in April

QSR magazine — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:46:34 +0000

April was another month of double-digit same-store sales increases at Fazoli’s, thanks to new marketing and hospitality programs launched in early April combined with a recently revamped menu, expanded service, and a new unit design.

The new marketing program spotlights recent changes that include the new look, new menu, table service, and real silverware and plates. In conjunction with the campaign, Fazoli’s rolled out a new service and hospitality program. Both were launched in company markets.

Lewis Loeb Joins Global Franchise Group as CFO

QSR magazine — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:32:47 +0000

Global Franchise Group, the strategic brand management company, is pleased to introduce its new chief financial officer, Lewis Loeb.

In his position, Loeb will be managing all financial and accounting divisions with the Global Franchise Group family of brands including Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream & Treatery, Pretzelmaker/Pretzel Time, and The Athlete’s Foot. The brands are managed by GFG Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group.

United Capital Refinances 13 Domino’s Locations

QSR magazine — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:42:39 +0000

United Capital Business Lending, a national business lender specializing in franchise finance, announced today that it provided $1.57 million in financing to Domino’s Pizza owner, DFL Pizza, LLC.

United Capital refinanced 13 existing locations in Colorado and Wyoming.

U.S. Ice Cream Market Tops $25 Billion

QSR magazine — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:02:41 +0000

Edvard Munch’s iconic “The Scream” just sold for a record $120 million at auction in New York, but that’s peanuts compared to the very voluble demand for ice cream, as indicated by Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts in the U.S., a just-released market research report from Packaged Facts.

According to Packaged Facts, sales topped $25.1 billion in 2011, up 2.4 percent over the previous year, representing a small upswing after two years of flat sales.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Names John Theuer as CFO

QSR magazine — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:26:35 +0000

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has named John Theuer as its new chief financial officer, reporting directly to president and CEO Mel Elias.

In his new role, Theuer will oversee the accounting, finance, treasury, and IT departments. He will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s financial plans, policies, general accounting, budgeting, and growth planning.

United Capital Refinances Debt for Multi-Unit Popeyes Owners

QSR magazine — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:53:36 +0000

United Capital Business Lending, a national business lender specializing in franchise finance, announced today that it provided $700,000 in financing to Popeyes owner, Jivan Foods, LLC.

United Capital also refinanced three existing locations for the Texas based franchisee. In addition, United Capital provided a California based 17-unit Popeyes owner $2.4 million to refinance debt and reimage several locations.

Zaxby’s Appoints Blake Bailey to CFO

QSR magazine — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:21:20 +0000

Zaxby’s announces the appointment of Blake Bailey to chief financial officer for Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc (ZFI). Bailey succeeds Tony Townley, founding partner with Zach McLeroy, chief executive officer of ZFI.

Townley is relinquishing the title of CFO for his new title, executive vice president, in an effort to streamline the financial responsibilities of the business and the day-to-day decision-making process, as well as increase the collaboration and innovation of the management team.

Arby’s Partners with Ecova to Boost Energy Savings

QSR magazine — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:22:06 +0000

Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. announced today that it will work with Ecova, a total energy and sustainability management company, to create a comprehensive Strategic Energy Plan that will provide a short and long-term roadmap for actionable energy savings and measurement.

Experts at Ecova will support Arby’s to identify opportunities, set goals, guide the development of a corporate energy policy, establish priorities for implementation, and develop a timetable for achievement.