Personnel Updates:

Barbeque Integrated Inc. (dba Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill) hired Robin Muller as Senior VP of Operations. Tom Porfiris was promoted to Senior Director of Operations.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. announced the appointment of Pat Murtha as Exec VP of Bloomin’ Brands, and President, Bloomin’ Brands International, effective 11/11/13.

Burger King Worldwide Inc. named Axel Schwan Exec VP and global Chief Marketing Officer, effective 1/1/14. Schwan will replace current CMO Flavia Faugeres, who will remain in her post for the duration of the year. Burger King also reported that Steve Wiborg, Exec VP and Chairman of North America, resigned as of 10/25/13; the company will not replace Wiborg.

Cara Operations Limited announced Bill Gregson as CEO/President of the combined Cara/Prime enterprise and Ken Grondin as CFO.

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. announced that the company has appointed Richard Adams as President/COO of its subsidiary, American Roadside Burgers, effective 10/28/13.

Chesapeake Hospitality announced that it has added Louis Schaab as CFO to its leadership team.

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. announced the following changes: Jose “Joe” Ferreira, Jr. resigned as Chairman and Michael Young and John Zapp were appointed as Co-Chairmen.

CiCi’s Pizza announced the hiring of Rick Hoying as the brand’s new Senior Manager of Real Estate.

Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. announced that Ken Kunze has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer, effective 11/4/13.

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group announced that Ray Risley has been promoted to VP of operations for Sullivan’s Steakhouses across the country.

Dunkin’ Brands International’s President, Giorgio Minardi, is stepping down. Minardi’s responsibilities will be split among three current executives: Paul Twohig, president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada, will assume responsibility for Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins in Europe and Latin America, as well as oversee global development for both brands; Bill Mitchell, president of Baskin-Robbins U.S. and Canada, will add oversight of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins in Korea, Japan and China; VP John Varghese will continue to oversee the growth of both brands in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and will also add oversight of India.

Famous Brands International, the parent company of TCBY Yogurt and Mrs. Fields Cookies, appointed David Bloom to the position of Senior VP of Strategic Development. Mr. Bloom has been serving as the Chief Development Officer for Hurricane Grill & Wings since June 2012. Famous Brands also announced the following promotions: Dustin Finkel to VP of Marketing; Belinda Oakley to VP of Operations; Cassie Alvey to VP of Mrs. Fields Gifting.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill hired Stephen Loftis as VP of marketing.

Freebirds World Burrito announced the addition of Bobby Shaw as Senior VP of Operations; he was most recently with Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Good Earth Cafes Ltd, announced Gerry Docherty has been appointed President, in addition to continuing responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer.

Good Times Restaurants Inc. announced it hired Bill McClintock as VP of Franchise Development for Bad Daddy’s Franchise Development LLC.

International Franchise Association named Josh Merin as director of International Affairs.

Jamba, Inc.’s COO/Exec VP Bruce Schroder announced his resignation from the company; Jamba appointed Chris Beeson to be Senior VP Store Operations, with responsibility for both company and franchise stores.

Legacy Foodservice Alliance announced that Ray Goldman has joined the organization, with responsibility for Strategic Planning and Supply Chain.

Levy Restaurants has hired former Brian Britton as Exec VP/COO.

Loews Corporation announced that Peter Keegan will retire in May 2014  as Senior VP and CFO; David Edelson will succeed Mr. Keegan as CFO.

Long John Silver’s named Brian Scantland as VP Planning and Performance Improvement.

Mama Fu’s named John Hester as CFO.

Marco’s Pizza named Dan O’Malley as VP.

Mooyah Burger, Fries & Shakes announced that Rich Hicks has assumed the role of interim chief executive and president, replacing Bill Spae. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes also announced two executive moves to support the brand’s strong growth:  Michael Mabry was promoted to VP of Operations/Franchise Development, and Carrie Evans was hired as Franchise Development Manager.

New York Pizzeria Inc. (dba Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen) appointed Alfred Naddaff as its national franchise development director.

New York State Restaurant Association CEO/President Rick Sampson resigned and was succeeded by Melissa Autilio Fleischut.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub announced that its VP of Operations, Charlie Noyes, will succeed the retiring John Grady as president of the company, effective 11/11/13.

Papa John’s International, Inc. announced the hiring of Bob Kraut as Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer.

Penn National Gaming, Inc. announced that Michael Galle has been named General Manager of Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Track which is scheduled to open in the second half of 2014.

Ruby Tuesday Inc. Chairman Matthew Drapkin resigned; the Board of Directors appointed CEO/President James J. Buettgen to serve as Chairman of the Board. Ruby Tuesday also reported the departure of its Senior VP/Chief People Officer, Robert LeBoeuf, effective 10/30/13.

Sage Dining Services, Inc., promoted VP Marcel Gallo to COO.

Salsarita’s President/COO Larry Reinstein stepped down on 10/1/13. Chairman/CEO Phil Friedman assumed Reinstein’s duties.

Schlotzsky’s announced the hiring of Brian Farris as the new VP of Catering and Off-Premise Sales.

Spin Neapolitan Pizza added Michael Kramer as an equity partner, responsible for financial operations and strategy, including finance, supply chain, human resources and franchise operations.

Square 1 Burgers & Bar appointed the company’s owner and founder Joanie Corneil to the position of CEO. Current Square 1 Burgers & Bar CEO Ray Leich assumed the role of managing member.

Tavistock Restaurants’ CEO Bryan Lockwood has stepped down; no replacement was immediately named.

The Broadmoor hired Jack Damioli for the newly created position of VP/Managing Director, overseeing sales, marketing and conferences, human resources, food and beverage, engineering, golf, retail and loss prevention departments.

The Krystal Co. named Gary Clough as COO; he was most recently with Arby’s Restaurant Group.

The Women’s Foodservice Forum named Hala Moddelmog as interim CEO.

Vail Resorts today announced the hiring of Randall Mehrberg as Exec VP and General Counsel, effective 12/2/13.

Waterford Hotel Group named Peter Nichols VP of Development.

White Lodging announced Keith Daub as its new full service COO.

 

Financial Focus:

Luby’s Inc. reported total revenue of $390.350,000 for the year ending 8/28/13.

The Walt Disney Company reported total revenues of $45,041,000,000 for the year ending 9/28/13; revenue from Parks and Resorts was $14,087,000,000.

Mergers & Acquisitions:

Cara Operations Limited announced that it acquired Prime Restaurants Inc.

Cineplex Inc. announced it has completed the acquisition of 24 Atlantic Canadian theatres from Empire Theatres Limited.

Sun Capital Partners Inc. announced an agreement to sell the Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant chain to another private-equity firm, Centre Partners. Terms were not disclosed.

Thomas & King announced that it is selling its Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar franchise operations, comprising more than 80 stores. The sale to RMH Franchise Corp. of Lincoln, Neb., is expected to close before the end of the year.

US Foods acquired the assets of Quandt’s Foodservice Distributors. The Quandt’s Foodservice location in Amsterdam NY. will remain open through the first quarter of 2014, after which the business will shift to the US Foods location in Albany NY.

Wendy’s Co. announced the sale of 24 restaurants in Seattle to Cedar Enterprises Inc., making it the third-largest franchisee in the Wendy’s chain.

 

Industry Insight:

Bennigan’s has signed an agreement with Suri Hospitality International to open 50 locations in India.

Bob Evans Farms Inc. has relocated its HQ offices to 811 Smith’s Mill Rd, New Albany OH 43054; the phone number remains 614-491-2225.

Buffets, Inc., parent company to Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet, Old Country Buffet, Country Buffet, FireMountain and Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse, changed its corporate name to Ovation Brands.

Carmike Cinemas, Inc. and Continental Concession Supplies Inc. announced the signing of a new long-term national distribution partnership, under which Continental will supply Carmike with substantially all of its concessions and janitorial needs beginning 11/1/13.

Dunkin’ Donuts announced plans to develop restaurants in major metropolitan areas across Turkey and is seeking to recruit large, well-capitalized groups capable of building out a region with a minimum of 20-25 restaurants or the entire country.

Gosh Enterprises (dba Charley’s Grilled Subs and Charleys Philly Steaks) has signed a development agreement to open 25 locations in Russia,

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. opened its first Singapore store.

Little Caesars’ Hot-N-Ready menu items are now available at select Kangaroo Express locations throughout the Southeast.

Marriott International moved to the NASDAQ Global Select Market but maintained its ticker symbol “MAR.”

Papa John’s reached the 1,000th international restaurant milestone with a location in London.

Quiznos signed a development agreement that will bring more than 70 restaurants to the UAE over the next eight years.

Rita’s Italian Ice opened a store in Shenzhen, China.

Riviera Black Hawk Casino is now Monarch Casino Black Hawk.

Sbarro announced that it has formalized a multi-location franchise partnership agreement with Casual Restaurants, LLC that will grow the brand’s presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); the agreement includes the opening of 20 locations throughout the UAE over the next ten years.

Spicy Pickle is growing out of the country for the first time by expanding into Qatar.

Taco Bell’s new breakfast menu is expected to be rolled out nationwide in the first half of 2014.

 

Real Estate:

Applebee’s will open its first establishment in Hawaii in the Pearl Harbor area.

Baskin-Robbins is seeking franchisees in South FL, with plans to expand its FL footprint with more than 15 to 20 new stores over the next several years.

Burger 21 announced plans to develop one restaurant in Pompano Beach FL, and one in Tempe AZ.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. has inked a deal with Twin Towers Trading Site Management to open restaurants in Walmart stores.

Cheddar’s Casual Cafe opened its first location in WI.

Dunkin’ Donuts signed a multi-unit store development agreement with new franchisees to develop three restaurants throughout Northern CO in the surrounding areas of Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Windsor and Estes Park. The first restaurant is expected to open in 2015, and the remainder by 2017. Other Dunkin’ Donuts announcements include: it is expanding to California’s Central Valley and Central Coast, including Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento and Santa Barbara CA and plans to add another 27 stores to the Southern CA market, targeting the state’s Orange County area south of Los Angeles as well as the region known as the Inland Empire. The company also announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement to develop nine new restaurants throughout Reno NV, with the first restaurant expected to open in 2015 and the remainder by 2020.

Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. announced the signing of development deals by four franchise partners for a total of 12 locations throughout MD, MI, NY, OH, and PR during the next three to five years.

Fazoli’s recently signed a new development agreement for three locations in KY.

Good Earth Cafes Ltd, parent company of Good Earth Coffeehouse, has announced plans to expand its authentic coffeehouse concept into Ontario.

Hardee’s is expanding in the Chicago area with plans to open 35 restaurants over the next seven years.

Mama Fu’s Asian House plans to open a total of 14 Mama Fu’s locations in Dallas and Collin counties [TX] over the coming years.

Papa Murphy’s plans to add 40 stores in the St. Louis area.

Pie Five Pizza is seeking franchisees in the San Antonio market.

Rosati’s Franchising plans to expand into NM.

Square 1 Burgers & Bar plans to open four additional locations in FL by mid-summer 2014, with plans to open in Carrollwood, Lakeland, the Villages and Gainesville.

Togo’s Eateries announced it has signed a development agreement to open three restaurants in the Greater Phoenix area; the franchisees will develop three restaurants in Ahwatukee, Tempe and Avondale over the next two to three years.

Zaxby’s Franchising Inc. announced its expansion into OK through an agreement for exclusive development rights to northeast OK, including the DMA of Tulsa.

 

Green News:

Wyndham Worldwide has received a gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program for its newest building on the Company’s corporate headquarters campus in Parsippany, N.J.