Personnel Updates:
Affinity Gaming announced that David D. Ross will step down as CEO when a successor is named.
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza announced the appointment of Allen Arroyo as CFO.
Brinker International reported the resignation of CFO Guy Constant; Marie Perry will serve as Interim CFO. Brinker also announced that Kelli Valade has been promoted to Exec VP and COO for Chili’s, and that Jeffrey Hoban has been named Senior VP/General Counsel.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. has named Beverly K. Carmichael as its Chief people Officer; Carmichael succeeds Doug Barber, who has retired from the company.
DiamondRock Hospitality Company appointed Briony Quinn as its Chief Accounting Officer.
DineEquity, Inc. announced that Steven Layt has been appointed President of Applebee’s, effective 2/25/14. Michael Archer, former President of Applebee’s, is leaving to pursue other opportunities.
Donatos Pizza announced the appointment of Thomas G. Pendrey as COO.
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Michael Arthur as Interim CEO and President following the resignation of Jeff O’Neill.
Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. notified Christopher O’Donnell, the company’s President/COO, that his employment with the Company will terminate effective 3/31/14.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard named Jacqueline Levings as General Counsel.
Ignite Restaurant Group announced new leadership for two of its concepts: John Gilbert has been named President of Romano’s Macaroni Grill, and David Catalano has been named President of Brick House Tavern + Tap. Gilbert was most recently CEO of Famous Dave’s of America.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants promoted Barry Pollard to Senior VP of Hotel Operations and James Lin to Senior VP of Restaurants and Bars.
Liquid Nutrition Group Inc. announced the appointment of Ms. My Linh Lam as its Corporate Secretary, effective 2/27/14. Ms. Lam replaces Mathieu Gendron as Corporate Secretary.
Morgans Hotel Group Co. announced that COO/Exec VP Daniel Flannery and Chief Development Officer/Exec VP Yoav Gery were provided notices of termination of their employment with the company effective 3/10/14. The company also announced the promotion of Joshua Fluhr to COO/Exec VP effective immediately.
ROTI Mediterranean Grill announced that Carl Segal has been appointed CEO; Segal comes to ROTI from Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Sonny’s BBQ hired Joe Tenczar as CIO; he was most recently with Hard Rock International.
Stellar Restaurant Group (dba Boloco) named Scott Nietschmann its new COO.
Sysco announced that Russell Libby has been named to the new position of Exec VP Corporate Affairs and Chief Legal Officer. Adam Skorecki has been named Senior VP and General Counsel, and Joel Grade has been named Senior VP Finance and Chief Accounting Officer.
The Krystal Company announced the appointment of Kathy Pittman as VP of Information Technology; she was most recently CIO at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
The National Restaurant Association announced the appointment of Sherman Brown as Senior VP of Business and Financial Strategy for its ServSafe Food Safety Program and Thomas Wojno as its new VP of Member Value and Strategy.
Vasari LLC named Bill Spae as CEO.
VooDoo BBQ & Grill has named Glen Helton President.
Wingstop Restaurants named Flynn Dekker as Chief Marketing Officer; he was most recently at Pizza Inn.
World of Beer has named Ken Cruley CFO and Terry Haley VP of Marketing. Most recently, Cruley was CFO for First Watch Restaurants.
Wyndham Worldwide named Geoff Ballotti as CEO/President of its hotel division, replacing Eric Danziger who is leaving the company effective 3/28/14.
Financial Focus:
AMC Entertainment reported total revenues of $2,749,428,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were 786,91,000.
BAB Inc. reported total revenue of $2,450,194 for the year ending 11/30/13.
BJ’s Restaurants reported revenues of $775,125,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Bloomin’ Brands reported total revenues of $4,129,230,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Boyd Gaming reported net revenues of $2,894,428,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Bravo Brio Restaurant Group reported revenues of $411,091,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
Brunswick Corporation reported net sales of $310,300,000 from its Bowling & Billiards segment for the year ending 12/31/13.
Caesars Entertainment reported net revenues of $8,559,700,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $1,510,000,000.
Carmike Cinemas reported total operating revenue of $634,835,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Carrols Restaurant Group reported restaurant sales of $663,483,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
Cedar Fair LP reported net revenues of $1,134,572,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Chesapeake Lodging Trust reported total revenue of $420,177,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Churchill Downs reported net revenues of $779,325,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Chuy’s Holdings reported revenue of $204,361,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
Cinemark Holdings reported total revenues of $2,682,894,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; concession sales were $845,168,000.
Cineplex Inc. reported total revenues of $1,171,267,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; concessions sales were $350,353,000.
Cosi Inc. reported total revenue of $86,327,000 for the year ending 12/30/13.
Craft Brew Alliance reported sales of $192,433,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; pub sales were $24.350,000.
Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group reported revenues of $271,806,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Denny’s Corporation reported total operating revenue of $462,593,000 for the year ending 12/25/13.
DiamondRock Hospitality reported total revenues of $799,688,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $193,043,000.
DineEquity reported total revenues of $640,467,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Domino’s Pizza reported total revenues of $1,802,200,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group reported total revenues of $434,481,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Felcor Lodging Trust reported total revenues of $893,436,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $151,233,000.
Fiesta Restaurant Group reported total revenues of $551,337,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
Full House Resorts reported revenues of $144,727,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $7,967,000.
Gamehost Inc. reported operating revenues of $77,600,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $19,200,000.
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation reported net revenues of $407,300,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Greektown Casino reported total adjusted revenue of $328,345,985 for 2013.
Hilton Worldwide reported total revenues of $9,735,000,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Host Hotels & Resorts reported total revenues of $5,166,000,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $1,503,000,000.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation reported total revenue of $4,184,000,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Intercontinental Hotels reported revenue from its Americas group of $916,000,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Jamba Inc. reported total revenue of $229,249,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. reported total revenues of $460,331,000 for the year ending 2/2/14.
LaSalle Hotel Properties reported total revenues of $977,293,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were 238,682,000.
Loews Corporation reported revenue from its hotel operations of $380,000,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Marriott International reported total revenues of $12,784,000,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
MGM Resorts International reported net revenues of $9,809,663,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $1,469,582,000.
Monarch Casino & Resort reported net revenue of $188,749,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Morgans Hotel Group reported total revenues of $236,486,000; F&B sales were $84,085,000.
MTR Gaming reported net revenues of $497,791,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Noble Roman’s reported total revenue of $7,736,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Noodles & Company reported total revenue of $350,924,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
NPC International reported total sales of $1,094,032,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Panera Bread Company reported total revenues of $2,385,002,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Papa John’s International reported total revenues of $1,439,022,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
Papa Murphy’s Holdings Inc. filed an S-1 in preparation for an initial public offering, reporting total revenue of $80,495,000 for the year ending 12/30/13.
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust reported total revenue of $489,217,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $136,531,000.
Pizza Pizza Limited reported revenues of $238,535,000 for the year ending 12/29/13; systemwide sales were $494,067,000.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen reported total revenues of $206,000,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Potbelly Corporation reported total revenues of $299,712,000 for the year ending 12/30/13.
Reading International reported revenue from cinema operations of $239,418,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Red Lion Hotels Corporation reported total revenues of $120,055,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Ruth’s Hospitality Group reported total revenues of $406,649,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
SeaWorld Entertainment reported total revenues of $1,460,250,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation reported total revenue of $1,109,930,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
Station Casinos reported net revenues of $1,261,478,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $235,722,000,
Strategic Hotels & Resorts reported total revenues of $900,013,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were 294,969,000.
Sunstone Hotel Investors reported total revenues of $923,824,000 for the year ending 12/31/13; F&B sales were $213,346,000.
Target Corporation reported total sales of $72,596,000,000 for the year ending 2/1/14.
Texas Roadhouse reported total revenue of $1,422,585,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
The ONE Group reported preliminary revenue of $125,700,000 for the year ending 12/31/13.
The Wendy’s Group reported revenues of $3,487,400,000 for the year ending 12/29.13.
Tim Hortons reported total revenues of $3,255,533,000 for the year ending 12/29/13.
Zoe’s Kitchen Inc. filed an S-1 in preparation for an initial public offering, reporting total revenue of $116,385,000 for the year ending 12/30/13.
Mergers & Acquisitions:
Apollo Global Management finalized its previously announced acquisition of CEC Entertainment (dba Chuck E. Cheese’s); the transaction privatized the company.
Caesars Entertainment Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Bally’s Las Vegas, The Cromwell (formerly Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon), The Quad and Harrah’s New Orleans to Caesars Growth Partners, LLC. Closing is expected in second quarter of 2014.
Industry Insight:
Culver Franchising System opened its 500th location.
Domino’s Pizza opened its first store in Paraguay.
Fuddruckers has finalized a new franchise agreement that will expand its Latin American footprint. An initial, 10-unit partnership with South America’s SRTC calls for locations throughout Chile, beginning with the country’s first site in Santiago.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters changed its company name to Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
Hooters plans to open three restaurants in Thailand over the next three years.
La Madeleine opened its first franchised location.
Saladworks plans to open 50 international locations, with new stores planned for Singapore, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Sasnak Management closed 17 of its 39 Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican restaurants.
Sbarro filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Starbucks Corp. said it’s opened its first retail location in the Southeast Asian country of Brunei.
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is planning its international expansion strategy, starting with a deal for a licensee to open nine restaurants in the Philippines over the next three years. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is also expanding with two restaurants opening in WA, one in Southern CA, and potentially three or four restaurants in Dallas, TX.
Real Estate:
Biscuitville is seeking locations within a two-hour drive of Greensboro NC.
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants is seeking franchisees in the Houston TX market.
CKE Restaurants signed a development agreement for 30 new Carl’s Jr. restaurant in the Ontario Canada market over the next six years.
Corner Bakery Café announced a new multi-unit development agreement to open its first restaurants in Indianapolis beginning later this year.
Denny’s plans 20 new restaurants in the metro Atlanta market.
Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants has plans to expand in the Omaha market with seven additional locations slated to open later this year.
Dunkin’ Donuts is recruiting franchisees for the Dothan AL area. Dunkin’ also announced a development agreement with Sizzling Donuts for 46 new restaurants throughout the Sacramento metro area and surrounding cities, as well as agreements for 22 stores in the DC metro area. Dunkin’ is also seeking to expand to as many as 100 locations in the Charlotte NC market over the next five years.
Luna Grill plans to open 10 locations in 2014 and is targeting 40 locations by 2016.
Marco’s Pizza is seeking franchisees in the Miami area interested in opening Marco’s stores in Aventura, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Coral Springs, Doral, Ft. Lauderdale, Kendall, Homestead, Hollywood, Hialeah, Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Lauderhill, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pompano Beach and South Beach.
Noodles & Company signed a development agreement for at least nine locations in the greater Louisville area,
Sbarro closed 155 corporate-operated domestic locations.
Scooter’s Coffee plans to have 40 more locations in the Dallas market over the next few years.
Smoothie King plans to add up to 10 new stores in the Charlotte NC area over the next three years, part of the 60 new locations planned across NC’s major markets.
Sonic Drive-In is seeking franchisees in the Albany NY market.
Tim Hortons plans to open 800 stores in the next five years, 500 in Canada and 300 in the U.S.
Uncle Maddio’s plans 35 new locations, including first entry into AL, CO, and TX.
Wingstop today announced plans to open at least 25 new restaurants in the NJ area over the next five years.
Zaxby’s opened its 600th location and is continuing to seek franchisees in IN, LA, OK, TX, and UT.
