restaurants

Linden, N.J. — In a transaction arranged by CBRE, fast-casual restaurant Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will be opening its first New Jersey location this month in Linden. The Wichita, Kan.-based chain has committed to a pad lease for its 3,200-square-foot prototypical building and double drive-thru at Legacy Square, Cypress Development’s new open air shopping center along Linden’s primary retail corridor. Co-founded in 2002 by Scott Redler and Bill, Randy and Freddy Simon, Freddy’s opened its first location in Wichita, Kan. The brand was acquired by private equity firm Thompson …

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Miami — As its nears its first anniversary, Naked Farmer will be expanding its operations and opening two new locations, one of which will mark the concept’s entrance into the South Florida market. Naked Farmer has signed leases in Miami’s Coral Gables neighborhood and Water Street in downtown Tampa. The farm-to-fork restaurant concept opened its flagship location last June amidst the pandemic with great success and plans to expand and open 15 to 20 additional locations throughout the state over the next 3 to 4 years. “This is a Florida …

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Tampa, Fla. — Slim Chickens has signed a 23-unit agreement with investment group Florida Slims to bring the brand to Tampa. The first located is slated to open in the Wesley Chapel area in early 2022. Florida Slims is experienced in real estate development and multi-unit restaurant operations. The group’s background is expected to well equip them to open the new locations. “Florida Slims is the perfect group to help us expand in Florida’s Gulf Coast. Their portfolio proves that they will do amazing work,” says Jackie Lobdell, vice president …

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Houston — Flight Club will bring its immersive bar and restaurant concept to Houston later this year, marking the third location for the British import that has revolutionized the traditional game of darts. The Houston location is set to open in late 2021 in the newly developed Regent Square and will feature semi-private game areas, an eclectic bar program led by award-winning Peter Vestinos, and menu curated by acclaimed Chicago Chef Rich Gresh. “Houston is an incredibly diverse city with vibrant food and drink scene; we are so thrilled that …

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Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has agreed to acquire Global Franchise Group, which franchises and operates a portfolio of five quick-service restaurant concepts — Round Table Pizza, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Marble Slab Creamery and Pretzelmaker — from Serruya Private Equity, Inc. and Lion Capital LLP, for $442.5 million in cash and stock. The transaction is expected to close by the end of July 2021. With the acquisition of GFG, FAT Brands will have more than 2,000 franchised and company owned restaurants …

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Vancouver, Wash. — Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza has launched two major rebranding initiatives: the new ‘Kitchen Delite’ store design — an open-kitchen concept that enhances the in-store experience for consumers and employees alike — and a new primary brand logo. This is Papa Murphy’s first introduction of a new store design since 2014 and its first logo update in more than a decade. “The ‘Kitchen Delite’ store remodel program is available for all stores nationwide, and we are so excited to showcase its many benefits,” says Victoria Tullett, senior vice …

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Pittsburgh – The Davis Companies (TDC) and Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc., owned by Tilman J. Fertitta and family, plan to open a Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in September 2022 in the recently restored Union Trust Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Del Frisco’s reaffirmed its 15-year commitment, which will occupy 11,032 square feet of first floor and mezzanine-level space at the prime corner of Fifth Avenue and William Penn Place. The restaurant’s upper and lower dining rooms will be connected by the restoration of an existing grand marble staircase. The …

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Maryville, Tenn. — Ruby Tuesday welcomes two new members to the executive team with the promotion of George Evans to chief operating officer and the appointment of Kathy Buckley as chief financial officer. With a combined 55 years of retail and restaurant experience, Evans and Buckley will serve as instrumental leaders on the Ruby Tuesday team. “We are pleased to announce the addition of George and Kathy to the Ruby Tuesday team,” says Shawn Lederman, chief executive officer for Ruby Tuesday. “They both have tremendous experience in the restaurant industry …

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Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has promoted Mark Graff to senior vice president of business development and financial planning for Bloomin’ Brands. He will lead the company’s business development team, including asset and franchise development, in addition to his existing financial planning responsibilities. He will also join the executive leadership team. Graff has held various finance and investor relations roles with Bloomin’ Brands during his 9 years with the company. Previously, he held positions with Deloitte Consulting and Raymond James & Associates. “Over the past 15 months, we discovered …

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— By Rick Orman — Why power surges are the hidden threat to restaurant business operations.   The last decade has seen the rapid adoption of digital equipment in quick-service and full-service restaurants. It’s not uncommon to see mobile devices, fully digitalized point-of-sale (POS) systems, network-connected grills and self-service kiosks in restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this digital transformation due to the increased need to offer online ordering, contactless service and customer demand for a high-tech experience. While the use of technology has increased restaurant efficiency and helped create …

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