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Building Back Better

by Katie Lee

— By Chris Birkinshaw — Limited-service concepts, high-quality food options take pole position for QSR buildouts.   The COVID-19 global pandemic changed the landscape of many businesses. As we move forward with vaccines and a stronger understanding of how the virus spreads, businesses are more confident in reopening. Some are returning to pre-COVID operations, while others have taken on a complete redesign of operations to survive. For the restaurant industry, re-examining all operational processes and costs is taking place at a rapid, reactive rate. For many, this includes re-examining the …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

On The Border Debuts All-New Nostalgic Prototype

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Nearly 40 years ago, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina was born, and it has since grown into the world’s largest Mexican casual dining brand. Now, On The Border is taking it back to the 1980s with the debut of its new prototype that pays homage to the brand’s first design and renowned experience. On The Border North Point, located in Alpharetta, reopened as the brand’s first restaurant to feature the all-new prototype. Featuring a palette of white adobe and rustic colors, longtime guests will immediately recognize …

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Toast Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Boston — Toast, the cloud-based, end-to-end technology platform purpose-built for the entire restaurant community, has appointed Elena Gomez as chief financial officer, effective immediately. As CFO, Gomez will lead Toast’s finance organization and will be responsible for accounting, treasury, financial planning and analysis, and business operations. “I am thrilled to welcome Elena to our executive team,” says Chris Comparato, CEO of Toast. “She is a proven business leader and financial executive with more than two decades of experience leading the financial operations of businesses sitting at the intersection of technology, …

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The Hummus & Pita Co. to Enter West Coast Market with Los Angeles Flagship

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — The Hummus & Pita Co., one of the fastest-growing Mediterranean concepts in the U.S., plans a flagship location for all of California with a grand opening slated for late June in Los Angeles. Located in North Hollywood’s NOHO West Shopping Center, the new locations kicks off a five-unit franchise deal signed with well-known Southern California multi-concept operator, Dan Markel. Markel has already identified his second California location in Toluca Lake, a celebrity enclave in Los Angeles. Other potential locations are currently being scouted in Studio City, Burbank, …

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Chicago’s Famed Rainbow Cone Opens Second Brick-and-Mortar Location

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Chicago’s famed Rainbow Cone will celebrate the grand opening of its second brick-and-mortar location on May 5th in Lombard, Ill. For nearly 100 years, the Original Rainbow Cone has served ice cream featuring extraordinary flavors and textures, including the world-famous 5-flavor combination of chocolate, strawberry, palmer house, pistachio and orange sherbet, sliced — not scooped. The Lombard location will feature Rainbow Cone’s vibrant colors in the interior, creating a welcoming space for friends and family to gather. The exterior will consist of pink and white polka dots, allowing …

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I Heart Mac & Cheese Continues to Expand Coast to Coast

by Katie Lee

Boca Raton, Fla. — I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, has signed 12 franchise agreements with seven new franchisees throughout the first quarter of 2021. In addition, the brand has opened three restaurants in Indiana, Georgia and New York, with 30 additional openings planned by the end of the year. “I Heart Mac & Cheese is a unique and attractive franchise concept that is really resonating with aspiring entrepreneurs — including those from many diverse backgrounds …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Construction on Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! Restaurant Resumes in Nashville

by Katie Lee

Johnson City, Tenn. — FACE Hospitality, subsidiary of FACE Amusement Group, has resumed construction on its highly anticipated Chicken Guy! Restaurant in Nashville, Tenn. Located off Second Avenue and Commerce Street in downtown Nashville, the restaurant was one of several structures damaged in the explosion that shook Music City on Christmas Day 2020, bringing the project to a sudden halt. Construction has now resumed on the new franchise, which is slated to open this summer, continuing the one-of-a-kind partnership between FACE, famed chef, restaurateur and television personality Guy Fieri, and …

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Slim Chickens Inks 10-Unit Franchise Agreement in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas

by Katie Lee

Albuquerque — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-thru in the “better chicken” segment, has signed a multi-unit agreement with Dennis Ekstrom to develop 10 restaurants across New Mexico and in El Paso, Texas. The first location is slated to open in 2021. New Mexico cities being pursued by Ekstrom include Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces. Ekstrom is a multi-unit owner of 10 Del Taco restaurants and has more than 30 years of restaurant ownership experience. “Dennis is exactly the kind of franchisee we’re seeking …

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Mountain Mike’s Pizza Signs 75 New Store Agreements to Enter 6 New States

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — Mountain Mike’s Pizza, LLC, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 40 years, has started 2021 strong with first quarter same-store-sales (SSS) up 23.4% over 2020. This news closely follows Mountain Mike’s reporting that 2020 was the brand’s best year ever in terms of sales and growth. Along with steady sales increases in Q1, Mountain Mike’s opened six new restaurants and secured 13 new franchise commitments consisting of three multi-unit out-of-state agreements to open restaurants in Utah, Idaho and Colorado. Additional franchise deals are in development …

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Aloha Poke Plans to Enter Texas with 11 Locations in Houston

by Katie Lee

Houston — Aloha Poke Co., a premier fast-casual poke restaurant concept, plans 11 new locations in the Houston metro market by 2025. The Houston expansion nearly doubles Aloha Poke’s total franchise location holdings and is the first move into the Texas market. This first wave of development in the Lone Star State leads a long term development plan across other metroplex areas including Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin. “Aloha Poke Co is excited and extremely proud to launch into Texas with these first stores already in development within the Houston market,” …

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