Retail and Development Industry News Index

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Hot Mama to Open in South Barrington
(barrington-il.patch.com - 2/3/2012)

Hot Mama’s sales have more than doubled the past two years. With surging sales Hot Mama continues to be in expansionary mode. In 2012 the company plans to open eight stores, all from operational cash flow. The company recently signed leases to open stores in Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Oakland County, MI.

Chipotle Plans Biggest Growth Yet in 2012
(QSR - 2/2/2012)

Montgomery Moran, co-CEO of Chipotle, said the company expects to open 155–165 new Chipotle locations in 2012. "While this is more restaurants than we've ever opened in a single year, we are confident," Moran said, citing the "quality of what's in the real estate pipeline."

Restaurant Sales Growth Varies by Region
(Nation's Restaurant News - 2/2/2012)

While the National Restaurant Association projects in its 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast that the U.S. foodservice industry will generate an overall sales increase of 3.5 percent, or $631.8 billion, this year, the trade group noted that growth can vary widely from region to region.

Landry's Shutters Eight Morton's Restaurants
(Nation's Restaurant News - 2/2/2012)

Landry’s Inc. on Wednesday shuttered at least eight units of Morton’s steakhouse in various markets as it completed its acquisition of the high-end steakhouse company. Morton’s units were reported closed in Atlanta, Boston, Brooklyn, N.Y., Denver, Jacksonville, Fla., Miami Beach, Fla., Phoenix and Tyson’s Corner, Va.

Retail Boom Slows but New Stores Still Coming
(Alaska Journal of Commerce - 2/2/2012)

Alaska has experienced a huge retail market boom in recent years as several national brands set up shop here for the first time. That growth will continue, albeit more slowly. The next few years will have their fair share of retail expansion as well, including new entrants. Alaska can now look forward to Verizon, AutoZone, Buffalo Wild Wings and Sport Clips this year and next.

Retail Limits in Plan for the Upper West Side
(The New York Times - 2/2/2012)

Across New York City, the proliferation of chain stores, banks and pharmacies in the past decade or so has robbed many neighborhoods of the quirky one-of-a-kind shops that give those places their distinct personalities and where customers can form a relationship with their shopkeepers. Now the city is proposing to erect a fire wall in one neighborhood — the Upper West Side — that may discourage chain stores and preserve the neighborhood’s commercial character and its vibrant street life.

Retailers Deliver Solid Sales Gains for January
(The Wall Street Journal - 2/2/2012)

Retailers reported mixed sales results for the month in a sign that U.S. consumers continue to be cautious about when and where they spend their money in the shaky economy. Overall, merchants on Thursday reported a 4.8 percent increase for January, according to the International Council of Shopping Center's tally of 20 retailers. That's above the 3 percent gain that ICSC had expected.

Flip Flop Shops Packs 2012 Pipeline with 40 New Shops
(Franchising.com - 2/2/2012)

Flip Flop Shops announces it will expand its footprint to 90-plus shops by the end of 2012, with an additional 40-plus already in the pipeline for 2013 openings.

Department Store Sector Split Between Winners and Losers
(RetailTraffic - 2/2/2012)

The department store sector is remaking itself for the new era of retailing, continuing the resurgence it experienced over the past two years with the return of the mall. But while department stores as a concept no longer seem headed for oblivion, there appears to be a sharp divide between those chains ready to embrace change and those unwilling or unable to reinvent themselves.

Saladworks Begins Developing in Arizona
(QSR - 2/2/2012)

Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh salad franchise concept, is proud to announce its first multi-unit development agreement in Arizona. With the first store scheduled to open in late 2012, Maricopa County is the focus for initial site selection. By the end of 2016, five Saladworks locations will call Arizona home.

YO!Sushi Readies for US Debut, Growth in 2012
(QSR - 2/2/2012)

London-based YO!Sushi signed its first U.S. franchisee in 2011 and the company is piggybacking on that success for 2012. YO!Sushi will open its first two American locations this year in Washington, D.C. with leases signed for at least one additional location. The company also plans to sign two to three franchise agreements for approximately 30 units by year’s end.

Canadian gives up rights to Target banner
(The Globe and Mail - 2/1/2012)

For about a decade, Canadian retail mall king Isaac Benitah tangled with U.S. discounter Target Corp. over who owned the rights to the coveted Target name north of the border. He had snapped up the name 11 years ago when he acquired a bankrupt domestic merchant amid signs that the U.S. discount giant would eventually land here.

U.S. Consumers Fall Deeper in Love With Valentine's Day
(Convenience Store News - 2/1/2012)

According to the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 2012 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by BIGinsight, the average person will shell out $126.03, up 8.5 percent over last year's $116.21 average. Total spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion. Discount stores are expected to see the most traffic (37 percent), while one-third of shoppers will head to department stores, up from 30.5 percent last year.

Esprit to Close All Stores in Unprofitable North America
(Bloomberg Businessweek - 2/1/2012)

Esprit Holdings Ltd., the clothing retailer struggling to recover from last year’s 98 percent earnings slump, plans to close all stores in North America after failing to find a buyer for the unprofitable business. In North America, Esprit had 93 outlets as of Sept. 15.

Morton's Inches Closer to Being Owned by Landry's Inc.
(Chicago Business - 2/1/2012)

Houston restaurant tycoon Tilman Fertitta moved one step closer this week to buying the upscale steakhouse chain he's been eyeing, Morton's Restaurants Inc. Fertitta announced Wednesday that he's been able to acquire more than 90 percent of Morton's shares after persuading shareholders to sell them for $6.90 per share. That clears the way for Fertitta and his company, Landry's Inc., to complete the Morton's purchase without asking Morton's shareholders for approval.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to Open First D.C. Location
(QSR - 2/1/2012)

The Dupont Circle neighborhood is about to get a caffeine boost with the arrival of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, just steps inside Washington Hilton. This opening is the first in the Capital region.

Woody's Bar-B-Q is Repositioning Itself
(Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Magazine - 2/1/2012)

After 30 years as a casual dining operation, Woody's Bar-B-Q is repositioning itself as a fast-casual and express concept. Under the repositioning, a Woody's Bar-B-Q fast-casual restaurant will average between 2,500 and 3,000 square feet in size, while an express location will cap out at about 1,000 to 1,500 square feet. Last year, Woody's sold 10 franchises, which expanded its franchisee network to 30 in the United States and five in Canada.

Qdoba Reaches 600-Store Milestone
(FastCasual.com - 2/1/2012)

The 600th restaurant is a milestone in Qdoba’s growth, which has been consistent since it opened its first restaurant in Denver in 1995. Qdoba now has restaurants in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Michigan has been one of Qdoba’s strongest growth states in recent years with seven restaurants opening and three additional restaurants scheduled to open in 2012.

Avenue Clothing Chain Owner United Retail Files for Bankruptcy, Plans Sale
(Bloomberg - 2/1/2012)

United Retail Group Inc. owner of the Avenue plus-size women’s clothing stores, filed for bankruptcy court protection citing leasing costs and announced plans to sell the company. The company plans to close 14 stores in the next month, according to court papers.

CiCi's Pizza Announces 2012 Growth Plans
(PR Newswire - 2/1/2012)

CiCi's Pizza announced its 2012 growth plans to support its continuing 10-year "Build the Brand" initiative to add 500 new restaurants by 2020. Progress in 2011 included 22 new restaurant openings representing a nearly 25 percent increase in new locations over the previous year, and multiple new partnerships to accelerate expansion.

Bakery Cafe Franchise Claiming Corners Around the Country
(Globe Newswire - 1/31/2012)

Energized by last year's acquisition of the brand by the franchise-focused private equity firm Roark Capital Group, Corner Bakery Cafe will double its system growth rate this year, bringing its total cafes open to 148 by end of 2012. Of those cafes, 109 will be company owned and 39 will be franchised.

Las Vegas-Based Asian Quick Service Franchise Prepares to “Spread the Madness”
(RestaurantNews.com - 1/31/2012)

Teriyaki Madness is looking to bring its authentic Asian dishes and signature sauces to the Southwest United States. With seven locations currently open and operating in Las Vegas, the company is focusing franchise growth efforts in several Southwestern states—including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah. Company plans call for growing to a total of 10 restaurant locations by the end of 2012, 25 by the end of 2015, 50 by the end of 2017, with a total of 200 locations throughout the next 10 years.

Convenience Store Count Sets Record
(CSPnet.com - 1/31/2012)

The U.S. convenience store count increased to a record 148,126 stores as of December 31, 2011, a 1.2% increase (1,785 stores) from the year prior, according to the latest NACS/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count.

Fresh & Easy Express Arrives in Orange County, Calif.
(Convenience Store News - 1/31/2012)

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market will open the first of three Orange County, Calif., Fresh & Easy Express locations tomorrow. The chain is currently testing the Fresh & Easy Express format at three Los Angeles County locations. Two more Orange County Express stores in Seal Beach and Garden Grove are scheduled to open later this month.

Pep Boys to Be Acquired by Gores Group for $791M
(Bloomberg Businessweek - 1/31/2012)

Pep Boys -- Manny, Moe & Jack agreed to go private in an acquisition by Gores Group LLC valued at about $791 million after the auto-parts retailer's previous attempts to sell itself were unsuccessful. The transaction is the largest in the auto-parts retailing sector since 2008.

Restaurant Outlook at Highest Level in Nearly Six Years
(Restaurant Management Magazine - 1/31/2012)

The RPI–a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry–stood at 102.2 in December, up 1.6 percent from November and its highest level in nearly six years.

Interview: JC Penney CEO Tries to Transform Penney, Borrows from Apple's Playbook
(Star Tribune - 1/30/2012)

Everyone in the retail world wants to see if Ron Johnson can work his magic a third time. Johnson faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet as CEO of J.C. Penney: dust off one of the dowdiest brands in retailing to make it cool again. To do that, he's borrowing from Apple's uber-successful playbook.

Walgreens Buying Pharmacy Business from Four MN Kmarts
(American City Business Journals - 1/30/2012)

Walgreen Co. is buying the prescription files and inventory of the pharmacies at 33 Kmart stores, including four in Minnesota. The first deal — involving a Kmart in Rice Lake, Wis. — closed on Friday. The remaining 32 deals in 15 states are expected to close during February, Walgreens said. The four Minnesota Kmarts are among those being closed by Sears Holding Corp.

Landry's Outlines $60M Project in Texas
(Nation's Restaurant News - 1/30/2012)

Landry’s Inc. will build a $60 million food and amusement development on the historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas. Landry’s will make the 1,130-foot-long Pleasure Pier home to a 450-seat Bubba Gump Seafood Co. restaurant, the first in Texas, and a new quick-service extension of that 33-unit concept called Gump on the Run.

Murray's-Kroger Partnership Grows
(Supermarket News - 1/30/2012)

New York’s legendary Murray’s Cheese has now put its branded, service cheese shops in 38 Kroger stores in four Kroger Co. divisions. What’s more, Murray’s plans to open 25 more of its shops in Kroger units before the end of the year.That will beat the goal the two companies agreed upon — to have 50 of the Murray’s stores within Kroger stores up and running by the end of 2012 — when they made their deal a couple of years ago.

Jamba Juice Expands To Kentucky
(QSR - 1/30/2012)

Local entrepreneurs Emmy and Don Marquess and Mary and John Speaker, principals of The Speaquess Group LLC, recently opened their first Jamba Juice store in Lexington, Kentucky. This launched Jamba into its 26th state. The team plans to open a second store at the Fayette Mall in the spring and has plans to open a minimum of seven Jamba Juice stores not only in Kentucky, but also Southern Indiana and Southern Ohio.

Captain D's Looks to Build on Positive Momentum
(Nation's Restaurant News - 1/30/2012)

Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen is aiming to build this year on same-store sales growth it realized in 2011, said chief executive Philip M. Greifeld. As a result of rising confidence, Greifeld said the chain would launch a new franchising initiative in 2012. He characterized the move as a heightened new-store development effort after a hiatus to give improvement initiatives time to take hold.

QuikTrip's Biggest Growth Year Yet
(Convenience Store News - 1/30/2012)

QuikTrip has always been synonymous with growth, and that's never been truer than right now. The Tulsa-based chain added 21 stores between December 2010 and December 2011 for a 3.7-percent increase in store count -- and this year, its sights are set even higher. "If everything goes the way we hope, we expect to open more stores this year than we ever have before," said Mike Thornbrugh, QuikTrip's manager of public and government affairs.

UFood Restaurant Group Partners With Euro Cafe for Co-Branded Concept Locations
(Restaurant News Resource - 1/30/2012)

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. announced today that the company has signed an agreement with Euro Café Corporation to create co-branded restaurant concepts. The companies will explore development opportunities at airports, shopping centers, malls, college campuses, hospitals, casinos, health clubs and military bases.

The Wendy’s Company Plans to Build 20 and Remodel 50 “Image Activation” Company-Operated Restaurants
(Business Wire - 1/30/2012)

The Wendy’s Company plans to build 20 and remodel 50 company-operated restaurants in the U.S. and Canada in 2012 with new, bold and contemporary designs that greatly enhance the customer experience. This follows the opening of 10 “Image Activation” restaurants in 2011.

2012 SN Top 75: Billion-Dollar Businesses
(Supermarket News - 1/30/2012)

For the first time ever, all 75 companies on SN’s list of the Top 75 food retailers and wholesalers in North America achieved annual sales in excess of $1 billion. Four companies debuted on this year’s list: Target Corp., Minneapolis, at No. 4; Sprouts Farmers Market, Phoenix, at No. 68; PAQ, Stockton, Calif., at No. 73; and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, El Segundo, Calif., at No. 75.

Panera Expands in Canada as ‘Fast Casual’ Fight Heats Up Restaurant Sector
(Financial Post - 1/30/2012)

The so-called “fast casual” restaurant segment may be booming in the United States, but Panera Bread Co. is choosing to expand here just as the category has taken off in Canada. It opened its fourth in a downtown Toronto location last week, but is stepping up the expansion pace by opening six more this year, according to Ron Shaich, founder and executive chairman.

Big Box Retailers Think Small
(The Star-Ledger - 1/29/2012)

Big-box retailers are scaling back their store sizes as e-commerce activity erode their margins. Companies like Office Depot, Walmart and Best Buy are reworking their merchandise mix and shrinking their stores, while other companies are creating new concept brands and squeezing into denser, urban settings to save on overhead expenses and boost sales per square foot.

H-E-B Announces Austin Expansions, Texas Growth
(The Statesman - 1/29/2012)

H. E. Butt Grocery Co. is spending about $100 million to expand, relocate and remodel several of its Austin-area stores this year part of a larger, statewide expansion and price-cutting campaign. It's the largest-ever Austin investment for the grocery chain, which also expects to hire about 1,000 workers in Central Texas during 2012.

Menards Puts Big Money into Even Bigger Stores
(Star Tribune - 1/28/2012)

The Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, known for its "Save Big Money at Menards" tune, is now building its own big boxes. Menards has accomplished several contradictory feats: It builds stores of enormous size at a time when retailers are downsizing, while also maintaining its reputation as a salt-of-the-earth, family-owned business.

Retail Sector Stages a Comeback in Utah
(The Salt Lake Tribune - 1/28/2012)

Retail is making a strong post-recession recovery in Utah, as existing players expand and others make their entrance into the state. Crate & Barrel, H&M and Marshalls recently opened their first stores in the state. Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors and sporting goods merchant Scheels are poised to do the same, and national chains including The Container Store reportedly are scouting for locations.

Friendly’s, Burger King Test Out Combining Shops
(The Boston Globe - 1/27/2012)

Friendly’s Ice Cream has teamed up with Burger King to feature both chains’ offerings under one roof at a new location in New Jersey. "Friendly’s Scoop" is the first co-branded shop tested by the Wilbraham company and executives hope the concept will help it grow. Friendly’s expects to open up to 10 more of the smaller hybrid shops over the next year, including in Massachusetts.

Starbucks Outlines Unit, Product Growth
(Nation's Restaurant News - 1/27/2012)

Starbucks Corp. is continuing to pursue expansion plans both within and outside its units, despite outside economic pressures threatening the company’s bottom line. Starbucks this year plans to open 400 locations in the Americas in 2012, mostly in the United States, about half of which will be licensed.

Quiznos Eyes Growth After Restructuring
(Nation's Restaurant News - 1/27/2012)

Quiznos is aiming for modest growth in 2012 with a new, more efficiently built prototype and more support for franchisees after a restructuring deal that resulted in new ownership and a $150 million injection of cash. The sandwich chain plans to open 80 to 100 new domestic units this year, along with another 80 locations in convenience store and other non-traditional locations, a modest step toward growth after several years of unit closures.

7-Eleven Acquires 55 Sam's Mart Stores in the Carolinas
(PR Newswire - 1/27/2012)

7-Eleven, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Sam's Mart LLC to acquire 55 Sam's Mart stores in North and South Carolina and convert them to 7-Eleven® stores this year. Sam's Mart LLC will continue to operate its other 91 stores in the Charlotte and Atlanta metro areas.

EVOS Readies for Future Growth
(FastCasual.com - 1/27/2012)

In 2012, EVOS plans to open three to four company-owned locations in Florida, with additional growth taking place on the franchise side of the business. Not only is EVOS looking to expand its footprint with traditional, in-line locations this year, it also will complete a new partnership deal with Aramark.

Report: Big-Box Retailers Take Steps to Become More Energy Efficient
(Business Insider - 1/26/2012)

Big-box retailers such as Petco and Best Buy are downsizing their store sizes in order to become more energy-efficient, according to the Retail Industry Leader Assn.'s inaugural Retail Sustainability Report. Other efforts by retailers include Home Depot’s decision to shut off its parking lot lights an hour after the store closes, Staples’ request of its suppliers to reduce unnecessary packing, and IKEA’s elimination of more than 90% of plastic bags at its stores.

Nation's Largest Specialty Golf Retailer Opening 10 New Locations
(Globe Newswire - 1/26/2012)

Golfsmith, the nation's largest golf retailer announced plans to open 10 new stores and relocate four existing locations in fiscal 2012. The openings and relocations combined will result in a 17.5% increase in square footage.

Fast Casual Restaurants Hold Bright Spot in the Restaurant Industry, Says Technomic
(PR Newswire - 1/26/2012)

With $27 billion in annual sales, food industry consultants Technomic point out that fast casual restaurants now represent 14 percent of all quick-service restaurant sales, compared to 5 percent just ten years ago.They are expected to continue outpacing the industry over the next five years, when fast casual growth is forecasted to compound 8 percent annually.

Smallcakes Expands Across N.C. in 20-Unit Deal
(QSR - 1/26/2012)

Beautiful Brands International today announced an agreement with multi-unit developers, Brad and Francy Bauer, to open 20 new Smallcakes A Cupcakery stores in North Carolina. The first store from the agreement is slated to open spring 2012 in Wilmington, N.C.

Togo's Eateries, Inc. to Open 28 New Restaurants in 2012
(PR Newswire - 1/26/2012)

As part of Togo's 40-year anniversary, the 241-unit company launched a strategic plan for expansion, which includes remodeling options for franchisees to refresh existing units. In 2012, 26 franchise locations and two corporate restaurants will open, as well as 80 existing restaurants are planned to be remodeled.

Jersey Mike’s Plans Major Development for 2012
(QSR - 1/26/2012)

Jersey Mike’s will continue its steady growth in 2012, opening new units in 23 states including California, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, and Florida. Target markets for new franchisees include Seattle, New York, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Orlando and Tampa, Florida, Portland, Oregon, New Jersey, and Houston.

More Retail Centers Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
(Los Angeles Times - 1/26/2012)

As sales of electric cars begin to pick up, retailers nationwide are installing electric vehicle charging stations in their parking lots so customers can plug in and juice up their vehicles while browsing inside. Leading the way is drugstore chain Walgreen Co., which is installing chargers at about 800 stores nationwide.

Cold Stone Franchisees Sue Parent Company
(Nation's Restaurant News - 1/26/2012)

A group of Cold Stone Creamery franchisees is suing parent company Cold Stone Creamery Inc., asking the franchisor to disclose information about a shared, vendor-contributed marketing fund and data on unredeemed gift cards.

Del Taco Franchise Deal Will Add Locations in Fort Worth
(RestaurantNews.com - 1/26/2012)

Del Taco has signed a three-unit development deal with DT Restaurants of Texas. This latest announcement is part of the continuing expansion of the popular chain into the Dallas/Ft. Worth market. To date, Del Taco has opened six restaurants in Dallas and area communities including Denton, Hurst, Irving, McKinney and Plano.

Preschool Franchise Business Primrose Plans San Francisco Location
(San Francisco Business Times - 1/26/2012)

Primrose School Franchising Co. plans to expand to California, starting in San Francisco. Started in 1982, Primrose has 240 franchise schools in 17 states, and has sold its first agreement for California. Over the last year, Primrose has opened schools in Chicago, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Philadelphia and Boston.

Learning Express Announces 16 New Franchise Stores
(PRWeb - 1/26/2012)

The national educational toy store franchise Learning Express announced the establishment of 16 new franchise stores in the last quarter of 2011.

Axum Capital Partners Acquires Wild Wing Cafe
(PR Newswire - 1/25/2012)

Axum Capital Partners, a Charlotte-based private equity firm, announced today that it has acquired a controlling interest in Wild Wing Cafe -- a 32-unit restaurant company based in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Quiznos Avoids Bankruptcy with Restructuring
(Nation's Restaurant News - 1/25/2012)

Quiznos has successfully completed a previously announced financial restructuring, sidestepping bankruptcy and shifting ownership to Avenue Capital Group in a debt-for-equity swap. The chain already has begun work on building its nontraditional franchise opportunities, such as locating Quiznos in convenience stores, as well as stepping up international growth, both of which have a lot of potential.

Growth Drives Sales at Smashburger
(Nation's Restaurant News - 1/25/2012)

Smashburger grew its restaurant base by 55 percent and entered 12 new markets in 2011 to end the year with 143 locations. “In 2012, our growth plan is to add 50 to 70 new restaurants in new and existing markets, including 15 to 20 new corporate stores, and capitalize on the momentum we have gained over the past four years,” Dave Prokupek, Smashburger chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.

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