Subway said that its sales performance improved steadily throughout 2021, sending its average unit volumes to their highest level since 2014. The company would not provide the exact number. But according to Restaurant Business sister company Technomic, average unit volumes in 2014 were $446,000. They would fall to $425,000 the next year. That suggests the… read more

The doughnut chain is planning to open what it calls “dark shops” for delivery orders to the U.S. and Mexico this year after testing the idea in the U.K. Krispy Kreme, the brand that lured customers to its stores with a “hot doughnuts now” neon light, now hopes to get customers to order by going… read more

To kick off 2022, Turning Point Restaurants is doing exactly what its name suggests—reaching a crucial juncture in its history. The breakfast, brunch, and lunch concept was founded by Kirk Ruoff in 1998 after he purchased a 12-table restaurant in Little Silver, New Jersey, where he took orders, washed dishes, and cooked food. The chain… read more

Anyone with concerns about the state of restaurant franchising should spend a little time with Greg Flynn. The founder, chair, and CEO of San Francisco-based Flynn Restaurant Group is pretty optimistic about the future of restaurant franchising. “Omicron is going to fade. There’s immense savings rates. There’s still pent-up demand,” he said. “I still think… read more

Quick-service chain Jack in the Box saw 1.2% growth in same-store sales during the first quarter of 2022, the restaurant announced on Wednesday during its earnings call. “I am proud of the resilience demonstrated by our franchisees, operators, and corporate team members in delivering for our guests during a difficult period,” Jack in the Box… read more

Texas Roadhouse acquired seven restaurants from a franchisee for about $27 million, the company said. The restaurants—six in South Carolina and one in Georgia—were owned by longtime operator Texas Roadhouse Management. The all-cash deal closed on Dec. 29, 2021. Despite the apparently low sale price, executives said the restaurants had been performing well. “It’s a… read more

As Omicron cases continue to decline and on-premises dining picks back up, Chuy’s plans to replenish its menu and revamp marketing efforts. The brand will bring back eight menu items, mostly combination plates, in an effort to offer more value for customers. Chuy’s will also introduce a new happy hour in February as traffic system-wide… read more

Balancing both sides of the franchise consumer marketing dynamic can be tricky, calling for well-defined central strategies, robust tech-driven tools, and a forum for good old-fashioned collaboration that builds trust and advocacy across the system. As franchisors roll out new technologies and programs to promote their brand, a comprehensive view of marketing guidelines based on… read more

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is refilling its new-restaurant pipeline after a few years of unit count declines in the U.S. And it’s open to buying restaurants from franchisees as a way to get a foothold in some markets, CEO Cheryl Henry said. The 150-unit chain plans to open five to seven new restaurants a year… read more

Papa Johns International, Inc.’s growth spree continues in the fourth quarter of 2021, with same-store sales up 11.1% in North America, on top of an accelerated development pace, CEO Rob Lynch said during Thursday’s earnings call for the quarter and full fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2021. Much of Papa Johns momentum came from digital… read more