QSR Ones to Watch

Chick-fil-A Promotes Five Executives to EVP

QSR magazine — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:48:15 +0000

Dan T. Cathy, president and COO of Chick-fil-A, Inc., is proud to announce the promotion of each member of the company’s executive committee from senior vice president to executive vice president, effective immediately.

Donald “Bubba” Cathy, Perry Ragsdale, Steve Robinson, James “Buck” McCabe, and Tim Tassopoulos received the new title in recognition of the leadership, wisdom, and guidance that they have given the restaurant chain as a team over the years.

Brand-Specific Kids’ Activity Packs Debut in U.S.

QSR magazine — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:41:09 +0000

Image Caption:

Milk JNR's character Meg

Image Credit:

MILK JNR's

One of the U.K.’s leading creative marketing and digital design agencies, MILK JNR’S, exhibited its kids’ activity packs for the first time in the U.S. at NRA Show 2012.

With more than 11 years’ experience in the industry, MILK JNR’S multi-skilled team specializes in creating branded fun for children and families through inspiring and educational kids’ activity packs for the restaurant and leisure industries.

Boloco Fully Integrates LevelUp into POS Solution

QSR magazine — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:29:28 +0000

LevelUp, the pay phone app, today announced that boloco, a family of globally inspired burrito restaurants, has fully integrated LevelUp’s mobile payment technology into its NetPOS point-of-sale solution.

Now, all 18 locations of the fast-casual chain will accept mobile payments with LevelUp, making it even faster and easier for customers to get their burritos, bowls, salads, smoothies, and shakes.

Freshii Celebrates Four Years in Chicago

QSR magazine — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:41:31 +0000

There’s a lot of goodness going around at Chicago’s favorite stop for nutrition-conscious people on the go. Freshii is gearing up to honor its four-year anniversary in Chicago with a celebration from June 11-17 at all six locations.

According to CEO Matthew Corrin, Freshii was created in response to a need for convenient, healthy food options.

Honey Dew Donuts Debuts Smoothies with Red Bull

QSR magazine — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:49:29 +0000

Honey Dew Donuts, New England’s local flavor, is excited to announce the collaboration with energy drink pioneer, Red Bull, with new refreshing fruit smoothies to enjoy this summer.

A perfect combination of Red Bull with a Honey Dew strawberry or lemonade flavored smoothie, these drinks are made to order and served in a 24-ounce size. Smoothies without Red Bull will remain on the menu, along with a variety of other flavors including Chillerchino and Frozen Mocha Madness.

Edible Arrangements Surpasses 1,000 Units, More on the Way

QSR magazine — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:28:36 +0000

Edible Arrangements franchises have been popping up across North America at an average of one a week since the first of the year, with more than 20 new locations opening for business through the end of April.

The growth pace, which will significantly increase through spring and summer, has allowed the fresh-fruit franchise to surpass the 1,000 mark for locations now open with another 100 under development and scheduled to open by the end of the year.

Garbanzo Announces First Texas Franchisee

QSR magazine — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:46:16 +0000

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill today announced the awarding of a franchise opportunity to Texas-based franchisee Blue Jean Food Group (BJFG).

Opening Garbanzo locations in the San Antonio and Austin, BJFG has rights to develop up to 15 restaurants. The first location is slated to open in San Antonio in late summer 2012.

Red Mango Founder to Speak on Social Media Impact

QSR magazine — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:40:04 +0000

How do you bring an international brand to the U.S., open more than 170 stores in a credit crisis, win loyal customers for repeat business across North America, and earn the No. 1 Zagat rating in today’s economy? Be likeable.

That’s what Dan Kim, Red Mango, Inc. founder and chief concept officer, will discuss as a featured speaker at the first annual Likeable U Awards: Creating a More Likeable World. The even takes place during Internet Week (IWNY) on May 15 at the Desmond Tutu Center in New York City.

24-Year-Old is Red Mango’s Largest Multi-Unit Owner

QSR magazine — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:37:33 +0000

She’s only 24 years old, but she knows how to run a business. Seven businesses, in fact.

Samantha Goldsmith, of Saint James, has opened her seventh Red Mango store in North Babylon, New York, and will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the grand opening event, residents will be treated to a free small yogurt, giveaways, music, and fun.

Original Hot Dog Concept JJ’s Comes to Charlotte, NC

QSR magazine — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:43:16 +0000

An original restaurant concept, JJ’s Red Hots, is bringing its premier handcrafted, chargrilled hot dogs and sausages to Charlotte, North Carolina, at 1514 East Blvd.

"This concept is inspired by beloved hot dog joints like Ted’s in Buffalo, New York, where I grew up eating chargrilled hot dogs, onion rings, and shakes,” says founder Jonathan Luther.