Beverage/snack players turn to value promotions

Jun 30, 2008

Despite consumers’ abiding attraction to indulgent sweets and specialty drinks, the industry’s leading beverage and snack chains are proving not to be immune to economic and competitive pressures.The segment has witnessed changes in leadership...

Yogurt chains yearn to establish strongholds in between the coasts

Jun 30, 2008

Are sugar-loving Americans in the nation’s heartland ready for the tart taste of newfangled “natural” frozen yogurt that’s become trendy in Los Angeles and New York?Though that question awaits a clear answer, many established and upstart frozen...

Spanish concessionaire lands another airport deal

Apr 23, 2008

MIAMI Areas USA has been awarded a 10-year foodservice contract for the new Indianapolis International Airport, scheduled to open this fall. The contract calls for Areas to operate 10 food and beverage outlets, including two local brands, Giorgio...

Kahala names president of franchising arm

Apr 07, 2008

SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Industry veteran Chris Prasifka has been promoted to president of Kahala Franchise Corp., the franchisor of such restaurant concepts as Blimpie, Cold Stone Creamery, Taco Time and Cereality. The job is apparently a new post...

Ice cream chains say poor economy won’t freeze out patrons from summer promos

Mar 31, 2008

Leading ice cream chains are gearing up for their peak promotional season, and marketing executives say they’re confident that consumers who are trying to watch their spending in a bleak economy won’t cut back on treats.Popular promotions from...

Reggie Jackson goes to bat for SoupMan

Mar 10, 2008

NEW YORK Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson has extended his involvement with the Original SoupMan chain to include an executive role with franchisor Soup Kitchen International: senior vice president of strategic business relationships. ...

Blimpie, Cold Stone parent plots three-year green push

Feb 26, 2008

SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Kahala Corp., franchisor of such quick-service chains as Blimpie, Cold Stone Creamery, Ranch*1 and Samurai Sam’s, said it is drafting a three-year plan to incorporate more sustainable and green practices at all of its 12 brands. ...

Blimpie, Cold Stone parent plots three-year green push

Feb 26, 2008

SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Kahala Corp., franchisor of such quick-service chains as Blimpie, Cold Stone Creamery, Ranch*1 and Samurai Sam’s, said it is drafting a three-year plan to incorporate more sustainable and green practices at all of its 12 brands. ...

Ducey ousted by Kahala-Cold Stone

Sep 18, 2007

SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Kahala-Cold Stone’s board of directors has exercised an option to end its relationship with chief executive Doug Ducey to enable Kahala founder Kevin Blackwell to take the reins of the franchisor of 14 brands, including Blimpie...

Cold Stone Creamery names Beem president

Sep 14, 2007

SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Cold Stone Creamery has named Dan Beem president, succeeding Jim Flaum, who left recently to work on his family-owned Teakwoods Tavern & Grill. Beem most recently was Cold Stone’s vice president of profitability, and he has...