CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.  (Restaurant News Release)  Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept, is proud to announce an agreement to develop the Rehoboth Beach, DE area with its first Saladworks location. This location will bring the fifth Saladworks to Delaware later this year.

New franchisee, Tajesh Patel, is no stranger to franchising. Patel grew two wireless cell phone provider franchise locations into five in just three years. Patel had expansion on his mind, and when a friend of his signed another agreement with Saladworks for locations in North Carolina, he decided that Saladworks was the best choice for his first venture into quick service restaurant franchising.

“I always wanted to be involved in different types of business, and I’ve been a Saladworks customer for many years. When my friend said he was opening locations in North Carolina, all the pieces fit together,” Patel said.

Delaware is a key piece in the salad franchise’s expansion. Patel and another franchisee are in the site selection process and Saladworks currently has a store under construction in Delaware, set to open at the Millcreek Shopping Center in Wilmington in early summer.

“From my franchise experience, Saladworks more than met my expectations from a franchisor,” Patel said. “I am very excited to get started!”

“We want to expand our already successful stores in Delaware, and this agreement is helping us to do so,” said Founder/CEO, John Scardapane. “We are thrilled to see Tajesh Patel shift from a loyal customer to a new franchisee in the Saladworks system.”

About Saladworks

Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept operates over 100 franchise locations in 12 states. In addition to its existing stores, the chain currently has over 60 units in development across the country. Saladworks locations offer a “fanatic’ly fresh” menu of flavorful salads with signature dressings, proprietary soups, Fusion and panini sandwiches. With the addition of the True Nutrition menu, Saladworks’ varieties of signature salads all average less than 300 calories. Saladworks was voted the nation’s number one salad franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2009, 2010, and 2011. For more information on franchising or True Nutrition, please visit www.saladworks.com.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic  (Restaurant News Release)  Chester’s, a leading fried chicken foodservice offering, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest location in the Dominican Republic. The Santo Domingo location can be found at Las Americas JFPG International Airport, and celebrated its grand opening on March 8th.

“When it came time to remodel the food court in the Las Americas Airport, Chester’s commitment to quality and support provided for an ideal partnership,” stated Juan Comulada, Chief Operating Officer for IMC Caribe and Central America.  He went on to say that, “Chester’s has a great menu offering that appeals to all markets and allows us to stand out in a hyper-competitive industry.”

“Chester’s is pleased with the continued partnership of a company such as IMC, where quality product, exceptional value and outstanding service are shared goals,” stated Ted Giles, CEO of Chester’s International. IMC does a great job with foodservice operations and they have recognized Chester’s as a proven QSR offering for their retailers.”

About Chester’s

Chester’s, a leading fried chicken food service offering has over 1800 locations worldwide and more than 50 years of experience.  With no royalties or franchisee fees – Chester’s offers high quality, great tasting products, flexible size and store layout options, training and support. For more information, please visit our Web site at: www.chestersinternational.com.

COPPELL, Texas  (Restaurant News Release)  A new national report from leading market research firm Mintel reveals 24 percent of restaurant-goers plan to spend less at restaurants in 2011 than they did in 2010, confirming Technomic projections of everyday value as a top 2011 restaurant trend. CiCi’s Pizza, a pioneer in everyday value and endless variety with its $4.99 pizza buffet, launches its Endless Value Dinner campaign to remind consumers they can have a quality, sit-down restaurant meal of pizza, pasta, salad and dessert for less than $5.

“These studies show how important it is for restaurants to provide meaningful value – and that’s about more than just price,” said Nancy Hampton, CiCi’s Pizza Chief Marketing Officer. “We’ve always believed that value is also about choices, convenience, quality and a family-friendly atmosphere. At CiCi’s, a family can sit down to a full meal together in no time.”

From February to May, TV spots “Super Mom” and “Thought Bubble” highlight CiCi’s $4.99 Endless Value and Variety, reminding families that CiCi’s buffet is always hot, fresh, ready and packed with enough choices to please everyone in the family.

“We’re moms and dads, too, and we know how easy it can be to become a short order cook in the kitchen,” said Hampton. “At CiCi’s, we always offer a convenient dining experience where everyone can get exactly what they want for a price that families can afford.”

Each CiCi’s buffet features up to 20 hand-tossed, straight-from-the-oven pizzas, from classics like pepperoni to specialties like the Zesty Veggie and Thin Crust Italiano. On the lighter side, CiCi’s buffets also offer endless crisp salads, fresh pasta and warm soup. Decadent desserts like warm brownies and golden cinnamon rolls are also included. Guests who don’t see their CiCi’s favorites hot and ready on the buffet are encouraged to place a special request order. The pizza will be made and delivered straight to the guests’ table for no extra charge.

Offer is valid at participating locations.

About CiCi’s Pizza

CiCi’s Pizza’s first restaurant opened in Plano, Texas in 1985. The family-oriented restaurant is known for its popular pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet featuring up to 20 varieties of pizza and fresh ingredients for less than $5. Today, the expanding company has about 600 restaurants in 35 states. CiCi’s was named No. 1 in its category in Entrepreneur’s 2011 Franchise 500, and Entrepreneur magazine ranked CiCi’s Pizza first in the Italian restaurant industry category in 2009 and 2007. In 2010, CiCi’s was named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 list, and to Parents list of top family-friendly restaurants. Its commitment to value has been recognized by USA Today, Restaurants & Institutions and Nation’s Restaurant News, which ranked CiCi’s No. 1 in sales and unit growth among pizza chains for the past four years. CiCi’s has also been named one of the top 25 performing brands by the Wall Street Journal and a top 200 franchise concept by Franchise Today.

For more information about CiCi’s, visit CiCi’s Pizza (www.cicispizza.com) or www.facebook.com/cicis.

RALEIGH, N.C.  (Restaurant News Release)  Golden Corral proudly announces a summer camp for children of wounded or disabled military families.  This initiative was designed to continue Golden Corral’s support of America’s veterans and their families.  In the Summer of 2011, Golden Corral will send 400 children of wounded or disabled military families to a week-long camp free of charge (parents are only responsible for transportation to and from camp).

For the last 10 years, Golden Corral has supported America’s veterans with their “Military Appreciation Monday” event.  This event has raised over $5,000,000 for the Disabled American Veterans organization and served almost 3 million veterans a free ‘thank you’ meal.

Camp Corral will provide a fun and developmental experience where kids are free to be kids, apart from the day-to-day challenges they face as children of wounded or disabled military families.   An experience at Camp Corral is a memory that will last a lifetime.  Kids will have an opportunity to create friendship and bond with other kids who share a similar family situation.    -

Camp Corral information:

• There will be 3 one-week camp sessions:  July 3-8, July 17-22 and July 31-August 5, 2011
• Camp participants – ages 8 to 15.
• On line registration at  www.goldencorral.com/campcorral
• Camp Corral will be at held at Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbe, NC (www.NC4H.org/centers )
• Camp Corral will be managed and staffed by the 4-H Youth Development Organization and is accredited by the American Camp Association
• Campers will have a traditional camp experience with camp crafts, recreational water sports, target sports, horseback riding, ropes course, camp fire stories, etc.
• Camp Corral Hot Line for questions:   1-855-605-1267
• Donations to Camp Corral are accepted at any Golden Corral restaurant in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia

About Golden Corral Corporation

Golden Corral Corporation, based in Raleigh, NC, is the franchisor of the Golden Corral restaurant system, which consists of more than 480 restaurants nationwide and is the owner and operator of approximately 103 of those restaurants in the United States.  

Founded in 1971, Golden Corral specializes in offering unmatched quality, variety and value to its dining guests in a comfortable and casual buffet setting at an everyday affordable price.

For more information, please visit www.goldencorral.com.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.  (Restaurant News Release)  Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept, is proud to announce its first multi-unit agreements in 2011 with two new franchisees, opening a combined four locations, in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties and Virginia Beach, VA. The first location for both territories is slated to open in early 2012.

New franchisee for Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, Mike Lord, spent 25 years in engineering before deciding it was time to go into business for himself. Lord, of Sterling, VA, recalled visiting a Saladworks in New Jersey years before.

“I remember thinking, ‘this is great! Why don’t they have this concept in Northern Virginia where I live?’” Lord said. “When I was finally ready to make a career change, I looked into franchising and did a lot of due diligence on several concepts. I quickly found myself gravitating toward Saladworks. I knew I could be successful because I truly believe in the product and the system.”

Abdul “Abby” Attal, franchisee for Virginia Beach, VA, enters franchising for the first time with Saladworks. A self-described “health nut,” Attal found Saladworks a perfect match for both his personal and professional lifestyle.

“I am a healthy eater, a big salad fan. Once I found Saladworks, I knew I wanted to open one,” said Attal. “I’m really excited to be part of the franchise’s expansion, particularly in Virginia.”

These agreements support Saladworks’ expansion in Virginia, with deals already signed for Richmond, VA. Founded in Southern New Jersey, Saladworks’ presence in New Jersey and Pennsylvania is strong, and the franchise is expanding its core market footprint with this VA deal and multi-unit deals in CA, TX, NC, and MD.

Saladworks is coming off of a highly successful 2010, having awarded 48 new franchise locations to new and existing franchises last year. The franchise plans on a similar increase for more expansion, and thus more brand recognition, in 2011.

“I founded Saladworks in Southern New Jersey 25 years ago with just one store. Now we are experiencing explosive national growth in new markets across the country,” said Founder/CEO, John Scardapane. “The fast-paced, hard working, health conscious consumer base in Virginia makes for a wonderful growth opportunity of a new core market.”

About Saladworks

Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept operates over 100 franchise locations in 11 states. In addition to its existing stores, the chain currently has over 60 units in development across the country. Saladworks locations offer a “fanatic’ly fresh” menu of flavorful salads with signature dressings, proprietary soups, Fusion and panini sandwiches. With the addition of the True Nutrition menu, Saladworks’ varieties of signature salads all average less than 300 calories. Saladworks was voted the nation’s number one salad franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2009, 2010, and 2011. For more information on franchising or True Nutrition, please visit www.saladworks.com.

OKLAHOMA CITY  (Restaurant News Release)  The humble hot dog is getting a rebuild from four different angles thanks to SONIC®, America’s Drive-In®. The nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants is unveiling a line of four Premium Beef Hot Dogs in what the Rachel Ray Show has declared is the “Year of the Hot Dog.”

This American food staple has long been the domain of ballparks and street vendors, but the average dog has been evolving as of late. Gourmet hot dog restaurants are popping up across the country and experimenting with new flavor combinations.

Now you don’t have to look hard to try an incredible hot dog. SONIC Drive-Ins have added four new Premium Beef Hot Dogs to their menu to give your taste buds four unforgettable experiences.

“SONIC’s new Premium Beef Hot Dogs have an amazing combination of fresh toppings that create a variety of flavor experiences,” said Danielle Vona, chief marketing officer for SONIC. “Our Coney has been a favorite with customers for years and the new hot dogs are the perfect option for lunch, dinner or an afternoon snack.”  

The new Premium Beef Hot Dogs are made with 100% pure beef and available in four flavor experiences:

• Chicago Dog: a grilled beef hot dog with pickle, relish, tomatoes, hot peppers, chopped onions, celery salt and mustard in a soft, warm poppy seed bun.
• New York Dog: a grilled beef hot dog with spicy mustard, grilled onions and crunchy sauerkraut in a soft, warm bakery bun.
• All-American Dog: a grilled beef hot dog with ketchup, mustard, relish and chopped onions on a soft, warm bakery bun.
• Chili Cheese Coney: a grilled beef hot dog with warm chili and melty shredded Cheddar cheese in a warm, toasted, specialty hot dog bun.

Guests can try any of the new Premium Beef Hot Dogs for $1.99 each, plus tax.

SONIC® Premium Beef Hot Dogs/Page Two of Two

SONIC’s Signature Drink Combinations

The Premium Beef Hot Dogs are perfect to pair with one of SONIC’s signature drinks. Only at SONIC can customers personalize more than 398,929 drink combinations. For those keeping track, that number of drink options has increased with recent additions like two refreshing favorites – Coke Zero™ and Fanta® Orange. SONIC’s drink experts will perfectly mix whatever drink you are craving.

Drinks and slushes are half price during Happy Hour, from 2-4 p.m. daily, which is the perfect time to experiment with SONIC drink combinations like Cherry Limeade Slush, Vanilla Fanta® Orange, Cherry Coke® or Strawberry Minute Maid® Lemonade.

Play SONIC’s Match Maker(SM) Game*

During March and April, SONIC bag stickers hold a promotional code, and you can enter the code at SonicDriveIn.com. You could win one of over 50,000 free combos, and four customers will win a $5,000 Amazon.com Gift Card. There are instant-win free combo winners from every SONIC Drive-In. While on SonicDriveIn.com, customers can take SONIC’s Match Maker(SM) quiz to find out which drink and hot dog match suits them best. Anyone who takes SONIC’s Match Maker quiz will receive a $1 off coupon to try a hot dog combo. Drive in to your local SONIC to check your bag sticker or visit SonicDriveIn.com for more information. No purchase is required to play SONIC’s Match Maker game. For full rules and free entry method, visit SonicDriveIn.com.

About SONIC

SONIC®, America’s Drive-In® (Nasdaq: SONC) started as a hamburger and root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., called Top Hat Drive-In, and then changed its name to SONIC in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the SONIC name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Okla. As the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, SONIC has more than 3,500 drive-ins in 43 states coast to coast. Approximately 3 million customers eat at SONIC every day; and with more drink combinations than any other quick-service restaurant – more than 398,929 – SONIC is Your Ultimate Drink Stop®. For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries, visit SONIC at SonicDriveIn.com. Through Limeades for Learning®, SONIC and its franchise partners have donated more than $1.3 million dollars to public school classrooms in local communities across the country. Visit www.limeadesforlearning.com to learn more about SONIC’s commitment to education.

*No Purchase Necessary to play. See posted rules at SONIC® Drive-ins or SONICDRIVEIN.COM for free entry method. Must be U.S. resident 16 or older. Bag Stickers with Combo codes available, while supplies last, at participating SONIC® drive-ins in the U.S. from 2/28/11 to 4/30/11. Play game at www.sonicdrivein.com from 12:01 am ET on 2/28/11 to 11:59 pm ET on 4/30/11. Free Combo not to exceed $7.50, including tax. Subject to full rules. Void where prohibited. Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion.  For complete gift card terms and conditions, visit www.amazon.com/gc-legal.

ATLANTA  (Restaurant News Release)  Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. announced today the launch of a new integrated marketing and advertising campaign – Arby’s. It’s Good Mood Food.

Created with BBDO-NY, the campaign launched February 27 and brings to life the brand’s positioning – “Exciting tastes you can feel good about … every day.” The campaign highlights Arby’s good, wholesome, tasty food that puts people in a good mood and is the latest step in Arby’s strategy to grow sales and profits. Arby’s produced a 2.9 percent increase in company-operated same-store sales in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Additional campaign elements include:

• Satirical national television ads, featuring a character named R.B., who helps seemingly opposite couples – a snowboarder and a skier, a dog owner and a cat owner and a cowboy and a city slicker – find common ground over Arby’s food. R.B. is a nod to the Raffel Brothers, who founded Arby’s in 1964.
• The Angus Three Cheese & Bacon Sandwich, which is Arby’s first premium Angus beef offering. The sandwich pairs oven-roasted, thinly sliced Angus beef with Swiss and Cheddar Cheeses, Parmesan Peppercorn Ranch sauce and Pepper Bacon served on a toasted Italian-style roll.
• Arby’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/arbys, will be transformed to reflect the campaign and spread the good mood. When Facebook users click on the “Like” icon on the Arby’s page, from February 28 through March 4, they will receive a $1 off coupon to try Arby’s new Angus Three Cheese & Bacon Sandwich for themselves.
• Arby’s will also introduce a new foodie blog, www.blog.arbys.com, in March penned by Vice President of Product Development, Brian Kolodziej. Kolodziej, a professional chef who has worked at fine dining and casual restaurants, will share a behind-the-scenes look in the kitchen at Arby’s, food trends and more.

National television spots and billboards will air on programs including: American Idol, Raising Hope, The Bachelor, Desperate Housewives, Fringe, Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, 30 Rock, and a live in-show commercial during Jimmy Kimmel Live!

“This campaign is focused on our target audience, Balance Seekers, who want and need to eat fast food because of their busy lifestyles, but do not want to feel guilty about eating it. They’re telling us that Arby’s has something over other fast food restaurants… a balance of higher quality, more wholesome food that they can feel good about eating,” said Steve Davis, chief marketing officer, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “We like to think that stopping by Arby’s makes their day a little brighter. With this campaign, we’re recommitting our team to inspire good moods each and every day.”

To prepare for the campaign, and because a good mood emanates from within, Arby’s is hosting pep rallies and training sessions for restaurant teams throughout the United States. Arby’s will also bring the campaign to life in its restaurants through signage, menu boards, packaging and more.

Last year, Arby’s introduced an everyday value menu featuring many of Arby’s signature menu items, as well as seasonal favorites, for as little as one dollar.

For more information about Arby’s, please visit www.arbys.com, http://www.facebook.com/arbys or http://twitter.com/Arbys.

About Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.

Known in the fast food industry for creating unique, premium sandwiches, Arby’s has been in the roast beef business since 1964 when the Raffel Brothers first opened an Arby’s® restaurant under a glowing neon cowboy hat in Boardman, Ohio. Today, headquartered in Atlanta, Arby’s Restaurant Group is the second largest quick-service sandwich chain in the U.S. with more than 3,600 restaurants system wide. In addition to its classic, slow-roasted, freshly sliced roast beef and Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwiches, Arby’s one-of-a-kind menu also includes a deli-style Market Fresh® line of sandwiches, toasted subs and salads, Curly Fries, Jamocha shakes and the 2010 introduction of a national Value Menu, starting at $1. Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is a subsidiary of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEN). To learn more about Arby’s, please visit www.arbys.com.

LOS ANGELES  (Restaurant News Release)  The SUBWAY® restaurant chain, long known for providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to open and operate their own small businesses, has reached the milestone of 600 locations in the Los Angeles area.  The prior milestone of 500 locations occurred in June 2008 and in a little more than two years, the chain has added 100 restaurants and created jobs for over 1,500 people in a struggling economy.  

The landmark restaurant, owned by multi-unit SUBWAY® franchisees, Parvis “Perry” Mohammadi, Mehrangiz “Mehry” Goodarzi, and Sharab “Sherry” Siegel, is a family run business located inside one of the city’s iconic landmarks—Union Station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

“We are thrilled to have the privilege of opening the 600th Subway restaurant in Los Angeles and appreciate all the support from our valued customers, as well as the staff of the local Subway development office. Without them, we would not be here today,” says Mehry Mohammadi.

Los Angeles SUBWAY® number 600 is quite unique for a chain restaurant. It is a full store inside a kiosk. Keeping in theme with the rest of the Station, the restaurant sports a dark wood finish. Although only 250 square feet, the restaurant sold 362 subs on its first day of business.  

“It’s a historical building,” says Hardy Grewal, Los Angeles based Development Agent for the SUBWAY® chain. “Permitting had to go through not only all of the usual departments, but also the Historical Board as well. Our office, contractor and franchisees all worked together to bring this to fruition.”  

Franchisees, Perry, a former engineer, and his wife, Mehry, a banker, first became members of the SUBWAY® family in 1996. Daughter, Sherry, later joined them, after working as an attorney. Their original goal was to ultimately own and operate thirteen SUBWAY® restaurants. Although the Union Station location is their 8th SUBWAY® restaurant, it is still their goal to reach that “lucky number thirteen.” In addition to Union Station, the family also operates SUBWAY® restaurants in Sunland, Pasadena, and downtown Los Angeles.

“We had two choices, continue our education and remain in our respective fields or become self-employed entrepreneurs,” said Mehry Mohammadi.  “We decided to become entrepreneurs and chose Subway because of the healthy aspect of the food. Plus, Subway co-founder, Fred DeLuca’s story of fulfilling his dream of going to college and funding his education by going into business at age 17 particularly resonated with us being immigrants with a dream.”

As small business owners living their dream, Mehry is often found behind the scenes at one of their restaurants focused on customer service and operations, while Perry concentrates on systems and paperwork, Sherry looks towards increasing customer traffic through various marketing efforts.

“We congratulate Perry, Mehry and Sherry on their achievement and wish them continued success in the years to come. Six hundred locations is a terrific milestone for us.  We look forward to increased development in 2011 and eventually crossing the 700 open locations line with extra focus on non-traditional opportunities.  This year, we are expecting to open in locations such as UCLA, the City of Hope Hospital, an exclusive area in Santa Monica, and the Pier in Hermosa Beach, just to name a few,” comments Grewal. 

Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami and Singapore, the SUBWAY® chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. Their partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey — one that has made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business.

In the 2010 Zagat® Fast Food Survey, the SUBWAY® brand was ranked “number one” by consumers in the “Most Popular,” “Top Service” and “Healthy Options” categories for food brands with 5,000 or more locations.

For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com.

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/subway.

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/subwayfreshbuzz.

SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

PHILADELPHIA  (Restaurant News Release)  McDonald’s® Restaurants announced plans to “shake things up” with the introduction of the McCafe Shake, which are currently available in restaurants and will change the way customers experience the traditional menu item. The McCafe Shake will feature the three classic milkshake flavors (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry) in a clear McCafe cup, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. (The announcement comes in conjunction with the return of the Shamrock Shake, which will be available to customers in stores March 1-31, with a portion of the proceeds from each Shamrock Shake sale benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®).)

To celebrate the McCafe Shake and the return of the Shamrock Shake, McDonald’s will hold a McCafe Shake “Social” Fundraiser from March 1-17. During the fundraiser, customers can check-in on foursquare at any restaurant in the Philadelphia Region and send their check-in to Twitter with a @McDPhilly mention. For every check-in received, McDonald’s will donate $1 to RMHC. Each customer who participates in the “social” fundraiser will receive a “Be Our Guest” coupon for a free McCafe Shake. Customers can also purchase a Shamrock Shake in the restaurants to make a donation.

“We are excited to introduce customers to the new McCafe Shake experience through our ‘Social’ fundraiser,” said John Durante, president, McDonald’s Restaurants of the Philadelphia Region Owner/Operator Association. “We are also encouraging our customers start checking-in on foursquare to support this terrific cause.”

Social responsibility has been a fundamental part of McDonald’s business for more than 50 years. With a shared history that dates back to McDonald’s support in the creation of the first Ronald McDonald House in 1974 here in Philadelphia, McDonald’s has supported RMHC and its mission to improve the health and well-being of children around the world. McDonald’s also supports in-restaurant donation boxes to benefit RMHC. Demonstrating how every penny adds up, last year McDonald’s customers raised nearly $20 million nationwide for RMHC through the in-restaurant donation boxes.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. There are nearly 300 McDonald’s restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia Region.  For more information on McDonald’s visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. Visit www.mcstate.com for local restaurant, career and program information.  Follow us on Twitter @McDPhilly for the latest news, info, events and promotions, and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

About RMHC

RMHC of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. grants hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to support local non-profit programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. In addition, RMHC supports four scholarship programs for high school seniors; the Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware Ronald McDonald Houses; the St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children Ronald McDonald Care Mobile; and 13 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals.  The charity receives its support from McDonald’s Corporation, McDonald’s Owner/Operators, corporate donors and McDonald’s customers.  For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.

COPPELL, Texas  (Restaurant News Release)  Coppell-based CiCi’s Pizza, a rapidly-expanding 600-unit pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet chain, announced today it has signed agreements for the addition of 16 units over the next five years and hired Wingstop veteran Bruce Evans to lead franchise sales. The moves are part of CiCi’s growth initiative, with the goal of adding 500 restaurants in the next eight to 10 years.

“Texas is a focus in our plan for strategic and sustainable growth,” said Mike Shumsky, CiCi’s Pizza CEO. “Texas has led the nation in job growth for the past decade, and we have strong brand loyalty and brand recognition here. As we continue to build restaurants for long-term success, Texas, as well as Southern California and Southern Florida, will be key to our expansion goals.”

All 16 restaurants will open in the Houston and San Antonio areas. The restaurants will be built by current franchisees Tommy and Tami Marlin and Guillermo Perales, who leads Mucho Pizza, a subsidiary of CG Management. Mucho Pizza already operates more than 50 CiCi’s restaurants in Texas and Maryland.

Perales, a Dallas resident and prominent franchisee who oversees more than 200 restaurants across big-name brands like Burger King, Golden Corral, Denny’s and Popeye’s, will begin developing restaurants in the Houston area this year. One of the largest Latino franchisees in the U.S., Perales has been named one of the top 100 Hispanic entrepreneurs by Poder magazine and is regularly recognized by business organizations as an industry leader for his top-notch operations results.

Current franchisees Tommy and Tami Marlin have also signed on for additional units. The couple, along with their son Shane, already operates eight successful CiCi’s restaurants in Abilene, San Angelo, Laredo and San Antonio, Texas.

“Mr. Perales and the Marlins are exactly the kind of franchisees that will ensure CiCi’s remains profitable as it grows,” said Bill Spae, CiCi’s Pizza Chief Development Officer. “Their experience with best practices and proven track records sets an example, and the tone, for future franchisees.”

New Vice President of Franchise Sales Bruce Evans, a 15-year restaurant and franchise veteran, will work directly with new and potential franchisees to make certain they’re poised for profitability. As director and then vice president of franchise development for Richardson-based Wingstop, Evans developed sales strategies that helped grow the franchise chain from 50 units to more than 500 in just nine years.

“Bruce understands the franchise world and has had measurable success driving the kind of aggressive growth we are seeking,” Spae said. “New franchisees will quickly recognize what an asset he is to our business.”

CiCi’s Pizza, started in Plano, Texas in 1985, is as a family-oriented restaurant with a fresh, hot pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet featuring up to 20 varieties of pizza made with fresh ingredients for $4.99. CiCi’s was recently again ranked No. 1 in its category in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2011 Franchise 500, and has been recognized as a top franchise business. Nation’s Restaurant News ranked CiCi’s No. 1 in the pizza category for the past three years and QSR Magazine named CiCi’s to the 2010 list of the top 50 quick-service restaurant concepts. CiCi’s has also been recognized by USA Today, Restaurants & Institutions, the Wall Street Journal, Franchise Today and Parents. CiCi’s has more than 600 restaurants in 35 states and the recent One Brand Tour, led by CEO Mike Shumsky, ensures each and every franchisee upholds the highest brand standards. CiCi’s corporate support center is led by a strong team of experts with more than 150 years of combined experience in franchising, business, operations, human resources, growth strategy, advertising, marketing and public relations.

For more information about CiCi’s, visit CiCi’s Pizza or www.facebook.com/cicis. For information on CiCi’s franchise opportunities contact Bruce Evans bevans@cicispizza.com at or 972-745-9318.

CANTON, Mass.  (Restaurant News Release)  Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, has big news for people seeking a satisfying breakfast on-the-go that’s larger and heartier than the typical breakfast sandwich. Dunkin’ Donuts has introduced the new Big ‘N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich, the brand’s biggest breakfast sandwich ever.

So what’s the “big” deal? The Big ‘N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich features two peppered fried eggs, four slices of cherrywood smoked bacon and a slice of American cheese, all packed between two thick slices of Texas toast. The Big ‘N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich is Dunkin’ Donuts’ first breakfast sandwich to feature Texas toast. It will be available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide for a limited time at the suggested retail price of $3.29.

According to John Costello, Chief Global Customer and Marketing Officer at Dunkin’ Brands, the Big ‘N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich offers guests with big appetites a new choice to keep themselves running throughout their day. “At Dunkin’ Donuts, we realize that people on-the-go at times crave heartier foods to start their day. With the Big ‘N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich, Dunkin’ Donuts can satisfy even the biggest appetites with a fulfilling, portable breakfast at an affordable price,” he said.

In honor of the new Big ‘N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich, in March Dunkin’ Donuts is serving up one of its biggest Twitter giveaways ever.  All five Tuesdays during the month, followers of @DunkinDonuts on Twitter are invited to participate in “Big ‘N Toasty Trivia Tuesdays,” in which Dunkin’ Donuts will ask two questions related to some of the world’s biggest things. If you tweet a correct answer using the hashtag #BigNToasty, you are eligible for a chance to win a $100 Dunkin’ Donuts Card. Dunkin’ Donuts will award a total of 10 $100 Dunkin’ Donuts Cards throughout the month, one for each trivia question.

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for five years running. The company has more than 9,700 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $6 billion. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.  

*According To The NPD Group / CREST®, For Quick Service Restaurants Year Ending October 2010.

SAN ANTONIO  (Restaurant News Release)  Taco Cabana® brought a fan favorite back to the menu last week, re-introducing a line of Shrimp Tampico items just in time for the Lenten season.

Now through mid-April, the seafood favorite is available in either a personal or large quesadilla, or as part of a two or three enchilada plate with hand-made sour cream sauce, rice, a choice of beans and two freshly made flour tortillas. And new this year, customers can add Shrimp Tampico to their custom-built Cabana Bowl©.

Taco Cabana marinates the shrimp by hand multiple times each day with chipotle and ancho spices to ensure freshness and quality. Shrimp is then grilled with garlic, lime and cilantro for a unique flavor, which was inspired by a marriage of the interior Mexico chili flavor (ancho) with a coastal staple (shrimp).

“Our Shrimp Tampico has been a seasonal fan favorite since 2007, and we’re delighted to bring it back to the menu,” said Todd Coerver, chief marketing officer at Taco Cabana. “By combining these authentic Mexican flavors right in our kitchens, we are able to introduce customers to a fresh, flavorful, new way of enjoying shrimp.”  

Taco Cabana’s special pineapple chipotle salsa, which is ideal to top off Shrimp Tampico menu items as well as other Taco Cabana favorites, will be available on the salsa bar in addition to traditional salsa offerings.

“The sweetness of the pineapple combines nicely with the smoky chipotle flavor in the salsa to compliment the complex flavors of this shrimp specialty,” said Walter “Smokey” Waters, corporate chef at Taco Cabana. “We are always striving to offer our guests new ways to experience the unique flavors of Mexico.”

As part of Taco Cabana’s current television campaign featuring veteran cooks, the Shrimp Tampico commercial features Maria Martinez who has been with the company for seven years and is currently working her magic in the kitchen of #123 in Austin, Texas.

About Taco Cabana: The Story Behind our Obsession

In 1978, Taco Cabana began as a taco stand in San Antonio, with the unique recipes and ingredients that reflect our rich Tex-Mex culture and food. With more than 156 restaurants in 3 states, Taco Cabana continues to redefine the Mexican fast-casual dining experience through ongoing menu and service enhancements. We are committed to satisfying the appetites of our customers through our obsession for making great-tasting Mexican food. From our kitchens’ daily fresh-made tortillas and handmade salsas to our flame-grilled fajitas and refreshing margaritas, our obsession lives on, making Taco Cabana one of the region’s most enduring and beloved Mexican food brands. Taco Cabana is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. For more information on Taco Cabana or Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., visit www.tacocabana.com or www.carrols.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for offers and updates from Taco Cabana.

MIAMI  (Restaurant News Release)  Benihana Inc. (Nasdaq: BNHNA; BNHN), the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the March Chef’s Special, Filet Mignon and Hibachi Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $42.

During the month of March, two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of filet mignon and hibachi chicken entrees, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $42 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy the March Chef’s Special with a glass of Tangley Oaks Merlot from Napa Valley, or one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Strawberry Shiso Mojito, Tokyo Iced Tea or the Cucumber Elderflower Shochu Cocktail.

This Chef’s Special is available throughout the entire month of March at all Benihana restaurants in the United States except Las Vegas and Hawaii.

For more information about the March Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

About Benihana Inc.

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN, BNHNA) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 97 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, nine Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. Famous for its entertaining chefs who present and prepare delicious teppanyaki entrees at hibachi tables, as well as sushi and other Japanese favorites, Benihana introduced Japanese food to America in 1964. RA Sushi offers a subtly sexy and energetic experience with a hip ambience, and Haru is an urban, upscale sushi concept. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.