It was more than two years ago when McDonald’s Corp. announced its McCafe initiative, a plan to bring better beverages into its stores. After the successful launch of its drip coffee and espresso drinks, the world’s largest burger chain is now setting its sights on the second phase of the plan — cold drinks like smoothies and frappes. CEO Jim Skinner updated investors on how the effort is progressing during an earnings conference call on Friday.
William Spain writes at San Francisco Chronicle that While the fast-food giants have been holding up better than many other industries – and certainly better than any in the restaurant sector – even they are beginning to suffer from the downturn. And if the economy, especially with some new jobs, doesn’t start coming back soon, that pressure is apt to continue this year and possibly beyond.
Tallahassee.com reports that Mississippi’s Frank LeFlore, local Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner with Capital Franchise Group, said the 1,700-square-foot restaurant at 1133 Airport Blvd. includes a drive-through and can seat 10 to 12 guests inside. It will employ 50 people.
A recent study by the market research firm NPD Group Inc. found that the Providence metropolitan area has more doughnut shops per capita than any other region in the Untied States.
Sara Wilson reports at Allbusiness.com that besides being franchises, it might not seem like a sub shop or a burger joint would, in any way, be comparable to a printer cartridge refilling company or a car wash business. But look a little deeper, because a new shade of business practices is coming to light: America’s going green, and franchises of all kinds are joining the movement.
The Boston Globe Staff reports that Dunkin’ Donuts wants fitness buffs to know that it’s about way more than sinkers and pastry. At a time when many folks have vowed to lose weight and right-size their physiques, Dunkin’ says it has some new menu offerings that the New Year’s resolution crowd can take to heart.
Joe DeFazio, franschise partner of Dunkin Donuts, said: “We’re proud to serve the hard-working people of Bridgeport, and honored to open the first Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in West Virginia. Our goal is to provide the ultimate customer service experience and change people’s expectations about what is possible at a quick service restaurant.”
Shaun Tolson writes in the Worcester Business Journal that independent donut shops in the Worcester area have a hard time competing with Dunkin Donuts.
Linda Tischler in Fast Company asks the question: Can an old New England pastry purveyor find new life as a hip coffee shop? Dunkin’ Donuts plans to give Starbucks a run for its latte. This article was posted on the Fast Company website on Wed Dec 19, 2007 at 7:48 AM. The article is from Issue 89 which was published in December 2004.
Officials at the Subway sandwich chain said yesterday that they plan to open 130 new stores in Massachusetts over the next five years. There are already 175, according to Bob Hurley, a Subway development agent. “As far as Subway is concerned, it’s just underdeveloped,’’ Hurley said yesterday of the Massachusetts sandwich market. “There’s only one store for every 25,000 people. If you look at surrounding areas, states like Rhode Island and Maine, there’s one store for every 12,000.’’
