Quick Service Restaurant

Alpharetta, Ga. — McAlister’s Deli, a fast casual restaurant, has announced its largest franchise deal so far. The Saxton Group has signed an agreement to develop 30 new restaurants in three states over the next six years in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. The primary focus will be in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City markets.

Three locations included in the agreement have already opened in Midwest City, Okla., Dallas and Sherman, Texas.

McAlister’s has more than 320 restaurants in 23 states.

Americans are eating more chicken and paying more to do so, according to leading poultry producer Sanderson Farms.

The company said its third quarter sales increased 18.3% to $739 million and profits grew 136% to $67.9 million, or $2.95 a share, compared to profits of $28.7 million, or $1.25 a share.

The strong showing was the result of improved market conditions as whole bird prices remained at historically high prices during the quarter, according to Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and CEO of Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Columbia, Md. -- Micros Systems announced that Sonic Corp., the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants with over 3,500 locations, has selected Micros as its strategic enterprise solution partner.  

New York — Noble Roman’s, the franchisor of Nobel Roman’s Pizza and Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs, has announced signed agreements for eight more stand-alone locations, brining the total of signed locations to 29.

To date, eight locations are open and 21 are under development.

Lafayette, La. — Hungry Howie’s has opened a new pizza shop in Lafayette, La., near the University of Louisiana campus.

It is the third store for the young franchise. The other two stores are in nearby Baton Rouge.

Acton, Pa. -- Action Services Group, a national lighting, sign and electrical maintenance company, has signed a service agreement with The Starboard Group to provide exterior sign and lighting maintenance services for its 75 Wendy’s restaurant units.

The two-year maintenance program covers proactive, scheduled quarterly visits to the Wendy’s restaurant units located in Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia under a fixed monthly fee.  

Pooler, Ga. — The Olive Garden, Panera Bread, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Jersey Mikes Subs and Jalapenos Mexican Grill have all inked deals with GBT Realty Corporation for space in Village on Pooler Parkway, a 143,000-sq.-ft. shopping center now under development in Pooler, Ga.

The Panera shop will occupy a freestanding building with a drive-through, making it one of the first locations in the market to feature Panera’s new prototype.

Oak Brook, Ill. – Despite declines in European and Asia-Pacific/Middle East/Africa (APMEA) same-store sales, positive domestic same-store sales performance in July resulted in a small global increase for McDonald’s Corporation. The fast-food giant reported 1.6% domestic same-store sales growth compared to July 2012 as well as 1.9% declines in both Europe and APMEA same-store sales, averaging out to a 0.7% global increase.

Winston-Salem, N.C. — A new Krispy Kreme Doughnut Factory will open in Roswell, Ga., in early September, marking the start of an expansion effort across the metro area. The new shop will replace the existing Roswell shop and introduce the company’s updated design to the area.

Construction plans are currently underway for approved sites in Doraville, Smyrna and Stockbridge. Krispy Kreme is also working to secure sites in Decatur and Duluth.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. — Smashburger plans to open a 2,700-sq.-ft. eatery at Plymouth Meeting Mall this fall. As of now, Smashburger has 187 corporate and franchised restaurants across the country.

Anchored by Macy’s, Boscov’s and Whole Foods Market and Café, the mall features more than 100 specialty retailers and a long list of destination restaurants like Benihana, Bertucci’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Chipotle Mexican Grill and others.