Quick Service Restaurant

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald’s Corp. said Tuesday that same-store sales on the global front rose 3.3% in April, led by European results (up 3.5%) but followed closely by the United States. (up 3.3%).

Japan dragged down Asia results (up 1.1%).
 

PLEASANTON, Calif. and WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States is praising Safeway's efforts to establish a gestation stall-free supply chain.

Safeway annnounced Monday that, due to concernes over animal welfare, it is working toward the goal of purchasing pork from producers that have made commitments to decreasing gestation stalls in their breeding facilities.

Canton, Mass. -- Baskin-Robbins announced Friday a plan to nearly double its U.K. presence over the next three years, adding 80 freestanding units to the 100 stores currently operating in the region.

The announcement comes as the ice cream chain celebrates the official opening of three new shops in London, each featuring the brand’s new international design that includes lounge-style seating, interactive LCD menu displays and upgraded wallcoverings reminiscent of waffle cones.

Redlands, Calif. -- Atlanta-based Arby's Restaurant Group has licensed Esri’s Business Analyst software and business data to help with corporate decision making. Arby's is using the location-based system to more accurately assess its restaurants and trade areas including growing, remodeling, and relocating restaurants.

"Esri's Business Analyst has saved our GIS analyst countless hours and has had a positive impact on the Business Development department," said Dave Conklin, senior VP business development, Arby's Restaurant Group.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with three franchise groups to develop 25 new restaurants in Texas over the next several years. The locations include 16 units in Houston and nine in San Antonio.

Dunkin' Donuts' development throughout Texas is part of the company's goal to double the number of Dunkin' restaurants in the United States over the next 20 years.

Las Vegas -- McDonald’s has opened its first and only location under the Metro McDonald’s banner, in downtown Las Vegas.

The two-level, 6,734-sq.-ft. space is located on Las Vegas Boulevard, next to Planet Hollywood Resort Casino’s Miracle Mile Shops. The new McDonald’s boasts 24-hour service, digital menu boards and WiFi access. The contemporary-looking interior is bright and vibrant, with sleek furniture and graffiti-like murals.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald’s Corp. announced Wednesday that vice chairman and CEO Jim Skinner will retire on June 30.

Skinner will be succeeded by current president and COO Dan Thompson, 48, effective July 1.

Chicago -- A report released Tuesday by research firm Technomic found that sales among the 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains increased 3.4% to $242 billion in 2011.

That compares to just a 1.8% increase in 2010.

Of the 500 restaurants analyzed by Technomic, more than 60% posted at least nominal sales increases; just 193 saw sales declines in 2011, compared with 231 in 2010.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced Monday the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with QSR Services for nine new restaurants in Omaha and Lincoln, Neb.

The first restaurant is planned to open in 2013, and the remainder by 2017.

"We are excited to expand Dunkin' Donuts' presence in Omaha and Lincoln and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here," said Bryce Bares, president, QSR Services.
 

Tustin, Calif. -- Present Value Properties announced Tuesday that Annette Kolb has been named director of real estate for the firm.

Kolb will be responsible for the real estate needs of national chain retailers including Pizza Hut, Long John Silver and Jack in the Box franchisees located in Phoenix, Dallas and Missouri. She will handle lease extensions/renegotiations, new locations and relocations and be based in Phoenix.