Restaurant

Oklahoma City -- Sonic Drive-In announced two new agreements for franchise development in Rhode Island, the 45th state for the expanding brand. A mainstay in the South and Central Plains, the chain is aggressively expanding in the Northeast.

The first new Sonic franchisee for Rhode Island will bring the state its first location in the Providence, Rhode Island, market in mid-2015, with plans for more down the line.

One of the interesting retail real estate trends I’ve been seeing pick up steam in the last couple of years is the willingness of many retailers to look beyond the traditional mall locations. Many are choosing locations on “hot streets,” bustling avenues within major communities that happen to be the retail hub, or in the downtown/village center area of the market.

Scottsdale, Ariz. -  P.F. Chang's China Bistro is getting conversational with its customers. The casual dining chain has selected Neuron ESB application and Web services integration software to unify backend systems that will power real-time customer communications for its P.F. Chang's and Pei Wei brands.

Los Angeles -- Fast-casual pizza franchise PizzaReb has entered into a financing agreement with Wintrust Franchise Services to support the restaurant company’s growth.

“We’re eager to build on the growth momentum we’re experiencing with our customers and franchise partners, and the Wintrust fund will greatly support our strategic development goals,” said Rodney Eckerman, co-CEO and founder, PizzaRev.

Santa Ana, Calif. -- As part of Westfield MainPlace’s redevelopment plan, the Santa Ana, California, center announced two new dining destinations: Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que and Wokcano. Slated to debut late summer/early fall 2015, these announcements come on the heels of three recent restaurant openings: Panini Café (December 2014), Dog Haus and Blaze Pizza (both November 2014).

Canton, Mass. - Dunkin' Donuts is recruiting franchisees to develop an estimated 10 new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout Birmingham, Alabama, and the surrounding areas. In addition, a number of existing operating restaurants may be available for purchase.

Currently there are 21 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants operating in Alabama.

New York -- Shoppers will be opening both their hearts and their wallets this Valentine’s Day. According to a new study from IBISWorld, total holiday spending will increase 3.8% from 2014, to $139.70 from $134.56.

Revenue from candy is expected to rise 3%, and will maintain its position as the category with the most consistent growth over the past five years. This segment’s popularity is due to its easy availability and its varied pricing based on the manufacturer and quality of ingredients.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Johnny Rockets has promoted James Walker to president of operations and development. Formerly Johnny Rockets' chief development officer, Walker was recently promoted because of his role in orchestrating the franchise's record growth and development since joining in December 2013.