Restaurant

Sooner or later, disruption occurs in almost every sphere of human activity. While the radical upending of long-established norms and conventions is not always a positive development, oftentimes disruptive forces enable a burst of creativity and innovation that move an industry toward new levels of success and achievement.

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Beginning in mid-2014, Domino's customers who have a Pizza Profile on their Domino's mobile app, as well as the Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system, will be able to use Ford SYNC to place their saved 'Easy Order' in just a few simple, voice-activated steps.

Chicago — Cole Real Estate has purchased Darien Towne Centre in Darien, Ill., for $22.25 million, according to Transwestern’s Chicago office, which brokered the transaction on behalf of the seller, RPAI.

Cole has the ability to expand the 177,002-sq.-ft. center, which was developed in 1994, by up to 12,000 sq. ft.

Home Depot anchors Darien Towne Center, and a Wal-Mart Supercenter shadow-anchors. National tenants include PetSmart, O’Reilly Automotive, TGI Friday’s, Great Clips, Jenny Craig and Sally Beauty Supply.

An 18,000-sq.-ft. Hofbrauhaus restaurant has broken ground at Grandview Yard in Grandview Heights, Ohio, according to Nationwide Realty Investors, the developer of the $500 million mixed-use project. Hofbrauhaus Columbus will resemble the legendary 420-year-old Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany. The restaurant will include a large bier hall for live entertainment, an old world German-style dining room and an outdoor bier garden.

APPLEBEE’S GIVES CUSTOMERS MORE CONTROL OF DINING EXPERIENCE

Casual dining chain Applebee’s is looking to redefine and enhance its guest experience by placing tablets tableside. The company plans to deploy 100,000 devices — E la Carte Presto tablets, powered by Intel — chainwide by the end of 2014. It is installing the tablets on every table and in multiple bar positions at its more than 1,8000 U.S. restaurants.

Minneapolis – Caribou Coffee has launched its new loyalty program, Caribou Perks. Customers can register by text or online.

North Plainfield, N.J. — Salon 724 has leased 2,300 sq. ft. at Centre Plaza in Bensalem, Pa., according to Levin Management (www.levinmgt.com), the center’s exclusive leasing and managing agent.

Tenants at the 43,550-sq.-ft. Centre Plaza include Curves for Women, Domino’s Pizza, LabCorp, MGM Financial Strategies Inc., First Federal Savings & Loan, A&S Bagels and Tako Japanese Restaurant.

Seattle — Starbucks is introducing Starbucks gift cards at select locations in mainland China. Starbucks cards can be purchased in three design themes, including Thank You, Kind Regards and Happy Lunar New Year.

“The Lunar New Year is a time when family and friends gather to meet, connect and share stories,” said Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China. [All of the cards] can be used at our stores in mainland China year-round.”