Restaurant

Emeryville, Calif. -- Jamba Inc., operators of Jamba Juice stores, reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate its move to an asset-light model with the announcement that the company has entered into an agreement with Capgemini, a leader provider of consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. The agreement provides enhanced administrative tools, technology services, and capabilities for Jamba, and is anticipated to create workflow efficiencies while reducing costs as the brand pursues a 10%-20% reduction of overall G&A in 2015.

New York -- Burger King Worldwide is in discussions to buy Canadian coffee and doughnut chain Tim Hortons. The two companies said in a joint statement on Monday that the new publicly listed entity would be based in Canada. The move comes as the White House is calling on Congress to take steps to prevent U.S. companies from moving outside the country (“tax inversions”).

The two restaurant companies are currently worth a combined total of about $18 billion, according to media reports.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald’s Corp. on Friday named one of its former executives, Mike Andres, as president of its U.S. operations, effective Oct. 15. Andres rejoins McDonald's after most recently serving as chairman and CEO of restaurant chain Logan's Roadhouse,

Andres, 56, replaces Jeff Stratton, 58, who is retiring after 41 years with the company. Stratton was named U.S. president in November 2012.

New York -- QSR sandwichchain Jersey Mike’s signed leases for two locations in Bergen County, New Jersey. Winick Realty Group NJ’s Gary Krauss acted as the brand’s exclusive broker in both transactions as Jersey Mike’s continues its aggressive expansion within its home state.

The sandwich shop leased 1,736 sq. ft. at 557 North Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey, New Jersey. The site, which formerly housed a TCBY, is expected to open by early September.

Los Angeles — Juanita Tate Marketplace is now open, bringing 77,096 sq. ft. of outdoor retail space with a full-service grocery to the highly underserved surrounding community. Located at 944 East Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles, the $21-million development is situated on a 6.5-acre site, which was formerly used as a scrap-metal plant.

Construction began in May 2013 and completed in April 2014. The center is owned by Regency Centers and was designed by Nadel.

New York -- McDonald's named Julia Vander Ploeg as its first VP of digital in the U.S., as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital presence, Ad Age reported.

Vander Ploeg will report to company’s chief digital officer, Atif Rafiq, who joined McDonald’s in October.
 

The story of Houston, Texas has added some exciting new chapters in recent years. With low unemployment, a booming economy and one of the fastest-growing populations of any city in the nation, Houston’s rise alongside some of the most prominent cities in the nation continues unabated. Trailing only New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in size, Houston’s growing influence as a cultural and financial icon has made it a player on the national and international stage.

Kansas City, Kansas -- Designer outlet center Legends Outlets Kansas City announced that SweetFrog, a premium frozen yogurt chain based in Richmond, Virginia, has officially opened its first area location. The newest store is part of an expansion plan that adds to an existing 325-plus locations in the United States and abroad.