Restaurant

Atlanta -- A Wednesday report by First Data found that April sales were negatively impacted by a March Easter, but that there has been an earlier start to the spring spending season.

Ontario -- Ikea said Tuesday that it has begun construction on the expansion of its current Montreal store to what will be its largest store in North America.

Set to be complete summer 2013, the new Ikea Montreal will be 469, 694 sq. ft. and will feature expanded inventory and services such as a 600-seat restaurant and 1,400+ parking spots.

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.

Bethesda, Md. -- Sax Realty said that Joe’s Crab Shack will open in the Hunt Valley Towne Centre, north of Interstate 695, in Bethesda, Md.

The center is anchored by Wegman's, Burlington Coat Factory, Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, DSW and Regal Theatres. This will be the fourth new Joe's to open in Maryland, joining restaurants in Greenbelt, Bel Air and Arundel Mills which opens summer 2012.

St. Charles, Mo. -- Peoria, Ill.-based Cullinan Properties announced that The Art Institute of St. Louis has signed a lease and will be opening a school at the new Streets of St. Charles mixed-use development, with classes scheduled to begin in July.

The development, located in St. Charles/Metro St. Louis, is currently delivering spaces to all of its phase one tenancy.

The Art Institute of St. Louis is one of The Art Institutes, a system of more than 50 educational institutions located throughout North America.

Philadelphia -- McDonald’s and Wal-Mart Stores are among the Top 20 companies in the world for leadership, taking the No. 6 and No. 8 spots respectively, according to an annual study by global management firm Hay Group. The two chains were the only retailers to make the list.