Connecticut-based fun center operator eyeing Indy market
It’s part of a multi-state expansion that comes just more than a year after the original Thrillz opened. Also this week, the reopening of Cinemark 8, Kilroy’s Bar and Grill and The Boiling.
Franchises
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Fast-casual Indian chain to enter Indy market
The California-based company’s local franchisee is shopping for sites downtown and across central Indiana. Also this week: Best Friends Pet Hotel, Mission 27 Resale, Rize and Dr. Tavel.
Wisconsin-based sub sandwich chain targets Indianapolis market
Cousins Subs, which recently opened its first Indiana location in Crown Point, is hoping to open eight to 10 stores in the central Indiana market. Also this week: News on Ellison Brewing and Massage Heights.
Macaroni-and-cheese restaurant franchisee eyes multiple local locations
Two local law enforcement officers with a development agreement for the Florida-based chain have narrowed their sights on locations for at least three restaurants on the north side.
Taziki’s restaurant chain opens 82nd Street spot, plans more Indy eateries
Alabama-based Taziki’s Cafe is the third operator of Mediterranean restaurants to begin scouting locations for Indianapolis-area eateries in recent months.
A hard-to-digest reality: Steak n Shake might not make it
The outlook is that bad for Steak n Shake, which in the first quarter racked up an $18.9 million operating loss. That’s on top of a $10.7 million loss for all of 2018.
Closures at Steak n Shake hit 60 this year, including five in Indy area
Steak n Shake has closed dozens of company-owned restaurants since the beginning of the year, but says those closures are temporary while it looks for franchisees to take over their operations.
Middle Eastern restaurant chain planning multiple Indy-area locations
Chicago-based Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill was established in 2009 and has 37 locations in multiple states. Indianapolis-based franchisee 316 Investments plans to open 10 locations around Indiana.
Mediterranean chain targets Indianapolis area for multiple restaurants
The 11-year-old Colorado-based restaurant chain expects to open its first Indianapolis-area location by the end of the year. Its menu includes gyros, falafel, kabobs and other Mediterranean fare.
Local lender files $20M lawsuit against fast-food franchisee
An Indianapolis-based company that specializes in lending money to restaurant franchisees has filed suit against the operator of 70 fast-food restaurants in Indiana and three other states, claiming it breached its loan agreements.
National pizza chain plans first Indianapolis restaurant
A 43-year-old pizza chain with more than 100 restaurants in 22 states is planning its first foray into Indianapolis with a location near the airport. It also plans a Whitestown location early next year.
Tide Cleaners planning to open five Indy-area franchises
The best-known name in detergents is about to bring its fast-growing laundry-services business to the Indianapolis area after acquiring five local dry cleaning stores.
Biglari says Steak n Shake turnaround to start with speedy service
What's wrong with Steak n Shake? Sardar Biglari says a key problem is a failure to upgrade kitchen equipment and design, leaving the chain with “high-cost, labor intensive, slow service.”
Broad Ripple lands taco restaurant, tiki bar, chicken joint
All three establishments are set to open this month on Broad Ripple Avenue in former restaurant and bar spaces.
Glitchy Starbucks app irks customers even as shares hit record
The company, which on Thursday reported better-than-expected sales in the U.S., faced criticism on Twitter Friday morning as customers reported problems with its popular smartphone app.
Dunkin’ taking on Starbucks with improved espresso drinks
Dunkin' has a long way to go. Starbucks controlled 56 percent of U.S. coffee cafe sales in 2017, while Dunkin's share was 27 percent, according to a food industry research company.
Chicago-based America’s Dog & Burger plans to enter Indianapolis market
The company is actively seeking franchisees to open stores in central Indiana and elsewhere in the state.
McDonald’s, franchisees spending $6 billion to connect with customers
Hoosier franchisees say they’re seeing good results from the fast-food chain’s overhaul of its U.S. restaurants, an effort that includes self-ordering kiosks and other technology upgrades.
Steak n Shake offering ‘franchise partnerships’ for $10,000
Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake announced a plan Monday to dramatically change its franchising model by letting “franchise partners” take over operations at company-owned restaurants.
McDonald’s plans $168M in improvements at 270 Indiana restaurants
The renovations, which will include the addition of more digital self-order kiosks, come as the company celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac.