Indy joins national protest over fast-food wages
Fast-food workers in 50 U.S. cities, including Indianapolis, plan to walk off the job Thursday in an attempt to ratchet up pressure on McDonald’s Corp., Wendy’s Co. and others to raise wages.
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Steak n Shake dispute with franchisees reaches to Denver
The locally based burger chain filed suit late last month to stop a Denver restaurant owner from operating under its logo in a spat over menu pricing. The franchisee is countersuing.
Specialty grocer on wish list for MSA development
Flaherty & Collins, the developer of the 28-story tower, “would love to have a Whole Foods” or similar grocer as a retail tenant. With one Marsh two blocks away and another under construction nearby, the project begs the question whether the area can support three groceries.
Noble Roman’s gets rolling with take-and-bake franchises
Since October, franchisees have opened the first seven stand-alone, take-and-bake locations—dubbed Noble Roman’s Take-n-Bake P’ZA. Nine more are in development or under construction.
More franchisees join revolt over Steak n Shake menu pricing
Three franchise owners filed suit last month against Steak n Shake, including two on the same day, challenging the company’s policy that they say prohibits them from setting their own menu prices.
Steak n Shake facing new suit over mandatory menu pricing
Another Steak n Shake franchise owner is suing the company over its controversial practice that prohibits restaurants in the chain from setting their own menu prices, even after a federal appeals court sided with a franchisee.
Charlie & Barney’s ends 36-year restaurant run
Indianapolis chain Charlie & Barney’s, known for its chili, has closed its flagship downtown location, leaving it without a restaurant for the first time since its 1977 founding.
Big Red acquires United Package Liquors
Bloomington-based Big Red Liquors is expanding into Indianapolis by acquiring the assets of United Package Liquors Inc. and taking over operations of the chain’s 24 local stores.
Penske takes over Hertz car rental locations in Indiana
Michigan-based Penske Automotive Group Inc. has acquired 20 Hertz car rental outlets in Indiana and plans to add at least five locations.
Local Taco Bell franchisee acquired by California firm
Southern Bells Inc., an Indianapolis-based franchisee that operates 76 regional fast-food restaurants, has been acquired by the country’s largest franchisee of Applebee’s restaurants.
Two Scotty’s to reopen as Detour American Grilles
The owner of the restaurants, Fishers-based MSCB, switched to the new formats after terminating its contracts with the current operator, Indianapolis-based A Pots & Pans Production.
Yats founders prepare to franchise chain across Midwest
Yats founders Joe and Regina Vuskovich decided earlier this year to grow their restaurant through franchising. Broad Ripple resident John Sutton and his sister Brittany Franken jumped at the opportunity.
Another Broken Egg, Drake’s join local restaurant scene
Three others, including Granite City Food & Brewery, are adding to their number of Indianapolis-area locations.
Local Ruth’s Chris franchisee takes aim at breakfast
The operator of the Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations in Indianapolis is delving into the breakfast business by acquiring the rights to open 16 Another Broken Egg restaurants. The first is slated to open in February on the north side.
Suzuki files bankruptcy, leaving U.S. market
The decision will affect two dealerships in the Indianapolis area: Bob Rohrman’s Indy Suzuki and Used Car Superstore and the Ray Skillman Westside Auto Mall, both of which sell new Suzuki vehicles.
Broncos’ Manning to own 21 Papa John’s pizza franchises
Peyton Manning will be introduced as the company’s newest franchisee in the Denver area during a television spot with Papa John’s Chief Executive John Schnatter on Sunday during the telecast of NBC’s “Football Night in America.”
HHGregg shares slide as company abandons Michigan plans
The stock price of the Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics retailer fell by more than 18 percent this week after the company disclosed that it is postponing plans to open stores in Michigan.
Court rules Steak n Shake broke pact with ad agency
A District Court in Indiana this week ruled that Steak n Shake in 2009 breached its $4.36 million contract with its former advertising agency, Georgia-based Varnson Group.
Noble Roman’s takes on take-and-bake format
Noble Roman’s Inc. has baked up an idea to expand its franchising opportunities nationwide and dramatically increase revenue. The Indianapolis-based pizza company is rolling out plans for a stand-alone, take-and-bake concept designed to rival Papa Murphy’s.
Steak n Shake loses appeal over franchisee’s pricing
A longtime Steak n Shake franchisee who sued the chain after it insisted on setting prices for menu items prevailed again Friday as the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed an Illinois federal court’s ruling in the franchisee’s favor.