August 4, 2008

Industry Headlines

Papa John's launches mobile Web ordering

Building on its continued online success, Papa John's, the industry leader in online ordering, haslaunched mobile web ordering, a system that enables pizza lovers to set-up an account or place an order right from their mobile phone.

"From being the first in the industry to introduce systemwide online and text ordering, to our myPapa widget and now mobile web ordering, we're always seeking new opportunities to meet the needs of our customers," said Jim Ensign, vice president of marketing communications for Papa John's. "This is just another step to give our customers the convenience they're asking for, while making it even easier for new customers to experience the great taste of Papa John's."

The mobile Web site is designed for use on any Web-enabled phone and features the entire Papa John's menu, special offers, account registration and a restaurant locator. To access the mobile site directly, simply go to http://mobile.papajohn.com, or users can log on to www.papajohns.com where the site will redirect customers to the mobile site.

Mobile users can use their same account log-in information from www.papajohn.com, however the site does not require that users be pre-existing customers, enabling any pizza lover access to their local Papa John's restaurant. The site also allows customers to sign-up for special offers that can be sent to either their inbox or cell phone.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. is the world's third largest pizza company.

Unique Pizza and Subs Corp. works with The Dream Factory, Inc. to raise funds for Latino franchisees

Pittsburg-based Unique Pizza and Subs Corporation, in recognition of the large number of Latino shareholders the company has throughout California, Nevada and Texas and because of the existing commitments for new stores in those states, UPZS in conjunction with The Dream Factory Inc. is announcing a special partnership with the Latino community.

According to the 2006 U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos make up 71 percent of the minority population of Texas, 64 percent of California, and 58 percent of Nevada. UPZS has announced that it plans to assist the first 30 Latino families in raising the necessary capital to open their own successful Unique Pizza and Subs establishments. Their UPZS franchise will range from full sit down restaurant locations to the new Unique Pizza and Subs mobile pizza kitchens. In a press release, the company said all people are invited to participate but our initial plan is to market to the Latino community.

"In the early 90s while developing Unique Pizza I spent almost a year living in Mexico City, which increased my understanding of the nuances of international franchising and the industrious, hard working Latino community," said President and CEO of UPZS James C. Vowler stated.

Garland E. Harris, President and CEO of The Dream Factory, Inc. said, "We appreciate the opportunity to work with Unique Pizza and Subs Corp. through our wholly owned subsidiary, Unique Franchise Operations, Inc. We feel that the timing is perfect to provide up to $5 Million in capital per family to fund the next 30 Latino families that desire to own their own restaurants and truly participate in the American Dream."

New $10 wine menu offered at Harry's Bishop's Corner

(West Hartford, Connecticut-based Harry's Bishop's Corner, known for its award-winning Pizza Napoletana, is offering a selection of $10 bottles of wine including Cabernets, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Merlot.

"We painstakingly select these wines for quality and value," Owner Kevin Plaut said. "Patrons can now enjoy our award-winning pizza with the wine of their choice at a great customer value. Harry's Bishop's Corner provides a value added dining experience in these difficult economic times."

Harry's Bishop's Corner has recently received "Best Pizza in Hartford" and three and half star restaurant ratings by local. restaurant reviewers.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza opening new franchise restaurants

Charlotte-based Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is growing at a fast pace, bringing its signature wood-burning ovens and craft-brewed beers to more cities in the Southeast.

After celebrating its first franchise opening last month in Columbia, South Carolina, Brixx announced plans to open five new restaurants in 2008 and 2009. Three more franchises and two company-owned restaurants are scheduled to open within the next year in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Brixx opened in Charlotte's Dilworth neighborhood in 1998 and has grown to 11 locations in the Carolinas. The company partnered with McAlister's Deli Co-founder Neil Newcomb in 2007 to create Brixx Franchise Systems, LLC. The venture opened the door for qualified business people to join the Brixx family and help the restaurant expand. The company expects to have at least 16 Brixx locations by the end of 2009.

Mike Muckler, a dentist from Denver, N.C., opened the first franchise in June at the Village at Sandhill in northeast Columbia.

Other planned Brixx franchises include a Wilmington location scheduled to open in October, and locations in Winston-Salem and Knoxville, Tenn., scheduled to open in 2009.

In addition to the franchises, Brixx plans to open two company-owned restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee, and Asheville. The average Brixx restaurant is 3,200 to 3,400 square feet and employs 40 to 50 people.

An environmentally friendly company, Brixx recycles all possible paper and glass products where available. Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is owned by New South Pizza Inc.

Papa Romano's, Mr. Pita open first co-branded unit in Detroit

A new co-branded Papa Romano's and Mr. Pita restaurant -- the chains' first --opened today in downtown Detroit. The 1,800 square-foot restaurant is located in the Compuware Building at One Campus Martius. Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. is the franchisee.

Mr. Pita, which operates 38 locations in Michigan and Florida, specializes in fresh rolled Pita sandwiches. Papa Romano's, with 46 locations in Michigan, offers award-winning pizza and subs, as well as chicken, pasta, salads and ribs.

The newly constructed Detroit location employs 30 people and offers dine-in, carry-out and delivery service via bicycles-for nearby locations-and by car, for longer trips.

Papa Romano's, in Commerce-Township, Michigan, began serving its premium, fresh, made-from-scratch pizza from a single location in Southfield, Mich., in 1970.

Papa Bello announces expansion into Alabama

Papa Bello Enterprises has announced that the company has expanded its franchise business into Alabama with the sale of an area rep agreement to Terry Parmer, an entrepreneur from Auburn. Under the terms of the agreement Mr. Parmer has exclusive development rights for the entire state of Alabama. Parmer will be opening his first store inside the Wal-Mart located at 1717 S. College St, in Auburn. In addition, Mr. Parmer expects consistent expansion with the opening of 3-10 more franchises in the surrounding areas.

Parmer, 42, has a 20-year background in the franchise business, opening his first Subway franchise in 1988.

Founded in 2005, Papa Bello Enterprises is a Las Vegas, NV based corporation that owns, operates, and franchises Italian style eateries in the United States. The company currently has 17 stores in operation and has a master lease agreement with Wal-Mart.

Gary Dykstra appointed president of Lincoln Foodservice

Enodis announces the appointment of Gary Dykstra as President of Lincoln Foodservice Products, LLC effective today.

Dykstra comes to this position with a long and distinguished history with Enodis. He began his career in 1986 at Garland Commercial Range where he served as Comptroller and then Program Manager before being appointed to executive level finance roles. In 1996 Gary moved into a series of sales roles at Cleveland Range, culminating in his appointment as VP, Domestic Sales. He moved to Frymaster in 2002 as VP, Domestic and International Sales and was subsequently promoted to Executive Vice President in 2007. His varied and comprehensive business background will serve Gary well as the new Lincoln President.

Enodis plc is a worldwide company focused on the design, manufacture and supply of food and beverage equipment. Through its two operating groups, Global Food Service Equipment and Food Retail Equipment, it has manufacturing facilities in North America, the UK, Western Europe and Asia and a large portfolio of premium brands.