A roundup of interesting bits of news that came across the editor’s desk, including a “TaCoat” from Taco Bell, Richardson Design’s new graphic design team, and details on mergers and acquisitions.
mergers & acquisitions
- Elkay Manufacturing of Oakbrook, Ill., acquired Wisconsin-based Interior Systems Inc.
- Meritage Hospitality Group Inc. acquired a total of 69 Wendy’s restaurants located throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states in three separate deals.
- Let’s Shake purchased 53 SONIC Drive-Ins from the chain as part of a refranchising initiative.
chain chain chain
- A&W Food Services of Canada, Inc. aims to open 200 A&W restaurants across the country, including 70 in Québec alone, by 2020.
- Johnny Rockets reopened its Outlets at Orange, Calif., location with its new prototype, which the brand credits with its recent growth.
- Pie Five Pizza opened its first Pennsylvania location.
- Salata plans to open 35 stores in Florida and 20 stores in Georgia.
- Slim Chickens announced the opening of its 50th restaurant.
- Tropical Smoothie Café plans to open 20 new locations in Texas.
branding on my mind
- Richardson Design, which had previously focused solely on interiors, has added a graphic design team to expand its capabilities.
- Taco Bell partnered with celebrity Toronto designer Hayley Elsaesser (pictured above) to launch the “TaCoat” – the first ever winter coat inspired by Taco Bell's iconic Crunchy Taco.
Ohh la la
- Following the announcement of the 2017 Michelin Guide, the restaurants Le Cinq, Le George and L'Orangerie at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris have collectively received a total of five Michelin stars, making the Hotel the first in Europe to be home to three Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Massive European-style food hall Legacy Hall in Plano, Texas, announced it will include Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co. Legacy Hall will span three stories and cover roughly 55,000 square feet and is expected to open later this year.