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.
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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.
Brackett seeks franchisees for Stacked Pickle expansion
The former Indianapolis Colts is looking to expand a local love for fried pickles and mixed drinks that he’s cultivated through his home-grown sports bar.
Cookie shop in Circle Centre reopens under new franchisee
The owner of Gifts and Convenience, a shop in the downtown Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel, is the new franchisee for the mall cookie and desert shop, which closed early this year after a lawsuit from the landlord.
Whitestown exit along I-65 explodes with retailers, fast food
The commercial openings are part of the $1 billion Anson development, led by Indianapolis-based Duke Realty Corp.
Closure puts future of Tim Hortons in Indianapolis area in doubt
The Canada-based coffee and doughnut chain had plans for at least five Indianapolis-area locations, but it already plans to shut down the first one after only a few months in operation.
Pancheros Mexican Grill to enter Indy market with multiple stores
The Iowa-based chain of fast-casual Mexican restaurants has more than 70 stores in 14 states.
Restaurant chain Steak n Shake posts third straight quarterly loss
The Indianapolis-based restaurant chain saw declining customer traffic and sales in the first quarter.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe targets Indianapolis for eight eateries
The smoothie and restaurant chain plans to open two stores in Hamilton County in 2019. The franchisee is targeting Carmel and Fishers.
Subway plans 500 more U.S. store closings amid fierce competition
After peppering the nation with thousands of locations, closely held Subway is retrenching in the United States while adding more stores in international markets.
World of Beer bar/restaurant set to open on Mass Ave
The establishment, located in the space formerly occupied by Mass Ave Toys, occupies 7,500 square feet over two levels—a bar and full-service restaurant on the main floor, and a second bar in the basement.
Franchisee sues Steak n Shake over pricing policy after losing money at 9 restaurants
A franchisee has filed suit against Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake in an effort to raise its menu prices because it says all of its restaurants are losing money.
Tinker Street chef to usher in restaurant’s return as a co-owner
After resigning on March 30 amid personnel issues at the high-profile eatery on East 16th Street, chef Braedon Kellner has returned to the kitchen with a stake in the business, according to one of its founders.
Papa John’s to end NFL deal as new CEO confronts sluggish sales
The NFL partnership has been strained since Papa John’s founder John Schnatter slammed the league in November, saying that declining ratings had hurt sales. He also said that Commissioner Roger Goodell mishandled the national anthem controversy.
Prices for wings come back down to earth
Intense demand for chicken wings from a growing roster of retailers drove up prices last year. Restaurateurs like Buffalo Wild Wings are relieved that supply has normalized again, just in time for the Super Bowl.
Dry cleaner with unusual pricing model coming to Indy
A franchisee has agreed to open five locations in the metropolitan area, with the first expected to begin operating in August, in the former Fox & Hound space on the city’s northeast side.