State scrutiny of Village Pantry safety issues set to end
The convenience store chain has been taking corrective action to better protect employees after the shootings of Indianapolis clerks in 2009 and 2011.
Franchises
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Noble Roman’s awarded $1.5M in battle with franchisees
The Indianapolis-based pizza chain is still waiting to collect after being locked in a years-long legal dispute over franchise agreements and royalties.
J.D. Byrider adds franchises in seven states
J.D. Byrider, the largest used-car franchisor in the nation, continued its national growth spurt by opening stores in seven different states between mid-December and Monday, the Carmel-based company announced Tuesday.
Biglari’s Steak n Shake licensing deal stirs up critics
Under the 20-year deal, Sardar Biglari won’t receive royalties if he remains atop the company. But if he were forced out of for anything but malfeasance, or if it were sold, he’d receive 2.5 percent of sales for five years—a sum that could surpass $100 million.
Steak n Shake cooks up expansion plan for Saudi Arabia
The Indianapolis-based burger chain has growth plans far afield of its base of operations in the Midwest, intending to open 50 restaurants in the Middle Eastern country.
Rebranding of bird-food retail chain ups emphasis on core product
Wild Birds Unlimited recently unveiled a new marketing program encompassing everything from revamped store design to new staff training to a rebalancing of the product line. The idea was to place less emphasis on gift items and more on the store’s core product—birdseed.
Noble Roman’s sees rising profit, revenue
The company said it has entered into agreements to open 45 stand-alone take-n-bake pizza locations.
Biglari shareholder loses bid to stop $75M stock offering
A federal judge rejected the shareholder’s motion claiming that the offering would enable CEO Sardar Biglari to unfairly increase his ownership in the company. Biglari Holdings is the parent of Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake.
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.
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.