Trends

Keeping the foodservice equipment marketplace up to date with the latest menu and concept trends.

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Chain Operating Report for June 6, 2012

A new bar menu from Flemming's, Pizza Hut looks to take a slice of the sandwich segment, a new prototype for Souper Salad and several chains open new locations mark this week's Chain Operating Report.

Dunkin' Donuts signed a multi-store development agreement with new franchisees Buzz and Brad Calkins for 12 new restaurants in Denver. The plan calls for the first restaurant to open in 2013 and the remainder by 2018.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is rolling out a Bar la Carte Menu. Served exclusively in the bar, the new menu is available any time and includes items that are more substantial than traditional appetizers that come in larger portions. Fleming's Bar a la Cart Menu includes: salt and pepper shrimp, Prime Steakhouse meatballs, Fleming's Original Prime Rib Melt, filet mignon flatbread, cedar-roasted mushroom and artichoke flatbread, house-made Burrata, and a prime burger. Fleming's created the menu so each item shares well and pairs with a variety of cocktails, wines and beers.

Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd. (NASDAQ: GCFB) purchased the assets of the Cadillac Ranch All American Bar & Grill in Pittsburgh, Pa., for approximately $0.9 million.

According to published reports, Pizza Hut plans to challenge sandwich chains through the addition of a new menu item called P'Zolo. Shaped like a sandwich, the P'Zolo comes in varieties like Buffalo chicken and "meat trio."

Pollo Tropical opened the first of five new restaurants planned with franchisee El Machetazo in Panama.

Souper Salad opened a new location in Midland, Texas that features an updated prototype unit. The new location features a dedicated takeout area, upgraded seating for 152 customers, floor-to-ceiling windows and a new color scheme. This represents the first location operated by the franchisee father and son team of Vance and Patrick Poe.

Zaxby's opened its first location in Frankfort, Ky. The chain now operates 18 restaurants in Kentucky and more than 545 locations in 12 states.