Food & Food Equipment News

Denny’s Announces Expansion Into United Kingdom

Denny's Corporation is expanding into Europe through a franchise agreement with Denny’s Magic Diners U.K., led by seasoned franchise executive Leon Esfahani.  The agreement will bring 10 locations to the United Kingdom over the next several years, with the first expected to open in Wales by the end of the year. 

“We believe there is considerable opportunity to grow the brand internationally, and are confident that Leon Esfahani and his team’s experience with leading restaurant brands makes him the right partner to introduce the Denny’s experience to the United Kingdom, and more broadly Europe, for the first time,” stated John Miller, Denny’s President and CEO. “Our expanding global footprint has attracted new interest from a number of franchisees and we continue to have an active pipeline for growth as we gain momentum beyond North America.”

Esfahani’s restaurant experience includes operating franchised locations for leading global brands, including Starbucks and Pizza Hut. His first Denny’s location is expected to open in Swansea, Wales, by the end of 2017. 

“I have long been a fan of the Denny’s brand and am honored to bring what I view as a truly unique concept to the United Kingdom,” said Esfahani. “Denny’s serves up a welcoming atmosphere paired with a broad menu of favorites across all day parts, and I am thrilled to introduce the Denny’s diner experience to the local community.” 

 

Hissho Sushi Named to 2017 Grant Thornton North Carolina 100

Hissho Sushi has been named to the 2017 Grant Thornton North Carolina 100® (NC100), which ranks the state’s largest private companies by revenue. The complete list was released in the October issue of Business North Carolina and can be viewed at GrantThornton.com/NC100.

“We are honored to be named to the 2017 Grant Thornton North Carolina 10® list,” said Andrea Lee, Corporate Communications at Hissho Sushi. “This recognition reaffirms our prominence in North Carolina and our commitment to the community. We are proud to be recognized as one of the most innovative, top-performing businesses in our state.”

Since 1984, the NC100 has ranked the state’s largest private companies by revenue in the most recent fiscal year, based on data provided by the participants.

Castle Brands Announces Additional Investment in Kentucky Artisan Distillery

Castle Brands Inc., a developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium drinks brands, has purchased an additional 5 percent of Copperhead Distillery Company, which owns and operates the Kentucky Artisan Distillery. Kentucky Artisan Distillery currently has three warehouses storing Jefferson's bourbons, provides distilling using special mash-bills made from locally grown grains for Jefferson's brands and houses the Jefferson's Visitor Center and store, showcasing the Jefferson's brand. The additional investment brings Castle Brands ownership of Copperhead to 25 percent.

John Glover, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Castle Brands, said "Our additional investment makes us the second largest shareholder in Kentucky Artisan Distillery and demonstrates our continued commitment to our Jefferson's brand. Partnering with Kentucky Artisan Distillery has provided a home for Jefferson's bourbon and allowed us the ability to develop, innovate and expand our Jefferson's offerings. With Kentucky Artisan Distillery's expanded warehousing and distilling capabilities, we expect the partnership to continue to grow and develop with the Jefferson's brand."

Stephen Thompson, President and General Manager of Kentucky Artisan Distillery, stated "We are excited to expand our partnership with Castle Brands to further develop the super-premium Jefferson's portfolio. We look forward to working with Castle Brands on innovations such as estate farm-to-glass bourbon and a super-premium 100 percent rye whiskey and welcoming guests to the Jefferson's Visitor Center for many years to come."