September 26, 2005

Chain Expansion Briefs

Several multi-unit operators announced the opening of additional stores, including Ruth’s Chris, Panda Express, and McCormick & Schmick's.

Despite having to relocate its headquarters operations to Orlando, Fla., as a result of Hurricane Katrina, Ruth's Chris Steak House announced that its planned opening of new restaurants for the remainder of 2005 will proceed as scheduled. Company-owned locations will open in Boston and Sacramento, Calif., and a franchise-owned location will become operational in Charlotte, N.C., by the end of the year. "Despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, we have quickly relocated and kept pace with our development schedule for 2005,” said Craig Miller, Ruth's Chris Steak House CEO. “All of our restaurants, with the exception of two in New Orleans, have been fully functional throughout this period and we're happy to report that our system suffered minimal disruption."

Panda Restaurant Group will open its first dual-concept location Sept. 30 in Davis, Calif. The restaurant will feature Panda Express and Hibachi-San under one roof. The dual concept pairs Panda Express’ Chinese menu items with Hibachi-San’s Japanese offerings such as sushi.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants announced the opening of a restaurant in Pittsburgh , expanding the national seafood restaurant operator's nationwide presence to 58 locations in 24 states.

Wilmington, N.C.-based Port City Java announced the opening of four new cafes, in the existing markets. The quartet of new stores is located in: Elk Grove, Calif.; Stockbridge, Ga.; Greenville, S.C.; and Carolina Beach, N.C.

NBA City Restaurants, the National Basketball Association's venture into themed dining, has signed an agreement to open its second themed restaurant. The Target Center in Minneapolis will be home to the new restaurant that is expected to have a seating capacity of up to 300 and bar that will seat 50. Scheduled to open in February, the NBA City in the Target Center is expected to follow the same pattern of the initial venue, which opened six years ago in Orlando, Fla., at Universal Studio's CityWalk. In addition to the restaurant and bar, the facility is expected to include an interactive game area and retail store.

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