Best of Expansion
Best Shot in the
Turf Wars
Dunkin’ Targets
Winston-Salem
Krispy Kreme no longer owns Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In one of 2008’s feistiest moves, Dunkin’ Donuts took its rapid expansion into the glazed doughnut king’s backyard. Though Winston-Salem already hosts a pair of Dunkin’ Donuts locations, the company announced a four-year plan to open as many as 13 stores in the area—a move that screams “Game on.” The Massachusetts-based company, however, dismissed thoughts of a dash for doughnut supremacy. The brand’s move into Winston-Salem, leadership contends, had more to do with market readiness than any competitive challenge.
Best Return to Roots
Lee’s Opens in Vietnam
In August, California-bred Lee’s Sandwiches returned to its Vietnamese roots. Targeting Vietnam’s swelling business district and international travelers, Lee’s opened a 100-seat Lee’s Coffee outlet in Saigon’s core. The move positions Lee’s to establish its brand in a new market with a menu based more on coffees, beverages, and pastries than the sandwiches that dominate its 36 American spots.
Best Commitment to Growth
Café Coffee Day Opens One Every Day
Already claiming more than 500 stores throughout India, three in Austria, and two in Pakistan, India-based Café Coffee Day announced plans in June to boost its overall numbers to 950 by March 2009, including 50 outlets outside of India. The path to this ambitious goal: Open one store a day for an entire year.
Best Move into the Mainstream
Pollo Campero Partners with Wal-Mart
As if being named a “Hot Retailer” by the International Council of Shopping Centers wasn’t enough, Pollo Campero, the world’s largest Latin chicken chain, linked up with the nation’s foremost retailer to open a store inside a Rowlett, Texas, Wal-Mart Supercenter. Wal-Mart’s evolving customer base opened a door, and Pollo Campero entered.
Best Adaptation to the Times
CiCi’s Pizza’s To-Go Prototype
In addition to nationwide expansion efforts by its traditional buffet outlets, Texas-based CiCi’s Pizza has turned toward smaller, convenience-driven To-Go units to sell its products and further establish its brand. Bolstered by lower start-up costs, a smaller labor pool, and its 800- to 1,000-square-foot space, an estimated 20 To-Go units are slated to open in 2009.