Pizza Hut is getting bigger, literally, in India. India Retailing reports all recent and future Pizza Hut locations will cover up to 3,000 sq. ft., some 50% larger than previous 2,000-sq.-ft. stores. Delhi-based Devyani Int’l. India operates 170 outlets across the country. Its twofold expansion focuses on home delivery outlets, where it hopes to add 300…

In the United Kingdom, doughnuts may well be gaining on scones. According to the five-year plans of Krispy Kreme U.K., the chain will double its presence in Britain over the next five years. The company, a franchise of Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, plans to open 10 stores each year, doubling its current 47 stores…

Schlotzsky’s has signed 75 franchise agreements in New Jersey and Texas for 25 tri-branded restaurants that would house its eponymous brand plus Cinnabon and Carvel concepts under one roof. Units will begin to open during the next six to 12 months. The 350-unit chain is targeting Texas and untapped markets in the South, as well…

San Diego-based DM&A Inc., the largest healthcare foodservice consulting firm in North America, has formed a strategic alliance for healthcare and educational foodservice design projects with Tustin, Calif.-based Webb Design. As DM&A/Webb Design, the two companies are currently collaborating on 15 hospital design projects. DM&A, formerly Don Miller & Associates, has 11 satellite offices across…

Virginia “Ginny” Heil, who worked in the E&S industry for nearly 40 years, died June 24. She was 54. Heil joined Moccia Enterprises in Riverton, N.J., in 1973, and became a partner in the manufacturer’s rep firm in ’93. The company said Heil was the “behind the scenes” strength and guidance that kept it together…

The restaurant landscape in the Middle East continues to fill with a diverse array of U.S. chains. In a region where the average daily temperature measures three digits, Dairy Queen has opened its largest store, a 7,500-sq.-ft. unit seating 240 customers. The DQ Chill & Grill in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is the chain’s only two-story…

In a notable strategic shift, Rubbermaid Commercial Products is expanding its sales force to include manufacturers’ reps, and creating a distinct foodservice channel sales structure. The Winchester, Va., company announced it has signed up 20 marketing agents to extend its reach into the foodservice market and better serve the needs of distributors and end-users. Jim…

Au Bon Pain has launched a systemwide remodeling program. As part of the initiative, the Boston-based fast-casual company has already remodeled a majority of its cafés in one of its largest markets—the greater New York City area, where it operates more than 30 restaurants. The remodels include a new sandwich suite and tossed salad station.…

Singer Equipment Co., the largest E&S distributor in the mid-Atlantic market, has acquired the assets of M. Tucker, the leading dealer in the greater New York City market. The Elverson, Pa., company’s acquisition expands Singer’s distribution and market coverage from Connecticut to Maryland. Paterson, N.J.-based M. Tucker offers foodservice equipment, tabletop, disposables and smallwares to…

Independence Day 2011 brought completion of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group’s sale of Arby’s Restaurant Group to affiliates of Roark Capital Group and a new moniker for the burger chain: The Wendy’s Co. Under the $430 million deal, Wendy’s retains an 18.5% ownership of Arby’s. The majority sale to Roark gives the private equity firm ownership of 3,600…