Franchise news

Wasn’t a joke after all!
We have reported earlier that according to rumours, the Pizza Hut chain has plans to rename some of its units „Pasta Hut”, because Tuscani pastas had become so successful. Rumour turned out to be true and the new web site (www.newpastahut.com) is also available already. The Pizza Hut signs are already being replaced with “The Hut” signs near Dallas. At present, the chain is testing customer response so that the final decision would be made in line with this. Tuscani pastas have generated revenues of over USD one billion since their introduction. AmRest, the Hungarian franchisee has not yet disclosed any information regarding future changes.

Starbucks Saga
Each time that news of the opening of the first Starbucks café in Hungary has leaked out so far, it was refuted. It looks like the Starbucks Saga is to continue this year as well, with news of a delay in the opening of the first unit as a result of the economic recession.

Don Pepe slowing down
As a result of the drastic changes in the economic climate, Don Pepe has revised its strategy for 2009. Plans to start up a franchise chain have been postponed indefinitely. Gábor Szemes, managing director has also denied that the closing down of their first unit is in any way related to the recession.

Heavenly coffee in new places
New units are to be added to the Coffee Heaven chain, with the first to be opened in Deák square in April. At present, the chain has 89 cafés in six eastern European countries.