Yum! Brands’ KFC And Taco Bell Operate First Green Restaurant
Yum! Brands, parent of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, has opened an environmentally-friendly KFC-Taco Bell restaurant in Northampton, MA.
The restaurant, designed to use 30%less energy and water than a conventional building, also cuts CO2 emissions, reduces waste going to landfills and educates visitors and employees on sustainable design.
The restaurant uses solar energy to preheat fresh air coming into the building which reduces the use of natural gas. Additionally, the restaurant is using a sophisticated lighting control system that maximizes the use of natural light. LED lights, the most energy-efficient available today, were utilized where feasible both inside the restaurant and on signage. Harvested rainwater is used for irrigation. Many of the materials used to build the green restaurant, such as counter tops and building insulation, contain recycled content. The wood used during construction was sustainably harvested. The restaurant composts and recycles waste, including enhanced cooking oil reclamation.
Church’s Chicken Unveils Modular Restaurant Concept
Church’s Chicken has unveiled a modular restaurant concept, which the company says will cut the overall cost of a new store by 20-30%. The structure is a 100% factory-built unit and can be fully finished and ready for business in less than three days.
Church’s CEO, Harsha Agadi said, “Modular technology makes the prospect of owning and operating a Church’s more affordable by cutting costs in development, insurance and equipment. An added advantage to the modular unit is its instant marketability which will have franchisees up and running faster.”
Tesla Opens Midwest Regional Sales And Service Center In Chicago
Tesla Motors Inc. is opening a Midwest regional sales and service center in Chicago, IL, the first of seven retail facilities the electric vehicle manufacturer plans to launch this year. The Chicago store gives prospective customers the opportunity to experience Tesla’s best-in-class performance under a range of driving conditions, including highways and urban streets.
“People in Chicago will soon see how the Tesla retail experience is vastly different from that of a traditional dealership,” said Michael van der Sande, Tesla’s Senior V.P., Global Sales, Marketing and Service. “Tesla's cars are unique, and the look and feel of our stores reinforce the close connection we have with our customers.”
San Carlos, CA-based Tesla Motors’ ‘Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a base price of $109,000, is the only highway-capable production Electric Vehicle for sale in North America. Tesla expects to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emission Model S sedan in late 2011.
Cadillac CTS To Feature WiFi
Autonet Mobile has formed an agreement with Cadillac to equip the CTS Sports Sedan with full internet access. The partnership will deliver the first internet entertainment system for Cadillac.
Now Cadillac customers will have instant internet access anytime and anywhere. Monthly subscription plans start at $29.
“Consumer demand is growing for new features that will enhance a digital lifestyle while on the go. Today, they are frequently searching for WiFi access wherever they may be,” said Mark McNabb, North America Vice President, Cadillac. “Adding WiFi is a natural extension of the tech features already inside the CTS.”
Coca-Cola Launches Hispanic Campaign Themed 'Destapa La Felicidad'
“Destapa Tus Sueños” or “Unleash Your Dreams” is the central message for ‘Destapa La Felicidad,’ the Hispanic adaptation of the ‘Open Happiness’ global integrated marketing campaign for Coca-Cola. The Hispanic adaptation includes new point of sale, enhanced shopper experiences, and consumer promotions.
The integrated marketing campaign will include programs that will help make dreams come true for Hispanic consumers, including the Coca-Cola Telenovela Club. Through this promotion, fans have the opportunity to win premiums related to their favorite novela and enter a sweepstakes for the chance to meet two of the stars. Coca-Cola will implement a robust national marketing campaign featuring the Mexican National Team (MNT) in the U.S., which will offer opportunities for futbol fans to attend a soccer clinic with Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa; and attend matches of the MNT in the U.S. Coca-Cola will continue partnering with authentic food brands to bring Hispanic families taste, refreshment and value.
Publix Converts Two Stores To Hispanic-Themed Format
Publix Super Markets is converting stores in Kissimmee, Fla., and Hialeah, Fla., to a Hispanic-themed supermarket format called Publix Sabor. The stores will feature expanded offerings in the Hispanic food and grocery categories and be staffed with bilingual associates.
“Publix Sabor was designed to meet the needs of our customers in particular neighborhoods throughout the Central and South Florida regions,” said Director of Media and Community Relations Maria Brous. “This store prototype will provide Publix with many opportunities to refine how we reach our Hispanic customers and serve as an important model in the years ahead.”
Sears ShopYourWay Combines Multi-Channel Capabilities
Sears has unified its multi-channel services under ‘ShopYourWay.’ Both Sears and Kmart customers can now conveniently experience innovative multi-channel purchase opportunities in stores and online.
ShopYourWay provides the best of what Sears and Kmart offer online or offline through Sears.com and Kmart.com, Sears2go, Web to Store, Store to Web, 1-800-4-MY-HOME and in-store visits. If a customer is in-store and unable to find an item they are seeking, they can go on to convenient Web kiosks to find an expanded assortment on Sears.com with more than three million products. Sears2Go is a mobile commerce Web site that enables customers to find and buy select Sears.com merchandise from their mobile phone 24/7.
Zip Express Installation Announces In-Store Partnership With Office Depot
Zip Express Installation, a leader in next-day installation services for consumer electronics retailers, has announced a partnership with Office Depot. With Zip Express, Office Depot can now provide customers who purchase TVs with professional next day installation services. When the selected service is purchased, customers simply call the Zip Express toll free number or visit www.zipinstallation.com to schedule the installation for the specific day and time that is most convenient for them.
“Office Depot provides customers with a wide selection of HDTV units, and to add additional value for our customers, we are thrilled to offer simple, stress-free installation for TV purchases,” said Robert Dunlap, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Office Depot.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Opens First Health Insurance Retail Store
As individuals and seniors are increasingly faced with purchasing health insurance on their own and small business owners look for health plan options, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania wants to be the first health insurer in the state to open a health insurance retail store. Called Highmark Direct, the new store in Pittsburgh will sell health insurance plans to individuals, seniors and small businesses. The store will also provide informational seminars and educational information about the value-added benefits that Highmark members have access to such as smoking cessation programs, new mother seminars, consultations with nutritionists and more. When a consumer visits the Highmark Direct store, they can meet one-on-one with a Highmark sales associate. The store will also feature self-service kiosks.
“Health insurers are positioning themselves to meet growing demands for health insurance products and information through retail marketing channels,” said Steven Nelson, V.P. of consumerism and retail marketing at Highmark.
Farmers Homeowner Insurance Goes ‘Green’
The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has introduced a new eco-friendly product called “Eco-Rebuild.” This new endorsement will allow customers to replace destroyed property in ways beneficial to the environment. “We are excited to bring this product to the market and give our earth-conscious customers an option previously not available to them,” said Jeff Reinig, Farmers Insurance Sr. V.P., Home Product Management.
The “Eco-Rebuild” endorsement includes: $25,000 for extra costs incurred to rebuild or replace with "green" materials. If the house is an Energy Star Qualified Home, the endorsement will cover the cost of upgrading damaged property to meet new Energy Star requirements.
Uno Chicago Grill Launches Uno Dué Go
Uno Chicago Grill has entered the fast casual arena with the launch of Uno Dué Go, debuting with two franchise units at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
“Today’s challenging economy compels us to extend our brand’s reach into a variety of venues that meet the evolving needs of our guests,” said Jamie Strobino, Sr. V.P. Mktg. Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp. “Uno Dué Go is perfect for travelers who are pressed for time and who want a healthy, delicious meal that is fast, if necessary, or comfortably casual when there is time to linger,” said Strobino. “The concept is well suited to airports where travelers are now responsible for securing their own meals to enjoy on a flight.”
The concept paves the way for further expansion of the Uno brand in new venues such as airports, college campuses, malls, hospitals, and urban centers. Units will range in size from 700 sq ft. to 3,000 sq. ft.
Jamba Juice Rolls Out New Airport Kiosk Locations
Jamba Juice, a leading provider of healthy, fun and on-the-go food, snacks and beverages, has opened new Jamba Juice airport locations. The initiative builds upon Jamba's success in launching franchise kiosks and small formats at over 20 colleges and universities nationwide and brings a healthy and portable food option to busy customers on the go.
With a short installation time and affordable build cost, Jamba’s modular kiosks are specifically designed with eye-catching branding and streamlined operational flow to succeed in high-traffic venues. A total of 50 new Jamba franchise locations are planned for 2009 - of which 30-35 will be non-traditional - as part of the company's broader strategy to reposition its business model with a greater emphasis on franchising.
Dog-Friendly Honda Element Transforms SUV Into Ultimate Dog Car
American Honda Motor Co. has announced new dog-friendly transportation concepts for the Honda Element. The Dog Friendly components demonstrate the potential for a dedicated pet restraint system designed to meet the needs of dog owners.
Other components include: a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform; second row and cargo area pet restraint systems; an extendable cargo area load-in ramp; a 12V DC rear ventilation fan; second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design; all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern; a spill-resistant water bowl; and Dog Friendly exterior emblems.
Pet Airways Launches Pet-Only Airline
Pet Airways is introducing the first pet-only airline designed for the safe and comfortable transportation of pets. On Pet Airways, all pets travel in the main cabin not in the cargo hold.
Dan Wiesel, President/CEO, Pet Airways, said, “Currently, most pets traveling by air are transported in the cargo hold and are handled as baggage. The experience is frightening to the pets, and can cause severe emotional and physical harm, even death. This is not what most pet owners want to subject their pets to, but they have had no other choice, until now.”
From the moment a pet is dropped off at a Pet Lounge, the pet is always under the care of trained Pet Attendants. Monitored by Pet Attendants, pets will fly in planes that are fully-lit, climate-controlled and have the proper level of fresh air circulation that pets require. Pawsengers will be boarded and de-boarded from planes as quickly as possible, and depending on transit time, will be offered toilet facilities, food and water as necessary during stops.
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