Wendy's taps franchisee for new operations post. Wendy's International Inc. on Monday named franchisee Dave Near to the new post of chief operations officer for the Wendy's brand and said its executive vice president of operations is leaving the company. .... [more]

IHOP Corp. Signs International Expansion Agreement for Franchise Development in Mexico. IHOP Corp. today announced that during the first quarter 2006 it signed a Multi-Store Development Agreement for international expansion in the state of . .... [more]

Papa John's could ante up to spur international growth. Papa John's International is looking for the first time at investing its money in markets outside the United States and Great Britain to speed up its development abroad. .... [more]

Marriott profit dips, beats expectations. Marriott International Inc. on Thursday said first- quarter profit fell 55 percent due to a charge for an accounting change, but results beat analysts' expectations. .... [more]

INDIA - Gloria Jeans plans first outlet in Delhi by July. Gloria Jeans Coffee's, one of the largest coffee chains in the world, will be opening its first outlet in Delhi by July this year. .... [more] 

JAPAN - IKEA tries to furnish Japan, again. When the Swedish furnishing giant opens up anew in Tokyo on Monday, the company hopes to show it has mastered the key to winning over Japanese customers: small-space living. .... [more]

CHINA - KFC makes it easier to buy a franchise. KFC, Yum! Brands Inc's fried chicken outlet operator, eased franchise limits in China's second- and third-tier cities for the first time so it can expand aggressively. .... [more]

INDIA - There's a franchise link to balloons, water tanks. Retail isn't the only business riding the franchise bandwagon. A host of businesses, ranging from making portals to cleaning water tanks and selling balloons, are also taking the franchise route to grow aggressively. .... [more]