Starbucks sees China as next key market after U.S.

Starbucks will see China become the company's next major market after the United States in the near future, the firm's China chairman said.

"It's absolutely very, very important. This has really become our second home market," said Wang Jinlong, the company's head for Greater China.

Pizza Fusion Opens First International Franchise in Saudi Arabia

Pizza Fusion announced the opening of its first international franchise in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia through a master franchise development agreement with Samir Food Co., Ltd., a Samir Group company. The new Saudi Arabian Pizza Fusion is located on Prince Abdullah Street at the Rawoda Star center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pizza Fusion Jeddah marks Samir Food’s first of many locations to open throughout Saudi Arabia with additional locations planned for Jeddah and Riyadh City in the near future.

Subway eyes 1,000 Russian outlets by 2015

Subway, the world's No. 2 fast food restaurant chain by sales, plans to expand its Russian network to 1,000 outlets by 2015 from 78 now and make Russia its fourth-biggest European market next year. Russia is considered underpenetrated by fast food chains, with McDonald's, the world's biggest, having opened about 300 outlets in Russia since 1990.

Accor will open 200 franchised hotels in France by 2013

From November 9 to 12, Accor held a convention in Marseille for its hotel franchise partners, under the leadership of Christophe Alaux, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Hospitality France. Reaffirming its firm intention of remaining the country’s leading hotel franchiser, Accor announced the opening of at least 200 hotels throughout France over the next four years.

Ruby Tuesday continues Middle East expansion

USA based casual restaurant franchise Ruby Tuesday has signed a franchise agreement to expand throughout Qatar. Global Brands Qatar has agreed a deal with Ruby Tuesday that will see the company open and operate three restaurants in Qatar over the next five years. This franchise agreement will increase the presence of Ruby Tuesday outlets in the Middle East to between 45 and 50. The brand already has restaurants in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Oman and Jordan.