Financial News--AFC, Denny's
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Atlanta--AFC Enterprises Inc., franchisor of Church'sChicken, Cinnabon and Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, said incomefrom continuing operations rose 27 percent in the fourth quarter,helped by higher franchise royalty fees and increased sales atrestaurants open for at least a year. The company said it expectsto add 400 to 500 franchised restaurants in 2002 and for earningsto grow 25 percent. -Reuters
Spartanburg, South Carolina--For the fourth quarter endedDecember 26, 2001, Denny's systemwide sales increased to $553million compared with $547 million in the previous year. Thisincrease is attributed to a 2.4 percent gain in systemwidesame-store sales, which reflects a 3.4 percent increase atcompany-owned locations and a 1.4 percent increase at franchisedrestaurants. -Advantica Restaurant Group