NEW YORK CITY-The former Trammell president is hired to expand the firm in transaction management.

NEW YORK CITY-Lewis Ranieri, chairman since 1995, steps down due to family reasons; Paul McDowell fills his position.

NEW YORK CITY-Lewis Ranieri, chairman since 1995, steps down due to family reasons; Paul McDowell fills his position.

CARPINTERIA, CA-The chain is expanding that chain more aggressively than its Hardee's concept, which is undergoing renovations.

LOUISVILLE, KY-KFC, Pizza Hut and a Chinese-food chain called East Dawning are all candidates for major expansion in the country, executives say.

SAN FRANCISCO-Executives are waiting until after the holiday season to assess potential store closings.

DALLAS-DJM Realty is disposing of the 103 stores that are to close, and negotiations have already started for unit sales.

LOUISVILLE, KY-The company cuts back its total number of store openings in 2008 from this year and increases its international growth.