Mark Smith, Feltl and Company

CKE Restaurants, Inc. (CKR) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

That's 24 percent more than yesterday's closing price of $8.91. Thomas H. Lee also agreed to assume about $309 million in debt for Carpinteria, California based CKE. "It's a fantastic company that produces a lot of free cash flow," said Mark Smith, a restaurant analyst with Feltl & Co in Minneapolis. He recommends holding the stock, which had climbed 28 percent in the past year before today. "They weren't out looking and begging for a buyer," he said 

Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P. - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

That's 24 percent more than yesterday's closing price of $8.91. Thomas H. Lee also agreed to assume about $309 million in debt for Carpinteria, California based CKE. "It's a fantastic company that produces a lot of free cash flow," said Mark Smith, a restaurant analyst with Feltl & Co in Minneapolis. He recommends holding the stock, which had climbed 28 percent in the past year before today. "They weren't out looking and begging for a buyer," he said 

Domino's Pizza Inc (DPZ) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

Domino's is the No 1 pizza delivery company in the US, according to NPD, a consulting firm based in Port Washington, New York It is looking to elevate the quality of its pizza to that of its delivery service, said Mark Smith, an analyst with Feltl & Co 

Papa John's International Inc. (PZZA) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

It is looking to elevate the quality of its pizza to that of its delivery service, said Mark Smith, an analyst with Feltl & Co The goal is to gain share from Yum! Brands Inc's Pizza Hut, the largest US pizza maker, and Papa John's International Inc , which has been adding US stores, he said 

Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

It is looking to elevate the quality of its pizza to that of its delivery service, said Mark Smith, an analyst with Feltl & Co The goal is to gain share from Yum! Brands Inc's Pizza Hut, the largest US pizza maker, and Papa John's International Inc , which has been adding US stores, he said 

Domino's Pizza Inc (DPZ) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

Going forward, we see some easing of this and are seeing some improvements economically." While Domino's was able to extinguish $71.8 million in debt during the quarter, leaving it with $1.6 billion in long term debt, its performance is still a concern. . Mark Smith, an analyst at Feltl and Co., a Minneapolis boutique investment bank, said the absence of domestic sales growth is an issue for investors. "Our outlook on the shares remains muted due to the difficult sales environment," he wrote Tuesday. "Additionally, we are discouraged by more domestic closures than anticipated." 

Papa John's International Inc. (PZZA) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

The emphasis by others on non pizza products also dilutes the effect of their marketing dollars because they're spread around too many products, he said. Feltl & Co analyst Mark Smith said there are advantages for Papa John's to keep the focus on pizza. It helps the company's quality pitch and makes it less complicated for employees. "There are obviously some incremental sales that are out there to be picked up," Smith said of the alternative menu lineups. "But I don't know if it's worth it. 

Papa John's International Inc. (PZZA) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

The emphasis by others on non pizza products also dilutes the effect of their marketing dollars because they're spread around too many products, he said. Feltl & Co analyst Mark Smith said there are advantages for Papa John's to keep the focus on pizza. It helps the company's quality pitch and makes it less complicated for employees. "There are obviously some incremental sales that are out there to be picked up," Smith said of the alternative menu lineups. "But I don't know if it's worth it. 

Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (DAVE) - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

But that was counterbalanced by stability in its dining in business, where the average per customer spending was $14.33 in the first quarter, compared with $14.16 a year ago, she said. But to keep per person spending flat, Famous Dave's raised prices 1.6 percent last June and another 2 percent in October. "They're doing well compared to other restaurants in their class," said Mark Smith, an analyst at Feltl & Co in Minneapolis. Cost cutting helped Famous Dave's maintain its profit margins in the first quarter, Smith said. It reduced food costs through short term contracts, closely managed labor costs, amended lease agreements to reduce monthly payments, obtained lower cost utility contracts and kept discount pricing to a minimum, he said. 

Dunkin' Donuts Inc. - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

Building franchise relationships is also high on the list, Luther added. Travis will also provide Dunkin' Brands with a focus on technology, said Mark Smith, an analyst with Feltl & Co. During his tenure at Papa John's, Travis made innovations such as allowing online and text ordering, and implemented new, more efficient, ovens, Smith said. "He's done a great job at Papa John's," Smith said. "He's had strong relations with franchisees throughout his career that will definitely be beneficial to them." . 

Dunkin' Donuts Inc. - Mark Smith at Feltl and Company

The current CEO at Dunkin' Brands, Jon Luther, 65, will remain executive chairman of the Canton, Mass.-based company. He joined Dunkin' Brands in 2003 as CEO and became chairman in 2006 when the company was bought. He has been working on a succession plan since the beginning of this year, Dunkin' Brands said. Travis will provide Dunkin' Brands with a focus on technology and experience with franchisee relations, said Mark Smith, an analyst with Feltl & Co.