BROOMALL, Pa. -- Swiss Farms, with the tagline "America's Drive-Thru Grocer," has awarded its first franchise. John Betz & Associates Inc. has been in the franchise business since 1990, growing a portfolio of brands including Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Starbucks Coffee. John Betz and his team have committed to opening three Swiss Farms stores in the next three years. Their first store will open in Somerdale, N.J., in 2010.

Swiss Farms has launched a regional franchising program, selectively expanding around its corporate base in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York and New Jersey, the company said.

WAWA, Pa. -- A recent Kraft/CSP Daily News Poll asked readers, "Do you intend to get any type of flu shot this fall?" Of the nearly 220 responses, more than 40% said "yes, both"; more than 38% said "no"; more than 19% said "yes, the regular seasonal inoculation"; and nearly 4% said "yes, the H1N1 (swine flu) inoculation." Wawa Inc. convenience stores are taking some steps to help customers and employees avoid the flu, both the seasonal varieties and the "swine flu" (N1N1).

CHICAGO -- A new report from market research firm Mintel shows that after years of mediocre sales increases, the potato chip market grew 22% during the economic downturn. Sales increases compare 2007 market data against Mintel's market estimate for full-year 2009. In addition, other salty snacks experienced recession-fueled sales jumps. The tortilla chip market increased by 18% since 2007, while smaller segments like popcorn and cheese snacks saw similar gains (17% and 20%, respectively).