TULSA, Okla. -- Noting a new-store opening in Dallas this past week, QuikTrip Corp. spokesperson Mike Thornbrugh said the convenience store chain is growing at "a pretty phenomenal rate" as it enters the new year. "We have 15 [stores] under construction, so the growth in regards to the stores for QuikTrip is growing at a pretty phenomenal rate," Thornbrugh told CSP Daily News in an exclusive interview. "All things being equal, the weather and everything else, they should all be done by the end of April."

COPENHAGEN -- United Nations climate talks have resulted in an agreement championed by President Barack Obama, said Reuters. The Copenhagen Accord is a nonbinding deal for combating global warming led by the United States, China, India, Brazil and South Africa that sets a target of limiting global warming to a maximum two-degree Celsius rise over pre-industrial times and promises $100 billion in annual aid for developing nations. The plan does not specify greenhouse gas cuts needed to achieve the goal.

MILFORD, Conn. -- Subway has topped the Franchise 500 list nine out of 10 years, said Entrepreneur magazine. McDonald's came in second. Even this year, when the recession seems to have reshuffled the entire Franchise 500, Subway's $5 Footlong is still on top, it said, "a true testament to Subway's strategy." Other industry notables: 7-Eleven is at No. 3, ampm is at No. 10, Circle K is at No. 25 and Hot Stuff Foods is at No. 74.