MOUNT OLIVE, NC (WECT) - In an effort to avoid a possible legal battle over the trademark of the "Andy's" name, the "Andy's Burgers Shakes & Fries" restaurant franchise has changed its name to "Highway 55." 

The move became official last Friday. There are several Highway 55 locations throughout southeastern North Carolina.

The 50s-style restaurant chain will keep the same concept. The new signs will be in the 100 existing restaurants by the end of this summer, according to a news release.

The restaurant is branching outside of North Carolina for the first time since it opened 20 years ago. It'll open a location in Myrtle Beach. The plan is to open another 275 restaurants in the southeast over the next six to seven years.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A small business from Wilmington is gaining national attention after winning “Best New Food” at the Natural Products Expo East show.

A wife and husband team from the Port City developed LunaPops, all-natural frozen fruit and cream-based pops. Their LunaPops were recognized at the Natural Products Expo East show, which drew over 20,000 industry buyers and sellers.

[Click here for a menu of flavors]

“When I think about the number of food products that were showcased at the Natural Products Expo East, I am thrilled,” said Dina Mills, founder and chief pop maker of LunaPops.  “Seeing our customers ooh and aah over their LunaPop is gratifying, but to see industry leaders do the same and then single our Lemon Hibiscus LunaPop as the best new product is an incredible honor.”

The couple began their business with two stores in Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Island. Once word got out about their product, they began selling to country clubs, natural food stores and selected restaurants in the area and around the Triangle.