Franchising
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Permission granted by Del Taco
Del Taco operator closes all Georgia locations
Matadoor Restaurant Group closed 14 restaurants in the state months after filing for Chapter 11, but Del Taco says it is looking for options to reopen them.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 24, 2026 -
M. Suhail via Getty Images
Sonic sells 78 restaurants to KBP
The franchisee nearly doubles its Sonic unit count with its second acquisition of restaurants from the QSR chain.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 24, 2026 -
Courtesy of Subway
Subway to remove free footlong offer from Sub Club
On April 1, the company will allow members to earn a $2 reward for every 400 points accumulated.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 20, 2026 -
Courtesy of Wendy's
Wendy’s pulls back on breakfast hours
The chain is allowing franchisees to focus more on lunch and late-night hours as same-store sales logs its steepest decline in roughly six years.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 13, 2026 -
Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
Inside TGI Fridays’ ambitious path to 1K units by 2030
CEO Ray Blanchette said the chain has signed 150 agreements within the past six months, and franchisees are excited to grow again.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 9, 2026 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Taco Bell operators settle claims that harasser’s conduct went unchecked for months
Restaurant industry employers have a particular duty to protect young workers, a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regional attorney said.
By Ryan Golden • Feb. 6, 2026 -
Courtesy of Yum Brands/Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut to close 250 stores
About 4% of the chain’s U.S. store system will close during the first half of this year as Yum Brands continues a strategic review of the ailing QSR.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 4, 2026 -
Retrieved from Sonny's BBQ on February 03, 2026
Sonny’s BBQ returns to franchised growth
A year after hiring George McAllan as chief growth officer, the chain is ready to begin engaging with new operators as part of its expansion strategy.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 3, 2026 -
Courtesy of Subway
A large Subway operator declares bankruptcy
MTF Enterprises, which operates 43 units, alleges that Merchant Cash Advance lenders improperly interfered with its revenue, leading it to file for Chapter 11.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2026 -
Wirestock via Getty Images
Fat Brands files for Chapter 11
This move comes months after creditors pushed for it to pay $1.3 billion in debt, and marks the first major restaurant franchisor bankruptcy of 2026.
By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 27, 2026 -
Permission granted by Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers plots expansion at Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops
The burger chain is building units in airports, retailers and hotels this year, which will help it rebound after Hy-Vee ended its partnership last year.
By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 27, 2026 -
Permission granted by Mr. Gatti's
Mr. Gatti’s sold to franchisee
OneRyan Global, an investment firm that operates two Mr. Gatti’s units, will lead the company into its next phase of growth, including new units in Walmart and c-stores.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 22, 2026 -
Courtesy of Popeyes
Large Popeyes franchisee files for Chapter 11
Sailormen, which operates 136 units across Florida and Georgia, faced growing losses and sales declines within the past 12 months amid high inflation and increased borrowing rates.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2026 -
Courtesy of Five Guys
Five Guys opens Las Vegas restaurant with full bar
The 10,000-square-foot location offers all-day breakfast and a beverage menu that includes beer, wine, frozen cocktails and specialty alcoholic drinks.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2026 -
Permission granted by BrakeTime Corner Market
BrakeTime inks franchise agreement with Burger King
The rollout will begin in Illinois and Texas, according to Vice President of Food, Dispensed Beverage and QSR Rene Da Costa.
By Brett Dworski • Jan. 15, 2026 -
Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
TGI Fridays targets 1K units, $2B revenue by 2030
The once-bankrupt chain will focus on global growth, improving franchisee profitability and boosting the guest experience as part of a new strategic vision.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2026 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Jersey Mike’s to open 400 units across UK, Ireland
The first restaurant will open in 2026, marking the sandwich chain's European debut.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2026 -
Retrieved from US Market.
US Market launches partnership with Cinnabon
The first baked goods shop debuted at a c-store in Salem, Oregon, late last year.
By Brett Dworski • Updated Jan. 9, 2026 -
hapabapa via Getty Images
Why Jollibee is planning a US IPO for its international business
The company will maintain its Philippine operations and stock listing, but will create a separate public company to oversee its global footprint.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 6, 2026 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Why Krispy Kreme’s Japan sale deal is key to its turnaround plan
The $65 million transaction is the latest in a series of asset sales by the doughnut brand meant to shave down over $900 million in long-term debt.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 22, 2025 -
Courtesy of Mixue
China’s popular Mixue boba shop launches in US
The brand, which offers low-priced boba tea drinks, opened its first U.S. location in Los Angeles and plans to open more in New York shortly.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2025 -
Getty Images
Potbelly focuses on growth under RaceTrac
Putting a Potbelly in every RaceTrac location isn’t on the agenda, but c-store adjacent locations could become part of the sandwich chain’s expansion plans.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2025 -
Courtesy of Perkins
Perkins names new brand president
Matt Carpenter brings decades of restaurant experience from both sides of the franchisee-franchisor divide, and could help Perkins modernize and expand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 16, 2025 -
jetcityimage via Getty Images
Doherty adds Qdoba to portfolio, plans 27-unit development
The agreement with Doherty is part of a spate of agreements by Qdoba that will result in 90 new restaurants across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 15, 2025 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
DoorDash, Uber Eats sue NYC over tip prompt rules
The delivery aggregators allege that New York City’s requirement that they ask consumers to tip drivers before checkout abridges their freedom of speech.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 12, 2025
