Franchising
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‘Experiential’ brand Pepper Lunch signs West Coast expansion deal
The deal is a significant expansion of Pepper Lunch’s presence in the U.S. and covers parts of Southern California and Nevada.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 10, 2024 -
Q&A // Meet the exec
How Rusty Taco’s president is plotting sustainable growth
Daniel Smith, who joined the chain earlier this year, is restructuring corporate to assist operators, boost franchise communication and optimize its business.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 9, 2024 -
Applebee’s franchisee files for bankruptcy after creditor lawsuit
Louisiana Apple’s major creditor, City National Bank of Florida, claimed the operator and the brand transferred control of its restaurants in a breach of credit agreements.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 9, 2024 -
Woworks opens first Barberitos redesign in Florida
Two years after Woworks bought the fast casual brand, a newly imagined storefront opened in Temple Terrace, Florida, in September.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 3, 2024 -
Subway has signed commitments for 10K restaurants globally
Over the past three years, the chain signed over 20 master franchise agreements that will push the sandwich chain close to 50,000 units.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 2, 2024 -
Employee sues Subway, franchisee for wage theft
A lawsuit filed by a California worker alleges that an operator routinely failed to pay her overtime and that she was denied sick leave for years.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 1, 2024 -
Dickey’s to cease expanding non-barbecue brands
Virtual brands grew over the past four years, but never had the same success of Dickey’s Barbecue, said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 1, 2024 -
Chick-fil-A to open 5 UK restaurants in 2 years
The chicken chain will spend $100 million in the next decade to make the U.K. its first major international market, starting with restaurants in London, Leeds, Liverpool and Belfast.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 26, 2024 -
Mod Pizza will refranchise corporate stores
The pizza chain’s new owner, Elite Restaurant Group, is undertaking a comprehensive refranchising effort at the largely company-operated brand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 13, 2024 -
Smashburger hires chief development officer
Jim Sullivan will work on elevating the brand’s identity as a fast casual player through its development strategy.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 12, 2024 -
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee files for bankruptcy
The Michigan-based operator blamed the brand’s franchising requirements for the Chapter 11 filing, rather than broader macroeconomic conditions.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Sept. 11, 2024 -
TGI Fridays acquisition falls through, bondholders seize assets
Hostmore still wants to sell its restaurants after the U.K. franchisee’s acquisition plan was torpedoed by the casual dining brand's manager termination event.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 9, 2024 -
Thrive Restaurant Group buys Modern Market Eatery
Thrive previously committed to opening 41 units as Modern Market’s largest franchisee, but felt that buying the brand was a natural next step in its growth.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 6, 2024 -
Chick-fil-A plots major expansion in Michigan
The fast food giant expects to open 25 to 30 franchised units in the Mitten State, adding to its existing 28 units.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 5, 2024 -
KBP Brands buys 85 Sonic units
KBP first bought into the Inspire Brands system in 2021, when it purchased a number of Arby’s stores.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 4, 2024 -
Fat Brands signals development strategy with new hires
The multi-brand platform hired Ammy Harrison, a Papa Johns alum, to lead non-traditional development and Maiyo Hood, a Subway Greater China vet, to lead its international efforts.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 29, 2024 -
Taco Bell will let franchisees stop breakfast
Ditching the morning meal gives franchisees the flexibility to focus on other dayparts, the brand said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 22, 2024 -
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers launches training facility to support growth
The chain’s ambitious growth plans call for more franchisees and managers. Its training and innovation center will help develop brand leaders.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Sun Holdings buys 64-unit Freebirds World Burrito
The Texas-based burrito brand is Sun Holdings’ second purchase of a brand, and proof of its ability to grow as a brand owner, CEO Guillermo Perales said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 20, 2024 -
Q&A
Friendly’s plans a comeback after decades of decline
The CEO of the chain’s parent company says a new menu, store renovations and social media savvy moves are breathing new life into the retro brand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 19, 2024 -
Bonchon breaks its franchising record
Flexible formats and multi-unit franchisees are speeding up the chain’s U.S. development as it looks to reach 500 stores.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Burger King remodels driving double-digit sales lifts
The chain is on track to renovate 400 stores in 2024, with revamps partly offsetting sectoral sales troubles.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 9, 2024 -
Hostmore, TGI Fridays deal delayed
Management says not to expect a Q3 2024 closure, after the companies revised their combined business plan to a full-franchised model.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 9, 2024 -
Q&A // Meet the exec
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s first CEO has big plans for the brand
With his extensive experience with franchised models, Jeff Galletly plans to refine the model for the chain, allowing it to expand into new markets with local operators.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2024 -
World of Beer among latest casual chains to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The craft brew chain’s financial struggles began shortly after it instituted a food and spirit program in 2013 that was met with resistance from franchisees.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2024