Franchising
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Andrew Burton via Getty Images
Flynn Group buys 26 Applebee’s units, will build 25 more
Applebee’s is trying to turn around sliding sales and a shrinking footprint through franchising initiatives and traffic-oriented marketing moves.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 23, 2024 -
Permission granted by Papa Johns
Papa Johns franchisees accelerating growth this year in light of incentives
Operators who open new units in 2024 don’t have to pay a national ad contribution for five years, which could save $330,000 in development costs, per a BTIG report.
By Julie Littman • April 22, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese
6 restaurants that plotted international growth during Q1
Chains like Fazoli’s, Marco’s Pizza and Chuck E. Cheese secured deals to enter new countries as part of ongoing global expansion plans.
By Julie Littman • April 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of Little Caesars
Little Caesars signs multi-unit deals in 7 states
The chain returned to net unit growth in 2023 and is looking to build on that momentum this year in markets including California, Tennessee and Texas.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 17, 2024 -
Courtesy of Bojangles
Bojangles to enter Los Angeles market in 2025
California’s recent wage hike hasn’t stopped the chicken chain from committing to open 30 units in the Golden State, continuing its national expansion.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 16, 2024 -
Halfpoint via Getty Images
Q&AAsk an expert: How can brands protect struggling franchisees from bankruptcy?
A bad franchisee can do “irreparable harm” to its parent chain, but early intervention can help avoid sales shortfalls and covenant defaults, said Chris Desiderio of Nixon Peabody.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company bets menu innovation will help drive traffic
As part of a five-point overhaul plan, the chain will use digital capabilities, expanded catering and improved operations to reverse sales declines.
By Julie Littman • April 12, 2024 -
Courtesy of Inspire Brands
Buffalo Wild Wings opens 100th to-go concept, with 600 more planned
This year, the chain expects to reach 150 Buffalo Wild Wings Go units as it sees ongoing interest from new and existing franchisees.
By Julie Littman • April 11, 2024 -
Alex Wong via Getty Images
Senate kills joint employer rule, setting up veto battle
With a presidential veto likely and federal courts considering the rule, the fate of the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer standard is tenuous.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop hires former RBI exec as CEO
Jeff Galletly will oversee operations, store development, franchise expansion and menu innovation as the chain expands in new markets.
By Julie Littman • April 10, 2024 -
Permission granted by Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Krispy Krunchy Chicken expands beyond c-stores, targets 700 openings in 2024
The concept is entering new markets and enhancing its menu after growing by nearly 500 units last year, including 14 locations inside Walmart stores.
By Julie Littman • April 9, 2024 -
Courtesy of Papa Johns
Papa Johns signs new 50-unit franchise deal with The Bajco Group
The Bajco Group currently operates over 200 Papa Johns locations and plans to eventually reach 500 restaurants.
By Julie Littman • April 9, 2024 -
Permission granted by Marco's Pizza
Marco’s Pizza appoints COO as it aggressively franchises
John Meyers previously served as SVP of finance and analytics at the chain and will now oversee departments like technology, supply chain and operations.
By Julie Littman • April 2, 2024 -
Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
Delight Restaurant Group acquires 65 Wendy’s restaurants
The operator, which previously bought about 100 Wendy’s units in 2021, said it would continue to grow with new development and acquisitions.
By Julie Littman • April 2, 2024 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Dine Brands wants to diversify franchising
The parent company of IHOP and Applebee’s is backing an IFA training program set to launch later this year, which intends to narrow the racial wealth gap through franchising.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 28, 2024 -
Courtesy of Rave Restaurant Group
Rave Restaurant Group appoints 6 execs, including new CFO
The company hired Jay Rooney as chief financial officer as it focuses on growing its buffet concept while overall unit count shrinks.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 27, 2024 -
Courtesy of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf opens first drive-thru-only location in CA
The Rialto, California, restaurant is the first of what will likely be several order-ahead units that will target high-traffic markets.
By Julie Littman • March 27, 2024 -
Permission granted by Beyond Juicery + Eatery
Deep DiveHow juice chains are shifting operations to create more profitability
Beyond Juicery and Main Squeeze did in-depth analyses on how franchisees could improve profitability from the cost of goods to construction.
By Julie Littman • March 27, 2024 -
Permission granted by Nekter Juice Bar
Deep DiveWhat’s driving juice chains’ aggressive growth
Brands like Nekter Juice Bar, Main Squeeze Juice and Juice it Up are pushing into new markets and opening stores as demand rises for healthy foods.
By Julie Littman • March 26, 2024 -
Courtesy of Subway
Subway faces $50M suit for sexual abuse at franchisee
The suit claims Subway’s restaurant inspections and other forms of control over operations make it a joint employer with franchisee GRB Investments.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 21, 2024 -
Permission granted by Taco John's
Ex-Auntie Anne’s president joins Taco John’s as CEO
Heather Neary replaces longtime CEO Jim Creel as the taco chain looks to grow within its existing markets and to enter new areas.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 20, 2024 -
Permission granted by Handel's Ice Cream
Handel’s Ice Cream hires former Wetzel’s Pretzels chief as CEO
Jennifer Schuler joins the 130-unit brand after nine years at Wetzel’s, including five years as CEO, as the chain expects to surpass $130 million in systemwide sales this year.
By Julie Littman • March 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of Bojangles
Bojangles secures 20-unit franchise deal in Phoenix
The chicken chain said the deal validates its expansion strategy outside its Southeastern base as it pushes to reach 1,000 stores.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated March 18, 2024 -
"1099 14th Street – National Labor Relations Board" by Geraldshields11 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Texas judge vacates joint employer rule
The rule, which was set to go into effect Monday, would have lowered the bar for joint employer status.
By Emilie Shumway • Updated March 11, 2024 -
Ethan Miller via Getty Images
Taco Bell franchisee sued after manager sexually harassed teen employees
Charter Foods faces two lawsuits from women who were harassed by a convicted sex offender working as their shift supervisor in West Virginia.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 7, 2024
