Franchising
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Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux signs first franchise deal to build smaller restaurants
Operator Port Royal Brands will develop 20 units in Georgia and Tennessee using a prototype that will be half the size of Walk-On’s traditional restaurants.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 12, 2024 -
California Pizza Kitchen signs first US franchise deal under new strategy
Pizza brands have struggled broadly, including CPK, but the chain is betting on multi-unit operators to change its fortunes.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 11, 2024 -
Potbelly signs 15-store Georgia deal
The sandwich brand’s latest move will expand its presence in the Southeast as it targets a nationwide goal of 2,000 units.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 11, 2024 -
Walk-On’s to open first corporate stores since 2016
The chain will open multiple corporate-owned locations next year that feature a new interior and exterior in addition to updated kitchen equipment.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 7, 2024 -
Dine Brands wants to open a dozen IHOP-Applebee’s units in the US next year
While the eye-catching new units promise greater profits, they can’t solve the sales pressure that both brands currently face.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 6, 2024 -
EEOC alleges Culver’s operators fired a transgender worker who complained about deadnaming
Four workers, including the transgender worker who was the subject of the harassment, were fired a day after reporting the behavior to the general manager, EEOC alleged.
By Ginger Christ • Nov. 4, 2024 -
El Pollo Loco ramps up remodel efforts with low-cost design
A new prototype, which includes furniture upgrades and energy-efficient hoods and HVAC, will help reduce buildout costs from $2.2 million to $1.8 million.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 4, 2024 -
Fast casual chains steam ahead with expansion as other sectors pull back
Shake Shack, Chipotle and Wingstop are on track to open over 700 units combined this year, while targeting strong sales growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne , Julie Littman • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Perkins to open fast casual stores in Texas debut
Griddle & Go will serve as the casual chain’s entry to the Lone Star state as it expands into major U.S. markets.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 30, 2024 -
TGI Fridays has closed 60 stores since September
The casual dining chain, which may be considering bankruptcy after a failed merger, has closed roughly 100 stores since January.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 28, 2024 -
Qdoba hires Applebee’s exec as COO
Kevin Carroll has over 30 years of restaurant experience and most recently served as COO at Applebee's overseeing 1,600 units.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 24, 2024 -
Pizza Hut franchisee to settle delivery drivers’ FLSA dispute for $4.75M
The drivers alleged their actual payment fell below minimum wage due to unreimbursed gas costs, vehicle upkeep and more.
By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 23, 2024 -
Denny’s to shutter 150 underperforming stores
An extensive review of all the chain’s restaurants revealed 265 locations never fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 23, 2024 -
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop names new president, COO
The Dine Brand chain promoted Patrick Kirk to the dual role of president and CMO and hired Marshall Claycamp from sister brand IHOP as its COO.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 21, 2024 -
FTC issues $1.3M judgment over coffee chain’s violations of the Franchise Rule
The Federal Trade Commission alleged Qargo Coffee failed to disclose a founder’s history with defunct Burgerim in addition to details involving a past bankruptcy.
By Julie Littman • Updated Oct. 18, 2024 -
Dickey’s franchisees sue company over inflated financial projections
Franchisees from Idaho and Ohio say that buildout costs were higher and sales lower than what the barbecue chain initially stated.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 18, 2024 -
Chick-fil-A to open first Singapore restaurant, enter Asia in 2025
The chicken chain will invest $75 million over 10 years to support its expansion within Singapore, which will provide a gateway into the rest of the continent.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 17, 2024 -
Dog Haus signs 25-unit franchise deal with boxer Jake Paul
The controversial YouTuber will join the company’s board and bring his star power to the brand as it looks to juice sales.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 17, 2024 -
Smoothie King boasts most quarterly openings in 6 years
The company opened its first units in Delaware and New Hampshire last quarter and is significantly expanding its presence in Colorado.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 17, 2024 -
Togo’s appoints CFO to CEO position
Matt Dowling, who has been CFO for three years, will continue in that role while also taking on the top executive position.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 16, 2024 -
Chicken Salad Chick signs 5 franchise agreements across the Midwest
The flurry of franchise deals will strengthen the chain’s presence in Chicago and bring it to new markets like Cleveland and Kansas City, Missouri.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 14, 2024 -
Zaxbys is coming to Maryland
The chicken brand has signed a three-unit franchising deal covering the state’s Eastern Shore.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 11, 2024 -
Fazoli’s returns to Utah with 5-store deal
Fat Brands, which acquired Fazoli's in 2021, is focused on bringing the Italian QSR back to markets it once left.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 11, 2024 -
‘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