Pretzelmaker opens first drive-thru

The Mason City, Iowa unit will include the chain’s Fresh Twist brand menu, which launched in 2018 to meet demand for breakfast and late-night options. 

By Julie Littman • March 21, 2023

Survey: 66% of franchisees feel optimistic about business

Changing consumer preferences may push franchisees to invest in store remodels and digital ordering and delivery systems, TD Bank found in a survey.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 21, 2023

Rise and shine: Why breakfast chains are booming

Early bird foot traffic from remote and hybrid workers is boosting same-store sales growth at A.M. eateries, fueling sizable expansion pipelines.

By Julie Littman • March 21, 2023

McDonald’s franchisee declares bankruptcy following rape lawsuit

Rice Enterprises filed for Chapter 11 protections over a year after it was sued over an alleged rape of a 14-year-old employee by a manager. 

By Julie Littman • March 20, 2023

Steele Brands’ 250-unit pipeline will take it nationwide

After consumer interest in health food boomed following the COVID-19 pandemic, the holding company accelerated franchising of its Crisp & Green concept, which will soon operate in 25 states.

By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023

Popeyes franchisee files for bankruptcy following founder’s death

Premier Cajun Kings marks the third franchisee within the Restaurant Brands International’s system to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this year.

By Julie Littman • March 16, 2023

Hawaiian Bros signs first multi-unit franchise deal for 75 units

The roughly 30-unit fast casual chain will more than double its unit count in a deal with Stine Enterprises to open restaurants in Arizona and North Texas.

By Julie Littman • Updated March 15, 2023

Potbelly secures first refranchising agreement

The deal with United One Group, which includes eight refranchised units, will add another 13 new restaurants to New York City by 2031.

By Julie Littman • March 13, 2023

How Dave’s Hot Chicken grew from 2 units to 118 in just 3 years

The chicken brand’s meteoric rise is driven by a national supply chain deal, an emphasis on recruiting highly experienced operators and strong word of mouth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 10, 2023

Second major Burger King franchisee declares bankruptcy

Meridian Restaurants Unlimited, which operates over 115 Burger Kings in nine states, cited rising costs and decreased foot traffic as the main drivers of profitability and cash flow trouble.

By Julie Littman • March 9, 2023

How Applebee’s new president plans to revive franchisee development

With high costs hurting potential ROI on new builds, Tony Moralejo wants to save with a new kitchen prototype and franchisee incentives.

By Julie Littman • March 7, 2023

Restaurant unit counts up 18K compared to 2020

Despite the growth noted by NPD Group, only about one-third of QSRs and fast casual operators are likely to open new units this year, NRA research finds. 

By Julie Littman • March 6, 2023

Wendy’s offers franchisees reduced royalty rate, slashes fees on new restaurants

The Pacesetter program, which waives a $50,000 technical assistance fee and offers discounts on royalty and marketing contributions, will shorten the amount of time it takes operators to make back their investments.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 3, 2023

Bonchon to double US presence within 5 years

The Korean fried chicken chain, which has over 120 domestic units, has a pipeline of 100 units. 

By Julie Littman • March 3, 2023

How Wetzel’s Pretzels built a pipeline to reach 400 units this year

CEO Jennifer Schuler discusses the chain’s strategy of opening units inside c-stores and large retailers like Walmart and Macy’s.

By Julie Littman • March 1, 2023

Tijuana Flats halves franchise fee, targets 50 openings by 2025

The Tex-Mex chain will offer royalty fees starting at 1% that ramp up in subsequent years as it seeks multi-unit operators and growth in the Southeast. 

By Julie Littman • March 1, 2023

Chicken Salad Chick targets 35 openings in 2023

The fast casual chain, which reported a 20% jump in systemwide sales, saw a 10% increase in unit count last year. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 28, 2023

Twin Peaks hires VP to support franchise development

Ray Bodnar, formerly of Captain D’s and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, will oversee franchising efforts as Twin Peaks looks to boost U.S. and international growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 27, 2023

Little Caesars signs 10-unit NYC franchise deal

The pizza chain is seeking multi-unit operators as it targets growth in the New York City area over the next few years. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 24, 2023

Rush Bowls to triple store count with 100-unit pipeline

The healthy food brand, which has over 30 locations, will focus on organic growth and expansion within its existing markets. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 24, 2023

CA bill would establish joint franchisor-franchisee liability for QSRs

AB 1228 reopens the legislative fight between fast food groups and organized labor as both prepare for a protracted referendum campaign. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 22, 2023

How Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe grew from a craving to an expanding chain

Co-founders Allison and Ivan Chavez aim to scale the restaurant company from 12 to 100 U.S. locations by 2031.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 17, 2023

Burger King is fighting to boost sales, restaurant margins

The chain says its $400 million Reclaim The Flame brand overhaul is improving sales and profits despite franchisee difficulties.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 15, 2023

Taco Cabana promotes COO to president, looks to relaunch franchising

Ulyses Camacho, who has worked at the chain for 15 years, will oversee all aspects of its operations and retain his COO responsibilities.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 10, 2023

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice plans to triple its units through franchising

After hitting 100 units in 2022, the company will open 45 stores this year as it aims to reach 300 locations.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2023