Franchising

  • An image of a Applebee's and IHOP dual-branded restaurant inside an airport
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    Courtesy of Dallas Love Field
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    Dine Brands targets non-traditional spaces for dual-branded concept

    Airports and other 24/7 locations are ideal for the Applebee’s/IHOP restaurants because they offer morning and evening menu items, the company said.

    By • March 6, 2026
  • An image of a worn sign on a window that says "sorry we're closed."
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    Getty Images
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    BBI: 15% of restaurants could close in 2026

    Nine percent of full-service restaurants are at risk of shuttering, while only 4% of limited-service units could close this year, Black Box Intelligence data shows

    By • March 6, 2026
  • An image of a red and white building with Freddy's signage.
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    Permission granted by Freddy's
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    JRI Hospitality buys 43 Freddy’s restaurants

    The chain’s largest franchisee will operate more than one-fifth of its system following the purchase of Kansas-based HCI Hospitality.

    By • March 3, 2026
  • Wooden seats and tables inside a Cava. In the background there is a make line with digital menu boards.
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    Courtesy of Cava
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    Deep Dive

    Why are leading fast casuals primarily company owned?

    Franchising is the primary model for development in fast food, but different market dynamics prevail in fast casual.

    By • March 2, 2026
  • An image of an interior restaurant with a order lane and seating area and orange, blue and white decor
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    Courtesy of Schlotzsky's Deli
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    Schlotzsky’s rebrands, launches new prototype

    The chain’s latest store design features self-order kiosks, a designated pickup area and a smaller footprint to slash operating costs by up to 25%.

    By • March 2, 2026
  • The exterior of a Del Taco with several empty parking lots out front
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    Permission granted by Del Taco
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    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 • Feb. 24, 2026
  • A photogrpah of a beige brick building with a yellow sign with red words that says sonic.
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    M. Suhail via Getty Images
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    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 • Feb. 24, 2026
  • An image of a refreshed Subway.
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    Courtesy of Subway
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    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 • Feb. 20, 2026
  • A promotional image for Wendy's 2-for-$3 breakfast bundles.
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    Courtesy of Wendy's
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    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 • Feb. 13, 2026
  • An image of TGI Fridays signage with red and white stripes
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    Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
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    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 • Feb. 9, 2026
  • A view of a Taco Bell restaurant on February 06, 2025 in Dublin, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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
  • An exterior image of a Pizza Hut with bricks and red signage
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    Courtesy of Yum Brands/Pizza Hut
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    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 • Feb. 4, 2026
  • A daytime photo of a light brown building. It has a black sign that says "Sonny's BBQ Local Pitmasters Since '68"
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    Retrieved from Sonny's BBQ on February 03, 2026
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    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 • Feb. 3, 2026
  • An image of a Subway restaurant in Texas
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    Courtesy of Subway
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    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 • Feb. 2, 2026
  • A close up image of a red sign that says Fatburger
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    Wirestock via Getty Images
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    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 • Updated Jan. 27, 2026
  • An image of a green trailer in front of a Home Depot building. The trailer says "Walhburgers" as well as "burgers, breakfast burritos, shakes ... and more"
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    Permission granted by Wahlburgers
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    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 • Updated Jan. 27, 2026
  • An image of a beige building with a logo that says Mr. Gatti's
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    Permission granted by Mr. Gatti's
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    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 • Jan. 22, 2026
  • Popeyes signage
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    Courtesy of Popeyes
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    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 • Jan. 16, 2026
  • A photograph of a burger, fries and drink on a table with a neon sign of a cowboy in the background.
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    Courtesy of Five Guys
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    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 • Jan. 16, 2026
  • BrakeTime
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    Permission granted by BrakeTime Corner Market
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    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
  • An image of TGI Fridays signage with red and white stripes
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    Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
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    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 • Jan. 12, 2026
  • A sign that says "Since 1956 Jersey Miek's Subs"
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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 • Jan. 12, 2026
  • US Market
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    Retrieved from US Market.
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    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
  • An image of a white building with signage that says "Jollibee Home of the Famous ChickenJoy"
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    hapabapa via Getty Images
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    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 • Jan. 6, 2026
  • An image of various doughnuts from Krispy Kreme behind a bakery counter.
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    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 • Dec. 22, 2025