Franchising: Page 14

  • A photograph of a First Watch restaurant
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    Deep Dive

    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 • March 21, 2023
  • A remodeled McDonald's.
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    garett_mosher via Getty Images
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    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 • March 20, 2023
  • An image of Crisp & Green
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    Courtesy of Crisp & Green
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    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 • March 17, 2023
  • Popeyes unveils new brand identity, pilots store redesign
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    Courtesy of Popeyes
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    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 • March 16, 2023
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    Permission granted by Hawaiian Bros
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    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 • Updated March 15, 2023
  • A photograph of a Potbelly sandwich shop sign.
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    Andrew Burton via Getty Images
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    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 • March 13, 2023
  • The interior of Dave's Hot Chicken in the old Tivoli theater in Washington, D.C.
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    Permission granted by Dave's Hot Chicken
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    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 • March 10, 2023
  • A round sign with the words Burger King on it.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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 • March 9, 2023
  • A photograph of an Applebee's sign.
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    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 • March 7, 2023
  • A photograph of a cafe operator holding up an open sign.
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    FatCamera via Getty Images
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    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 • March 6, 2023
  • Wendy's
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    Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
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    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 • March 3, 2023
  • A photograph of the outside of a Bonchon restaurant.
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    Permission granted by Bonchon
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    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 • March 3, 2023
  • An image of a Wetzel's Pretzels inside a convenience store.
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    Permission granted by Wetzel's Pretzels
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    Q&A

    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 • March 1, 2023
  • A photo of a front counter at Tijuana Flats.
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    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 • March 1, 2023
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    Chicken Salad Chick
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    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 • Feb. 28, 2023
  • A picture of Ray Bodnar, the new VP of Franchise Sales and Development at Twin Peaks.
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    Courtesy of Twin Peaks
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    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 • Feb. 27, 2023
  • An image of a countertop at Little Caesars
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    Permission granted by Little Caesars
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    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 • Feb. 24, 2023
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    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 • Feb. 24, 2023
  • Christ Holden, a leader of the California Legislature's Black caucus, speaks at an event regarding the introduction of a prison reform bill.
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    Courtesy of California Assembly District 41
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    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 • Feb. 22, 2023
  • A photo of Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe.
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    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 • Feb. 17, 2023
  • Burger King gets a fresh look
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    Courtesy of Burger King
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    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 • Feb. 15, 2023
  • A photo of Ulyses Camacho smiling in front of a Taco Cabana restaurant.
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    Courtesy of Taco Cabana
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    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 • Feb. 10, 2023
  • A photo of a Jeremiah's Italian Ice restaurant.
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    Permission granted by Jeremiah's Italian Ice
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    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 • Feb. 10, 2023
  • A photograph of the outside of a Shuckin' Shack
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    Permission granted by Shuckin' Shack
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    Franchise spotlight: How Shuckin’ Shack grew from a dive bar to a budding chain

    By focusing on secondary markets, the full-service oyster bar has built a loyal customer base and strong same-store sales growth.

    By • Feb. 2, 2023
  • Subway restaurant connected to a Pilot convenience store in Pennsylvania
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    Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
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    Subway’s North American same-store sales rise nearly 8%

    Subway’s efforts to improve its brand positioning and franchising system may be paying off, but it’s unclear what role inflation played in sales growth.

    By • Feb. 2, 2023