Wetzel’s Pretzels gears up to open streetside concept

The first Twisted by Wetzel’s unit, expected to open in Southern California this spring, will offer menu items targeting younger demographics.

By Julie Littman • April 12, 2023

District Taco aims to reach 80 units by 2027

The chain’s expansion plans, which include the opening of 10 to15 units a year, will be primarily focused in Florida.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 12, 2023

KFC franchisee launches texting engagement program

KBP Brands, which operates 847 KFC restaurants, deployed an SMS-based customer engagement tool to strengthen its regional marketing efforts.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 11, 2023

Wienerschnitzel targets 500 units after years of flat growth

By offering sizable incentives and highlighting a simple menu and operations, Wienerschnitzel hopes to resume franchise expansion.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 10, 2023

Why a Focus Brands franchisee is betting on cobranding

Trifecta Restaurant Group, which opened an Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon unit in December, reported triple its expected sales volume in its first month.

By Julie Littman • April 10, 2023

How Tijuana Flats is using franchise incentives to speed expansion

CEO Joe Christina has shifted the chain’s focus from single-unit operators to multi-unit franchisees as it plots 50 openings in 3 years across the Southeast.

By Julie Littman • April 7, 2023

Bankrupt Burger King franchisee sold for $33M to 4 buyers

Toms King, a 90-unit Burger King franchisee that filed for Chapter 11 protection in January, managed to sell the bulk of its stores at a Delaware auction.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 5, 2023

Burger King franchisee bankruptcies may signal more QSR trouble

The bankruptcy of two major Burger King operators laid bare the problems facing franchisees. But at Burger King, the worst may be over.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 31, 2023

Jinya Ramen Bar to grow from 52 units to 200-plus in 10 years

The Asian food chain opened eight restaurants last year and aims to add 25 locations annually.

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023

Main Squeeze Juice Co. acquires I Love Juice Bar

The deal will almost double Main Squeeze’s unit count of 28 stores and give it a strong presence in Texas and Tennessee. 

By Julie Littman • March 28, 2023

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