Franchising
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Permission granted by BurgerFi
BurgerFi’s sales fell 10% in Q1
The chain attributed some of its difficulties to a consumer pullback, but said weather accounted for its exceptionally poor performance.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by Fat Brands/Twin Peaks
Fat Brands files for Twin Peaks IPO
Fat plans to use the proceeds of an IPO to deleverage its balance sheet, which includes over $1 billion in debt taken on in a flurry of recent acquisitions.
By Julie Littman • May 14, 2024 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
McDonald’s to focus on digital marketing with new fund
The fund, which will be paid with existing contributions, will allow the chain to market more effectively to customers within its app.
By Julie Littman • May 10, 2024 -
Permission granted by Potbelly
Potbelly unveils smaller, digital-centric prototype
The 1,800-square-foot design is 500 square feet smaller than a traditional Potbelly store, which CEO Robert Wright said will help lower construction and lease costs.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
Permission granted by Smoothie King
Smoothie King hires Yum Brands exec as CFO
Gavin Felder, who most recently served as chief strategy officer at Yum Brands, joins the chain as it continues an aggressive growth push with positive same-store sales momentum.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
Rex_Wholster via Getty Images
NLRB appeals joint employer ruling to 5th Circuit
A federal judge vacated the Board’s joint employer final rule in March, holding that it was “contrary to law” and “arbitrary and capricious.”
By Ryan Golden • May 7, 2024 -
Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco’s new CEO unveils 5-part operations overhaul
From digital investments to incentivizing franchisees to bolster growth, Liz Williams laid out a path she expects will drive sales while decreasing costs.
By Julie Littman • May 6, 2024 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
Biden vetoes bill against joint employer rule
The president scotched Congressional efforts to block a broadened definition of joint employment, though court decisions may yet kill the rule.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 3, 2024 -
Courtesy of Wingstop
Wingstop accelerates growth trajectory amid record-breaking Q1
The company, which now expects to open up to 25 more net new units than initially planned, reported 21.6% same-store sales growth.
By Julie Littman • May 1, 2024 -
Don Wu via Getty Images
Yum’s digital sales mix tops 50% systemwide
Following several quarters of kiosk and e-commerce deployment, digital is on track to generate $30 billion in annualized sales.
By Julie Littman • May 1, 2024 -
Permission granted by Clean Juice
Brix Holdings to buy Clean Juice
The Christian juice chain, which lost dozens of franchise locations over changes to its business model, sold itself for undisclosed terms.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 29, 2024 -
Courtesy of Sticky's
Chicken tender chain Sticky’s Finger Joint files for Chapter 11
Low foot traffic in Manhattan, exacerbated by high prices for chicken and potatoes, left 12-unit Sticky’s in a weak position.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 26, 2024 -
Andrew Burton via Getty Images
Flynn Group buys 26 Applebee’s units, will build 25 more
Applebee’s is trying to turn around sliding sales and a shrinking footprint through franchising initiatives and traffic-oriented marketing moves.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 23, 2024 -
Permission granted by Papa Johns
Papa Johns franchisees accelerating growth this year in light of incentives
Operators who open new units in 2024 don’t have to pay a national ad contribution for five years, which could save $330,000 in development costs, per a BTIG report.
By Julie Littman • April 22, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese
6 restaurants that plotted international growth during Q1
Chains like Fazoli’s, Marco’s Pizza and Chuck E. Cheese secured deals to enter new countries as part of ongoing global expansion plans.
By Julie Littman • April 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of Little Caesars
Little Caesars signs multi-unit deals in 7 states
The chain returned to net unit growth in 2023 and is looking to build on that momentum this year in markets including California, Tennessee and Texas.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 17, 2024 -
Courtesy of Bojangles
Bojangles to enter Los Angeles market in 2025
California’s recent wage hike hasn’t stopped the chicken chain from committing to open 30 units in the Golden State, continuing its national expansion.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 16, 2024 -
Halfpoint via Getty Images
Q&AAsk an expert: How can brands protect struggling franchisees from bankruptcy?
A bad franchisee can do “irreparable harm” to its parent chain, but early intervention can help avoid sales shortfalls and covenant defaults, said Chris Desiderio of Nixon Peabody.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company bets menu innovation will help drive traffic
As part of a five-point overhaul plan, the chain will use digital capabilities, expanded catering and improved operations to reverse sales declines.
By Julie Littman • April 12, 2024 -
Courtesy of Inspire Brands
Buffalo Wild Wings opens 100th to-go concept, with 600 more planned
This year, the chain expects to reach 150 Buffalo Wild Wings Go units as it sees ongoing interest from new and existing franchisees.
By Julie Littman • April 11, 2024 -
Alex Wong via Getty Images
Senate kills joint employer rule, setting up veto battle
With a presidential veto likely and federal courts considering the rule, the fate of the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer standard is tenuous.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop hires former RBI exec as CEO
Jeff Galletly will oversee operations, store development, franchise expansion and menu innovation as the chain expands in new markets.
By Julie Littman • April 10, 2024 -
Permission granted by Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Krispy Krunchy Chicken expands beyond c-stores, targets 700 openings in 2024
The concept is entering new markets and enhancing its menu after growing by nearly 500 units last year, including 14 locations inside Walmart stores.
By Julie Littman • April 9, 2024 -
Courtesy of Papa Johns
Papa Johns signs new 50-unit franchise deal with The Bajco Group
The Bajco Group currently operates over 200 Papa Johns locations and plans to eventually reach 500 restaurants.
By Julie Littman • April 9, 2024 -
Permission granted by Marco's Pizza
Marco’s Pizza appoints COO as it aggressively franchises
John Meyers previously served as SVP of finance and analytics at the chain and will now oversee departments like technology, supply chain and operations.
By Julie Littman • April 2, 2024
