Earlier this year, Restaurant Brands International set forth a plan to reach 40,000 units by the end of 2028. This expansion clip requires opening 9,000 stores in four years. The majority of this growth — 7,000 units — will come from international development, an area many restaurant chains are embracing to grow revenue, especially as white space is filled in across U.S. markets.
RBI isn’t alone in its global pursuits. Several chains secured aggressive growth agreements across new and existing international countries during the first quarter. Check out six deals below:
Fazoli’s
Number of units: 25
Country: Canada
Franchisee: Briwin Restaurants
The deal with Briwin Restaurants is Fazoli’s first international deal, according to a press release. The 25 units will be developed over 10 years, with the first location expected to open in Alberta, Canada, next year. Briwin is a current Fatburger franchisee. Domestically, Fazoli’s has over 200 locations across 26 states.
Dave & Buster’s
Number of units: Two
Country: Dominican Republic
Franchisee: Grupo Pais
This deal brought Dave & Buster’s international pipeline to 33 units, according to a press release. The chain has focused on international growth and implemented several initiatives to ensure the success of this expansion. It customized its footprint to meet specific market requirements and localized menu items to better meet local consumer tastes. Additionally, the chain is using proprietary dynamic pricing models for flexible pricing, and launched a global marketing program that helps differentiate the brand in the market.
Marco’s Pizza
Number of units: 50
Country: Mexico
Franchisee: Grupo Pizza Amantes SA de CV
The first store as part of this multi-unit deal in Mexico City will open during Q2 2024, with the remaining units to be built over 10 years, according to a press release. This will mark Marco’s Pizza’s debut in Mexico City. The franchisee, which is run by four business partners, is currently looking for both traditional and non-traditional sites across the market.
“Mexico shares several demographic profiles as the United States, and with a business-friendly environment and acceptance of U.S. brands, this is an ideal market for our continued international expansion efforts,” said Gerardo Flores, chief development officer at Marco’s Pizza.
Marco’s currently has over 60 locations across The Bahamas and Puerto Rico and is focusing on international growth this year. The chain is targeting the Latin American market as well as the Middle East, Europe and Canada.
Chuck E. Cheese
Number of units: Undisclosed
Country: Australia
Franchisee: Royale Hospitality Group
The multi-unit agreement with Royale marks Chuck E. Cheese’s first entry into Australia. The company wrote in an email to Restaurant Dive that it is holding off on disclosing additional details and the number of targeted units until leasing agreements are secured. In a press release, the chain said it is targeting further expansion in Asia and Europe. It also has been remodeling locations, enhancing entertainment offerings and expanding its licensing footprint.
Popeyes
Number of units: Undisclosed
Country: Italy
Franchisee: Restaurant Brands Iberia
Popeyes will open its first Italian unit this year as part of its multi-unit deal with master franchise RB Iberia, according to a press release. The companies didn’t say over how many years these units would be developed or the amount of units expected in this new market. This agreement is Popeyes’ latest expansion across Europe, which includes deals in Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Romania, France, Poland and the Czech Republic.
Marble Slab Creamery
Number of units: 40
Country: Canada
Franchisee: Canadian Ice Cream Company
The first unit within this deal will open by the end of the year, with the remaining locations to be developed over the next 10 years, according to a press release. This agreement will grow Marble Slab’s presence in the country from 100 units to 140 units.
