Franchising
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Courtesy of Wendy's
Flynn Group buys 32 more Wendy’s
The large multi-unit operator now owns about 5% of Wendy’s U.S. store system, plus its Australian and New Zealand master franchises.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 21, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Jack in the Box sales continue to lag, but unit count grows
Comparable sales headwinds haven’t slowed Jack in the Box’s growth, with the brand opening more stores than it closed for the second year in a row.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 21, 2024 -
Permission granted by Perkins
Perkins signs 10-unit agreement for fast casual concept
In its largest deal since the concept was introduced in September, Griddle & Go will open in New Jersey in October 2025.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 21, 2024 -
Retrieved from Fresh Brothers on November 18, 2024
Craveworthy buys emerging pizza brand
The multi-brand platform has been on an acquisition spree in 2024, buying Sigri Indian BBQ and Untamed Brands, among others.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 19, 2024 -
Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
McDonald’s invests $100M to help franchisees recover from E. coli outbreak
About $35 million will go toward marketing programs that will help drive traffic and rebuild consumer trust.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2024 -
Permission granted by Grubbrr/Bojangles
Bojangles to install ordering kiosks across its system
The chicken chain said its pilot of the Grubbrr technology had high adoption rates and helped increase throughput.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by Huddle House
Huddle House signs its biggest franchise deal yet
The franchising agreement will add a significant number of units to Huddle House’s system, which has seen store counts decline in recent years.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Salata
How Salata plans to triple its store count
With roughly 100 stores, the salad chain is looking to fill in existing markets, develop its franchisee base and set itself apart from other fast casual brands.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 14, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Jack in the Box hires Lance Tucker as CFO again
Tucker rejoins the brand as it eyes significant franchising growth but faces comparable sales headwinds.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 14, 2024 -
Courtesy of Subway
Subway’s newest design focuses on improving the dining room experience
During concept testing, guests said the Fresh Forward 2.0 image, which includes warmer wood tones and improved lighting, increased their chances of eating inside a Subway.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 14, 2024 -
Courtesy of Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux signs first franchise deal to build smaller restaurants
Operator Port Royal Brands will develop 20 units in Georgia and Tennessee using a prototype that will be half the size of Walk-On’s traditional restaurants.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 12, 2024 -
Courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen signs first US franchise deal under new strategy
Pizza brands have struggled broadly, including CPK, but the chain is betting on multi-unit operators to change its fortunes.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Potbelly
Potbelly signs 15-store Georgia deal
The sandwich brand’s latest move will expand its presence in the Southeast as it targets a nationwide goal of 2,000 units.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Walk-On's
Walk-On’s to open first corporate stores since 2016
The chain will open multiple corporate-owned locations next year that feature a new interior and exterior in addition to updated kitchen equipment.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 7, 2024 -
Courtesy of Dine Brands
Dine Brands wants to open a dozen IHOP-Applebee’s units in the US next year
While the eye-catching new units promise greater profits, they can’t solve the sales pressure that both brands currently face.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 6, 2024 -
Courtesy of Culver's
EEOC alleges Culver’s operators fired a transgender worker who complained about deadnaming
Four workers, including the transgender worker who was the subject of the harassment, were fired a day after reporting the behavior to the general manager, EEOC alleged.
By Ginger Christ • Nov. 4, 2024 -
Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco ramps up remodel efforts with low-cost design
A new prototype, which includes furniture upgrades and energy-efficient hoods and HVAC, will help reduce buildout costs from $2.2 million to $1.8 million.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 4, 2024 -
Permission granted by Chipotle
Fast casual chains steam ahead with expansion as other sectors pull back
Shake Shack, Chipotle and Wingstop are on track to open over 700 units combined this year, while targeting strong sales growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne , Julie Littman • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Permission granted by Perkins
Perkins to open fast casual stores in Texas debut
Griddle & Go will serve as the casual chain’s entry to the Lone Star state as it expands into major U.S. markets.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 30, 2024 -
Roman Tiraspolsky via Getty Images
TGI Fridays has closed 60 stores since September
The casual dining chain, which may be considering bankruptcy after a failed merger, has closed roughly 100 stores since January.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 28, 2024 -
Permission granted by Qdoba
Qdoba hires Applebee’s exec as COO
Kevin Carroll has over 30 years of restaurant experience and most recently served as COO at Applebee's overseeing 1,600 units.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 24, 2024 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Pizza Hut franchisee to settle delivery drivers’ FLSA dispute for $4.75M
The drivers alleged their actual payment fell below minimum wage due to unreimbursed gas costs, vehicle upkeep and more.
By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 23, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Denny’s to shutter 150 underperforming stores
An extensive review of all the chain’s restaurants revealed 265 locations never fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 23, 2024 -
Courtesy of Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop names new president, COO
The Dine Brand chain promoted Patrick Kirk to the dual role of president and CMO and hired Marshall Claycamp from sister brand IHOP as its COO.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 21, 2024 -
Retrieved from Qargo Coffee on October 17, 2024
FTC issues $1.3M judgment over coffee chain’s violations of the Franchise Rule
The Federal Trade Commission alleged Qargo Coffee failed to disclose a founder’s history with defunct Burgerim in addition to details involving a past bankruptcy.
By Julie Littman • Updated Oct. 18, 2024
