A large Subway operator declares bankruptcy

MTF Enterprises, which operates 43 units, alleges that Merchant Cash Advance lenders improperly interfered with its revenue, leading it to file for Chapter 11. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2026

Fat Brands files for Chapter 11

This move comes months after creditors pushed for it to pay $1.3 billion in debt, and marks the first major restaurant franchisor bankruptcy of 2026.  

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 27, 2026

Wahlburgers plots expansion at Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops

The burger chain is building units in airports, retailers and hotels this year, which will help it rebound after Hy-Vee ended its partnership last year.

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 27, 2026

Mr. Gatti’s sold to franchisee

OneRyan Global, an investment firm that operates two Mr. Gatti’s units, will lead the company into its next phase of growth, including new units in Walmart and c-stores.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 22, 2026

Large Popeyes franchisee files for Chapter 11

Sailormen, which operates 136 units across Florida and Georgia, faced growing losses and sales declines within the past 12 months amid high inflation and increased borrowing rates.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2026

Five Guys opens Las Vegas restaurant with full bar

The 10,000-square-foot location offers all-day breakfast and a beverage menu that includes beer, wine, frozen cocktails and specialty alcoholic drinks.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2026

BrakeTime inks franchise agreement with Burger King

The rollout will begin in Illinois and Texas, according to Vice President of Food, Dispensed Beverage and QSR Rene Da Costa.

By Brett Dworski • Jan. 15, 2026

TGI Fridays targets 1K units, $2B revenue by 2030

The once-bankrupt chain will focus on global growth, improving franchisee profitability and boosting the guest experience as part of a new strategic vision.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2026

Jersey Mike’s to open 400 units across UK, Ireland

The first restaurant will open in 2026, marking the sandwich chain's European debut.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2026

US Market launches partnership with Cinnabon

The first baked goods shop debuted at a c-store in Salem, Oregon, late last year.

By Brett Dworski • Updated Jan. 9, 2026

Why Jollibee is planning a US IPO for its international business

The company will maintain its Philippine operations and stock listing, but will create a separate public company to oversee its global footprint.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 6, 2026

Why Krispy Kreme’s Japan sale deal is key to its turnaround plan

The $65 million transaction is the latest in a series of asset sales by the doughnut brand meant to shave down over $900 million in long-term debt.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 22, 2025

China’s popular Mixue boba shop launches in US

The brand, which offers low-priced boba tea drinks, opened its first U.S. location in Los Angeles and plans to open more in New York shortly.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2025

Potbelly focuses on growth under RaceTrac

Putting a Potbelly in every RaceTrac location isn’t on the agenda, but c-store adjacent locations could become part of the sandwich chain’s expansion plans.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2025

Perkins names new brand president

Matt Carpenter brings decades of restaurant experience from both sides of the franchisee-franchisor divide, and could help Perkins modernize and expand. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 16, 2025

Doherty adds Qdoba to portfolio, plans 27-unit development

The agreement with Doherty is part of a spate of agreements by Qdoba that will result in 90 new restaurants across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 15, 2025

DoorDash, Uber Eats sue NYC over tip prompt rules

The delivery aggregators allege that New York City’s requirement that they ask consumers to tip drivers before checkout abridges their freedom of speech. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 12, 2025

Dickey’s discounting strategy is burning profits, franchisees say

Marketing tactics like free sandwich cards, frequent loyalty perks and catering discounts made the brand the Bed Bath & Beyond of barbecue, operators say.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 11, 2025

Inspire Brands announces 5 executive shifts

The restaurant giant is strengthening the leadership of its brands, especially Buffalo Wild Wings Go, its rapidly growing fast casual spin-off.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 11, 2025

Pieology files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after turnaround fails

The fast casual pizza chain said it had a plan to revive dozens of underperforming stores, but investors backed out.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 10, 2025

McDonald’s updates franchising standards over value

The chain will begin assessing pricing decisions by its operators in January to ensure that the system continues to provide the ideal customer experience. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 9, 2025

Texas-based burger chain opens first c-store-adjacent site

Mooyah expects its Michigan location to be the first of many to run alongside gas stations.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 8, 2025

Chick-fil-A shifts away from licensed non-traditional model

The chain will move most of its roughly 400 licensed locations to an owner-operator model, allowing guests to access its app and loyalty program.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 4, 2025

GoTo Foods CEO steps down

Jim Holthouser led the multi-brand platform through a series of changes that aimed to position it as a franchisor of choice within the restaurant industry.

By Julie Littman , Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 1, 2025

Toastique to open first Arizona location next month

The fast casual brand is the latest restaurant chain to enter this part of the Sun Belt, indicating confidence in the region’s growth despite macro headwinds.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 21, 2025