Franchising: Page 11

  • An image of a California Pizza Kitchen restaurant.
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    Courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen
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    California Pizza Kitchen turns to refranchising to drive growth

    The chain, which launched domestic franchising in 2021, plans to sell corporate-owned units in select U.S. markets to multi-unit operators.

    By • April 24, 2023
  • An image of Layne's Chicken Fingers' first drive-thru-only location in Houston.
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    Permission granted by Layne's Chicken Fingers
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    How Layne’s Chicken Fingers plans to grow to 50 units by 2027

    The 10-unit chicken chain, which began aggressively selling restaurants last year, wants to expand within its home state of Texas and enter new markets. 

    By • April 21, 2023
  • An image of a white building with red stripes and KFC branding.
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    Moses Robinson via Getty Images
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    Yum completes exit of Russia with sale of KFC units

    The sale to local operator Smart Service includes all 1,112 Russian KFC units and the trademark for the Rostik’s brand, which KFC bought in 2011. 

    By • April 18, 2023
  • The exterior of a Hooter restaurant
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    Courtesy of Hooters Press Kit
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    Hooters franchisee settles DOJ claim that it refused worker’s I-9 documentation

    The company must pay a penalty, provide back pay and train staff on the law’s requirements.

    By Carolyn Crist • April 17, 2023
  • Subway's reimagined interiors put in place in 2021 as part of its Eat Fresh Refresh.
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    Permission granted by Subway
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    Subway transfers 230 restaurants to 5 multi-unit owners

    One of the deals includes an existing operator, which acquired 100 restaurants, expanding its Subway portfolio to 140-plus units. 

    By • April 17, 2023
  • A picture of Burger King signs.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Carrols Restaurant Group hires Toys ‘R’ Us vet as CEO

    Deborah Derby, who has served on the board at the Burger King and Popeyes franchisee since 2018, becomes the company’s top executive a few months after former CEO Paulo Pena died unexpectedly. 

    By • April 13, 2023
  • An image of sweet Wetzel's Pretzels bitz served at Twisted by Wetzel's
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    Permission granted by Wetzel's Pretzels
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    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 • April 12, 2023
  • A building with a white exterior and branding for District Taco
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    Permission granted by District Taco
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    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 • April 12, 2023
  • An image of a white building with red stripes and KFC branding.
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    Moses Robinson via Getty Images
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    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 • April 11, 2023
  • A photograph of a Wienerschnitzel building
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    Courtesy of Wienerschnitzel
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    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 • April 10, 2023
  • Jamba Auntie Anne's drive-thru
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    Retrieved from Focus Brands on May 17, 2021
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    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 • April 10, 2023
  • An image of Tijuana Flats
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    Permission granted by Tijuana Flats
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    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 • April 7, 2023
  • A picture of Burger King signs.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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 • April 5, 2023
  • Burger King gets a fresh look
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    Courtesy of Burger King
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    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 • March 31, 2023
  • A photo of the inside of Jinya Ramen Bar
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    Permission granted by Jinya Ramen Bar
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    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 • March 29, 2023
  • An image of menu items from I Love Juice Bar
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    Retrieved from I Love Juice Bar on March 28, 2023
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    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 • March 28, 2023
  • An image of Pretzel Bites and a lemonade from Pretzelmaker
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    Retrieved from Pretzelmaker on March 21, 2023
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    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 • March 21, 2023
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    Drew Angerer / Staff via Getty Images
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    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 • March 21, 2023
  • A photograph of a First Watch restaurant
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    Permission granted by First Watch
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    Deep Dive

    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 • March 21, 2023
  • A remodeled McDonald's.
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    garett_mosher via Getty Images
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    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 • March 20, 2023
  • An image of Crisp & Green
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    Courtesy of Crisp & Green
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    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 • March 17, 2023
  • Popeyes unveils new brand identity, pilots store redesign
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    Courtesy of Popeyes
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    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 • March 16, 2023
  • An image of a building with Hawaiian Bros branding
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    Permission granted by Hawaiian Bros
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    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 • Updated March 15, 2023
  • A photograph of a Potbelly sandwich shop sign.
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    Andrew Burton via Getty Images
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    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 • March 13, 2023
  • The interior of Dave's Hot Chicken in the old Tivoli theater in Washington, D.C.
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    Permission granted by Dave's Hot Chicken
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    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 • March 10, 2023