Second major Burger King franchisee declares bankruptcy

Meridian Restaurants Unlimited, which operates over 115 Burger Kings in nine states, cited rising costs and decreased foot traffic as the main drivers of profitability and cash flow trouble.

By Julie Littman • March 9, 2023

How Applebee’s new president plans to revive franchisee development

With high costs hurting potential ROI on new builds, Tony Moralejo wants to save with a new kitchen prototype and franchisee incentives.

By Julie Littman • March 7, 2023

Restaurant unit counts up 18K compared to 2020

Despite the growth noted by NPD Group, only about one-third of QSRs and fast casual operators are likely to open new units this year, NRA research finds. 

By Julie Littman • March 6, 2023

Wendy’s offers franchisees reduced royalty rate, slashes fees on new restaurants

The Pacesetter program, which waives a $50,000 technical assistance fee and offers discounts on royalty and marketing contributions, will shorten the amount of time it takes operators to make back their investments.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 3, 2023

Bonchon to double US presence within 5 years

The Korean fried chicken chain, which has over 120 domestic units, has a pipeline of 100 units. 

By Julie Littman • March 3, 2023

How Wetzel’s Pretzels built a pipeline to reach 400 units this year

CEO Jennifer Schuler discusses the chain’s strategy of opening units inside c-stores and large retailers like Walmart and Macy’s.

By Julie Littman • March 1, 2023

Tijuana Flats halves franchise fee, targets 50 openings by 2025

The Tex-Mex chain will offer royalty fees starting at 1% that ramp up in subsequent years as it seeks multi-unit operators and growth in the Southeast. 

By Julie Littman • March 1, 2023

Chicken Salad Chick targets 35 openings in 2023

The fast casual chain, which reported a 20% jump in systemwide sales, saw a 10% increase in unit count last year. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 28, 2023

Twin Peaks hires VP to support franchise development

Ray Bodnar, formerly of Captain D’s and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, will oversee franchising efforts as Twin Peaks looks to boost U.S. and international growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 27, 2023

Little Caesars signs 10-unit NYC franchise deal

The pizza chain is seeking multi-unit operators as it targets growth in the New York City area over the next few years. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 24, 2023

Rush Bowls to triple store count with 100-unit pipeline

The healthy food brand, which has over 30 locations, will focus on organic growth and expansion within its existing markets. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 24, 2023

CA bill would establish joint franchisor-franchisee liability for QSRs

AB 1228 reopens the legislative fight between fast food groups and organized labor as both prepare for a protracted referendum campaign. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 22, 2023

How Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe grew from a craving to an expanding chain

Co-founders Allison and Ivan Chavez aim to scale the restaurant company from 12 to 100 U.S. locations by 2031.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 17, 2023

Burger King is fighting to boost sales, restaurant margins

The chain says its $400 million Reclaim The Flame brand overhaul is improving sales and profits despite franchisee difficulties.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 15, 2023

Taco Cabana promotes COO to president, looks to relaunch franchising

Ulyses Camacho, who has worked at the chain for 15 years, will oversee all aspects of its operations and retain his COO responsibilities.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 10, 2023

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice plans to triple its units through franchising

After hitting 100 units in 2022, the company will open 45 stores this year as it aims to reach 300 locations.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2023

Franchise spotlight: How Shuckin’ Shack grew from a dive bar to a budding chain

By focusing on secondary markets, the full-service oyster bar has built a loyal customer base and strong same-store sales growth.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 2, 2023

Subway’s North American same-store sales rise nearly 8%

Subway’s efforts to improve its brand positioning and franchising system may be paying off, but it’s unclear what role inflation played in sales growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2023

Crisp & Green signs its largest franchise deal yet for 40 units

The Minnesota-based fast casual chain expects to open 50 locations in 15 states by the end of the year. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 1, 2023

While chains seek multi-unit franchisees, small operators have room to grow in 2023

Franchisees will continue to push franchisors to boost store-level profitability as many brace for high development and operating costs.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 30, 2023

Sprinkles bakes up plan to sign 100 franchised units

The cupcake chain opened its first franchised unit at the end of 2022 and is eying extensive domestic and international growth.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 24, 2023

Franchise spotlight: Teriyaki Madness to double openings in 2023

The Asian chain is signing leases faster than ever and is on a trajectory to reach 500 units within the next few years.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 18, 2023

Wienerschnitzel launches franchisee incentive program

The QSR is reducing royalties and offering marketing funding to entice new operators to grow the chain in markets including the South and Midwest.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 17, 2023

Franchise spotlight: Toppers Pizza expects to surpass 100 units in 3 years

A tenured executive team, long-term franchisees and a strong support system are helping the 70-unit pizza chain expand in the U.S.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2023

Focus Brands to open over 50 multi-branded units this year

The company identified four multi-branded opportunities, including Cinnabon Swirl, its first co-branded Carvel/Cinnabon concept. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 5, 2023