Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, the Bay Area-based super-premium fast-casual brand, is launching its first Texas locations through a 36-unit franchise agreement with Mac Haik Restaurant Group. The partnership will bring locations to Houston, Austin and San Antonio beginning in 2027, marking a pivotal milestone in the 10-year-old brand’s broader national expansion strategy. The agreement represents the largest development deal in Starbird’s history and a significant step in the brand’s long term growth strategy as it enters its second decade. “This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the …

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, kicks off 2026 with deliberate development plans following a year of strategic expansion and systemwide investment. In 2025, Marco’s opened more than 60 new stores and this year, it plans to surpass 80 new store openings while continuing to accelerate growth across new domestic markets, international territories and non-traditional venues. Complementing its expansion, Marco’s is rolling out advanced digital tools, operational enhancements and menu innovations, strengthening franchisee support and setting the stage for sustainable, long term operations. In …

Hurricane, W.Va. — On March 4, Buffalo Wild Wings GO — a fast, order-ahead destination built around the brand’s wings, sauces and shareables — opened in Hurricane, W.Va. This opening marks an exciting expansion of the brand’s footprint in West Virginia. Designed for speed, Buffalo Wild Wings GO focuses on the menu items guests crave most — traditional and boneless wings, chicken dippers, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and wraps, cauliflower wings, fries, tater tots and desserts — all paired with 26 signature sauces and dry rubs. The Hurricane location features …