construction and design

Frisco, Texas — Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a rapidly growing chicken finger franchise, closed out 2025 with historic growth, doubling its restaurant count and achieving record financial performance. Entering 2026 with 40 restaurants open and 10 new franchise owners in the system, Layne’s is prepared for another landmark year as it works toward the longer term vision of 300 units by 2030. Layne’s posted a 50% year-over-year unit increase and a 67% increase in systemwide sales, with 2024 systemwide revenue reaching $30 million, placing the brand among the fastest-growing concepts in …

Irvine, Calif. — Juice It Up!, a leading açaí bowl, handcrafted smoothie and raw juice chain, has reached a major growth milestone with the Gardnerville, Nev., opening of its 100th location. The new location marks the brand’s official entry into Nevada and sixth state in operation. The new unit is owned and operated by local franchisee Sukh Toor, who expects to expand the Juice It Up! footprint throughout Douglas County and into the Carson City and Reno areas. With additional development planned, the brand is poised to establish a strong …

Pasadena, Calif. — Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fast-growing Nashville-style hot chicken sensation from Los Angeles, has named Joshua Liggins as vice president of franchise development. He joins the company from Inspire Brands. Liggins joins Dave’s Hot Chicken with extensive experience leading franchise development for some of the most recognized restaurant brands in the industry. Most recently, he served as director of franchising at Inspire Brands, where he oversaw franchise development efforts for Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins and Sonic. He brings deep experience scaling high-growth franchise systems across multiple brands, markets and development …

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of over 3,200 fast-casual sandwich shops, has signed a franchise agreement with JM Submarines UK LTD, led by Jersey Mike’s founder and chairman of the board, Peter Cancro, to open 400 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cancro founded Jersey Mike’s more than 50 years ago and remains a significant shareholder following the company’s sale to Blackstone last year. This agreement marks the first European expansion for the company, with plans to open the first location in 2026. “This marks …