Lending Your Expertise

— By Jon McClure —   Responsible, creative financing supporting QSRs — how to find success in a challenging economy.   How is it that with high inflation and high costs of borrowing, many QSRs owners continue to manage successful

Twin Peaks Hits Key Growth Milestone with 100th Opening

Indianapolis — Twin Peaks Restaurant celebrated its 100th lodge opening on June 2 in the Indianapolis suburb of Greenwood, Ind. From the time Twin Peaks CEO Joe Hummel opened his first lodge in the Atlanta area as a franchisee, it

Jersey Mike’s Opens in 50th State, Alaska

Wasilla, Alaska — Jersey Mike’s Subs has achieved a major milestone with the opening of its first restaurant in Alaska. The sub chain now offers its fresh sliced/fresh grilled sub sandwiches in all 50 states. “We now have more than

Panera Brands Establishes Next Generation of Leadership

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee, has established its next generation of CEO leadership and board governance in preparation for its eventual

Bonchon U.S. Appoints New CEO

Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in fast-casual Asian fusion dining known for its Korean double-fried chicken, has appointed former global CFO Bryan Shin to lead Bonchon U.S. as CEO. Shin joined Bonchon as head of global finance in 2019

Vicky Bakery Appoints New CEO; Continues Franchise Growth

Miami — Vicky Bakery, South Florida’s original family-owned Cuban bakery since 1972, has named Mauricio Romero as its new chief executive officer. This announcement comes as Vicky Bakery is experiencing record-setting growth, continuous double-digit revenue gains, the opening of multiple

MINISO Opens Global Flagship Store in Times Square, New York

New York City — Lifestyle retailer MINISO officially opened its new global flagship store in New York’s Times Square on May 19, 2023. The opening of the new flagship comes during the brand’s 10th anniversary year, and shortly after the

TGI Fridays CEO to Step Down

Dallas — Ray Blanchette, chief executive officer of TGI Fridays, is stepping down. Rohit Manocha, chairman of the board and co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, will be assuming Blanchette’s responsibilities in the interim. The TGI Fridays executive team will report

Island Fin Poké Co. Debuts in Nashville, Tenn.

Nashville, Tenn. — On May 22, Island Fin Poké Co. will open its 26th location in the U.S. and second location in Tennessee, in Nashville. Offering Hawaiian-style poké bowls, this fast-casual restaurant is set to become a go-to spot for

Wetzel’s Pretzels Names New Brand Leader

Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels has appointed Vincent Montanelli to the company’s top leadership position. Montanelli joined Wetzel’s nearly 20 years ago as the senior vice president of operations and most recently held the post of COO. He will maintain

Milk Jar Cookies Launches Franchise Program in 39 States

Los Angeles — Milk Jar Cookies, a growing gourmet cookie shop born in Los Angeles, has launched its franchising program in 39 states across the country. “The Milk Jar Cookies brand has waited 10 years to prove the concept, maintaining

OHM Fitness to Open 70 New Locations Across Texas Triangle

Dallas — OHM Fitness will open 70 EMS fitness studios in the Texas Triangle through its newest franchise partner over the next few years. OHM Fitness offers a high-tech, high-energy EMS fitness experience that packs the benefits of an intense

A&W Restaurants Aims to Open at Least 10 New Units in 2023

Lexington, Ky. — A&W Restaurants, the All-American restaurant franchise with 500-plus units nationwide, has had fast start to the year with three new restaurants opened, all indicative of the brand’s real estate flexibility and willingness to embrace non-traditional spaces. With

The Melting Pot to Open a Remodeled Restaurant Each Week Through 2023

Tampa, Fla. — The Melting Pot, the 94-unit fondue concept that provides a unique, experiential dining atmosphere, has been carefully considering its growth efforts in recent months, launching a campaign to remodel all restaurants and embracing what it has coined ‘Melting

Potbelly Continues Growth in Florida with 16 New Units in Development

Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, has finalized a 16-unit shop development agreement in two Florida markets. This agreement includes 14 shops in Broward County and two shops in Gainesville. “We are enthused to begin a partnership

Toys”R”Us® to Open in Mexico for the First Time in 2023

New York City — WHP Global, the parent company of Toys”R”Us, has partnered with leading omnichannel retailer El Puerto de Liverpool, SAB de CV to launch the toy brand in Mexico for the very first time. The partnership will bring

Caribou Coffee to Open More Than 300 New Franchise Locations

Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee®, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, has signed several multi-unit development agreements to franchise more than 300 new locations domestically. Caribou Coffee expanded its franchise program in October 2021, marking the first time interested