Taco John’s Unveils New Store Design: Drive Thru Olé

Cheyenne, Wyo. — Taco John’s International Inc., a quick-serve Mexican franchise, is unveiling its newest store design concept, the Drive Thru Olé, which was first piloted in 2021 and whose original idea — based on modular buildings — dates back

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Jersey Mike’s Names New Director of Real Estate, Northeast

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has hired Brooke Cabrera join the national sub sandwich franchise as director of real estate, Northeast. Previously, she was a vice president and market director of real estate at JPMorgan Chase & Co for

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Juice It Up! Opens First Arizona Location

Newport Beach, Calif. — Juice It Up! has opened its new Ehrenberg, Ariz., location, marking the brand’s entry into the Grand Canyon State. The Ehrenberg location is part of the bustling AZ Travel Plaza, adding to the store’s current food/drink

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Krystal Unveils New, First-of-its-Kind Prototype

Atlanta — Krystal unveiled its much anticipated smaller prototype at its new company location in Center Point, Ala., on January 10. The 1,700-square-foot drive-thru features the first company store opening in more than 6 years with an advanced, sleek design

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Gala Capital Partners to Purchase Rusty Taco from Inspire Brands

Atlanta — Gala Capital Partners (GCP), an investment firm focused on emerging restaurant franchise brands, has reached an agreement to purchase Rusty Taco from Atlanta-based Inspire Brands. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Rusty Taco leadership team

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Quiznos to Expand in North Georgia with 10 New Units

Denver — Quick-service sandwich chain Quiznos has inked a new multi-unit development agreement with franchisee Sam Patel that will provide 10 new restaurants and exclusivity across Northern Georgia. The first location in this agreement is slated to open in early

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Salata Salad Kitchen Names Vice President of Information Technology

Houston — Salata, a leading built-to-order salad kitchen with 90 locations, has named Briton Smetzer as vice president of information technology. With a background in a variety of industries, including fast-casual restaurants, construction, ATM and technology services, Smetzer brings his

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Caribou Coffee Celebrates 30 Years

Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee®, a global premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, is celebrating 30 years of business this month. Founders John and Kim Puckett opened the doors of the first Caribou Coffee in Edina, Minn., on Dec. 14, 1992.

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Smoothie King to Open 15 New Locations in Cleveland Area

Dallas — Smoothie King has signed multi-unit development agreements to bring 15 locations to Greater Cleveland. With more than 1,400 locations globally, Smoothie King is now prioritizing development in Ohio and has plans to open in surrounding cities including Ashland,

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Out To Brunch

— Interview with Jeff Sturgis —   Another Broken Egg Cafe understands that people crave more in-person, meaningful experiences post-pandemic — and its new “New South” prototype meets people exactly where they want to be.     Even before the

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Spotless Brands Taps 4 New Executives to Optimize Growth Strategy

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. — Spotless Brands, a leading car wash platform in the United States, has hired four new executives in an effort to further develop the brand’s growth strategies. George Alexandris has joined the senior leadership team in the

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Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay Names New President

Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby’s Burgers, the ultimate burger experience by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, has named Michael McGill as president of its franchising company. Beyond overseeing all departments, McGill’s responsibilities include management of the strategic brand expansion, which is to

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Dine Brands to Acquire Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Glendale, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar® and IHOP® restaurants, has agreed to acquire Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® from Experiential Brands LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRD Holding Company, for $80

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Plato’s Closet® Hits Milestone with 500th Store

Minneapolis — Winmark Corporation, North America’s leading franchisor of sustainable resale brands, has opened the 500th store of its industry-leading teen and young adult resale concept, Plato’s Closet®. The landmark new store opened on December 1, 2022, in Windsor, Ontario.

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Chicken Salad Chick Debuts in Chicago Area

Atlanta — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, will open its first-ever location in the Chicago metro area and the fourth in Illinois on Jan. 10, 2023. Located at 220 North Randall Rd., Chicken Salad

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Smoothie King Makes 3 Key Additions to Executive Leadership Team

Dallas — Smoothie King has made three key additions to its executive leadership team: Marianne Radley, chief marketing officer; Juan Salas, chief information officer; and Laura Scavone, chief people officer. All three have been added to the brand’s C-suite and

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Pet Supplies Plus Operator Signs Deal for 29 Wag N’ Wash Stores

Livonia, Mich. — The largest multi-unit operator of Pet Supplies Plus, US Retail Holdings, has signed a deal to purchase 29 Wag ‘N Wash stores. This agreement follows their previous development announcement to open 20 additional Pet Supplies Plus stores

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FAT Brands Opens First Tri-Branded Location

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has opened its first tri-branded location: a Fatburger, Buffalo’s Express and Hot Dog on a Stick. This unique new location is situated in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Valley Village. “Since

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