franchise development

Atlanta — Atlanta-based chicken chain Zaxbys® is opening its first two locations in New York this summer, representing a significant step in its national expansion strategy and bringing its operations across 24 states. Zaxbys is opening new restaurants in the Bronx and Manhattan. “New York is one of the most influential food cities in the world, and we’re incredibly proud to introduce Zaxbys to this market,” says Bernard Acoca, chief executive officer of Zaxbys. “Opening our first two restaurants in New York this summer marks an exciting milestone in our …

San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats has signed two new development agreements to open 50 new restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville. A recent acquisition and expanded development commitment from B Wild Investments, LLC is further accelerating franchise-led growth. “We’re thrilled to partner with proven franchise operators who share our people-first culture, exceptional standards for guest service and commitment to disciplined growth,” says Jeremy Vitaro, chief development officer, QDOBA. QDOBA and its franchise partners currently operate over 865 restaurants, with plans to double the brand’s footprint to approximately 2,000 restaurants within …

Dallas — Smoothie King has steadily increased its presence throughout the Northeast and Midwest by 85% over the last 5 years, with northern markets now accounting for approximately 358 Smoothie King locations — up from 193 in 2020. As part of the brand’s continued northern expansion, Smoothie King is opening its first-ever location in Penfield, N.Y., as part of a three-unit deal for the Western New York area. The new location will open on July 18. In the last 5 years, New York has emerged as a key growth market, …

Toronto — Playa Bowls, the United States’ leading superfruit bowl shop with more than 400 locations across the United States, has opened its first international shop at The Well in downtown Toronto. The 1,700-square-foot flagship shop officially marks the brand’s entry into the Canadian market. The landmark opening represents a significant next chapter for the New Jersey-born franchise as it accelerates its growth beyond the U.S. through a master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada Inc., the restaurant development group leading Playa Bowls’ expansion across Canada. “Opening our first international …

Portland, Ore. — Gong cha, the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, is opening in Maine for the first time. The brand will officially open its first location in the state on June 27 in South Portland. “One of the most exciting aspects of our growth over the past several years has been seeing Gong cha resonate in an increasingly diverse range of markets,” says Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas. “What was once concentrated in a handful of major cities has …