franchise development

Atlanta — After more than nine decades rooted in the South, Krystal is officially expanding north. The brand, known for its small, square Krystals served hot off the grill, will open its first-ever New Jersey restaurant at 2200 Route 22 East in Union. This marks Krystal’s debut in the Northeast and a major milestone in the brand’s 93-year history. The Union restaurant will open on March 2, 2026 and is led by brand partner Victor Cruz, a former New York Giants wide receiver, Super Bowl XLVI champion and sportscaster, who …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Pasadena, Calif. — Dog Haus, an acclaimed burgers, brats and brews concept, is entering 2026 with strong momentum and a robust growth outlook. As the Southern California-based craft-casual brand celebrates its first 15 years, a full development pipeline signals its most prolific year of new openings to date. “2025 was our best year yet, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and transformative years in Dog Haus’ proud history,” says CEO Michael Montagano. “As we celebrate our first 15 years, we’re pairing our strong brand …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Mount Pleasant, S.C. — Vicious Biscuit, a fast-growing Southern brunch brand known for its bold flavors and genuine hospitality, has named Mike Ball as vice president of franchise operations. Ball, who previously served as vice president of operations, will now lead a newly defined, franchise-dedicated role focused exclusively on franchise partner success as the brand prepares for accelerated national expansion. The appointment comes as Vicious Biscuit enters its next stage of growth, with an expanding pipeline of franchise openings and a growing roster of multi-unit operators entering the system. The …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

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 …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, is set to make its debut in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of its store in Mall of the Emirates on Jan. 29, 2026 in partnership with Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international retail franchise operators. Marking a major milestone in Ulta Beauty’s global expansion building on from the first store opening in Kuwait on Nov. 7, 2025, the Mall of the Emirates opening will be closely followed by new Ulta Beauty …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

New Hartford, N.Y. — Papa Johns has selected PAR POS™ and PAR OPS™ from PAR Technology Corporation to anchor its next-generation U.S. in-restaurant technology stack. The strategic partnership is a major milestone in Papa Johns’ multi-year effort to build a faster, more intelligent and connected restaurant and digital ordering experience for guests, operators and franchisees. “At Papa Johns, one of our strategic priorities is investing in and optimizing our technology to deliver a better experience,” says Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer, Papa Johns. “A key element of that …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Irvine, Calif. — Pokeworks, a leading fast-casual poke brand, is continuing its strategic growth in New York with the addition of two new franchise partners who will develop locations in Long Island and Manhattan. The new agreements total four initial units with the ability for continued growth. On Long Island, Pokeworks has partnered with seasoned restaurant operator Joe Magnotta, who brings more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. Magnotta entered the restaurant business in 2001 with the purchase of his first concept, Angelina’s, and went …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Alicia Chandler — How to get — and keep — a franchise loan. Equipment upgrades! Remodels! New store builds! Franchise owners need financing for many different reasons. Understanding what’s involved in obtaining a franchise loan can help make the process go more quickly and smoothly. Knowing how to stay in compliance with the loan’s covenants can help a borrower avoid penalties or technical defaults. Here’s a background on how to get and keep a franchise loan. Get the House in Order Many borrowers trip at the first hurdle …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Spartanburg, S.C. — TriArtisan Capital Advisors LLC, Treville Capital Group and Yadav Enterprises, Inc. has successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of Denny’s Corporation, owner and operator of Denny’s Inc. and Keke’s Inc. The transaction closed following approval by Denny’s stockholders as well as satisfaction of all required regulatory and customary closing conditions. With the support of TriArtisan, Treville and Yadav Enterprises, Denny’s will have enhanced flexibility and resources to invest in its brands, support franchisees and accelerate its growth initiatives. “Today represents an important milestone for Denny’s and Keke’s …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Auburn, Ala. — Guthrie’s, the original chicken finger restaurant, has appointed Tom Carr as president & chief executive officer of Guthrie’s Franchising, Inc. Following the brand’s monumental 60th anniversary celebration this past year, Carr will lead Guthrie’s into a new era of growth and expansion. With over 25 years of leadership and marketing experience, Carr joins Guthrie’s from the fast-growing fast-casual restaurant chain, Chicken Salad Chick, where he has been a key leadership executive behind the brand’s phenomenal growth over the past 10 years. In his role as chief marketing …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail