Irvine, Calif. — Potbelly Sandwich Shop opened its first shop in California on May 6, 2019. The new shop in Irvine, a franchise location, is located at the Walnut Village Center. First announced in August 2018, this is the first shop to come out of a multi-unit franchise development deal the brand signed in California. Local resident and experienced entrepreneur Sameer Bhatia, the franchise owner, will bring three more locations to the area, with considerations for shops in Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest or Mission Viejo during the next …
franchise development
Dallas — MUTTS Canine Cantina®, the fastest growing pet eatertainment brand in America, is partnering with Fransmart to bring its unique urban oasis for dogs and their owners to cities across the country. Fransmart is a global leader in franchise development. MUTTS Canine Cantina is already thriving in Texas, with successful locations in Dallas and Fort Worth and five additional locations opening in the Lone Star State over the next 3 years. Together with Fransmart, the concept is seeking out experienced franchisees to bring the rapidly-growing concept to major markets …
Oklahoma City — Coolgreens, a fast-casual concept that focuses on providing fresh and high-quality food, has hired Kathy Davidson to join the brand’s leadership team as its new vice president of franchise development. Davidson brings nearly 10 years of foodservice franchise development experience to the role. Previous positions include stints with Church’s Chicken, Cowboy Chicken and, most recently, Fazoli’s. The industry veteran said she is excited to join a smart, strong leadership team with more than 55 years of collective experience, including CEO Robert Lee; Todd Madlener, vice president of …
Washington, D.C. — BoConcept franchise owner Tim Machenaud opened his second store in the Washington, D.C., area at Tysons Galleria on April 19, 2019. With nearly 300 locations across 60 countries, BoConcept’s latest location is a push to increase brand visibility and promote luxury, urban-chic furniture in the U.S. Already well established across Europe, Asia and Latin America, BoConcept is now looking to dominate the premium furniture retail business across North America. With 15 locations in key metropolitan areas of the U.S., BoConcept aims to double its presence in 2019 …
San Francisco — Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, the iconic San Francisco sandwich chain with a cult-like following, has launched its national franchise program with Fransmart to expand the concept across the country. Ike’s currently has more than 55 units open in California, Nevada and Arizona, along with locations opening soon in Texas. Founded by Ike Shehadeh in 2007, the San Francisco-based concept grew to wide foodie acclaim with lines around the block. “The idea behind Ike’s Love & Sandwiches was simple: putting customers’ happiness first while celebrating their unique and …
Wichita, Kan. — Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has expanded into the non-traditional sector for the first time with the opening of five new locations in spaces across the Midwest. The brand recently opened restaurants in Old Capitol Town Center in Iowa City, Iowa; Wichita State University’s student center in Wichita, Kan.; and Oklahoma State University’s football and basketball stadiums in Stillwater, Okla. The company also signed an agreement to bring Freddy’s to the Missouri State University student center in Springfield, Mo., before the end of the …
Boca Raton, Fla. — I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches and specialty salads, has signed an agreement with franchise group G5 Services, LLC, to open a new location in Augusta, Ga. Slated to start construction later this year, the Augusta location will be owned and operated by Kimberly and Brian Grotz, opening in winter 2019. G5 Services, LLC is led by husband-and-wife duo and first-time entrepreneurs, Kimberly and Brian Grotz. “We are so thrilled to have Kim …
Greenwood Village, Colo. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain, has retained The Cypress Group, a leading restaurant and franchise investment banking firm, to manage Red Robin’s refranchising initiative. Cypress has more than 25 years of multi-unit M&A and corporate refranchising experience in the restaurant industry, including engagements with a number of major casual dining brands. “Strategically refining our real estate portfolio and pursuing development opportunities with high-quality franchisees is a key component of future growth for Red Robin. We are excited to partner with The Cypress …
Glendale, Calif., and Karachi, Pakistan — Dine Brands Global Inc. has signed a deal with several principals of Gerry’s Group, a leading Pakistan-based logistics and food-and-beverage group, to bring the IHOP brand to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The deal calls for 19 IHOP locations throughout the country over the next 9 years, nine of which will be franchised by the principals of Gerry’s Group with the other 10 sub-franchised. The first location is expected to open in Karachi by the end of 2019 and continues the brand’s expansion into …
Atlanta — The Hummus & Pita Co., one of the country’s fastest growing Mediterranean fast-casuals, has signed a multi-unit deal to expand its franchise to the Southeast. Franchisees Jay Gill and Patrick Sidhu will bring five locations to the Atlanta area over the next 2 years. Gill and Sidhu are partners in Premier Kings, Inc., the largest BURGER KING® franchise in the country. Starting with six BURGER KING® locations in 2010, their portfolio now includes more than 170 locations, as well as 14 Popeyes® restaurants throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South …