Miami — Locali, a popular Los Angeles-based healthy convenience concept, has recently signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Viable Foods, LLC to expand the rapidly-growing brand into the greater South Beach/Miami area. This deal marks the first expansion outside California for Locali, which plans to introduce its innovative ‘healthy convenience’ model to markets nationwide.
franchise development
Orlando, Fla. — Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More®, a locally-owned, high-technology garment decorating retail store where customers have the freedom to design their own apparel, plans to add 30 stores in Florida through strategic franchise partnerships over the next 2 years.
Sun Prairie, Wis. — Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse plans to expand in the state of Wisconsin. Johnny’s currently has a foothold in the state with two existing locations in Eau Claire and Middleton. Its newest restaurant is projected to open in Sun Prairie, Wis., in August. The growing restaurant franchise plans to bring five additional locations to the area over the next 3 years.
Lexington, Ky. — With the countdown to its 100th anniversary underway, A&W Restaurants, America’s first restaurant chain, is continuing to reappear along the roadsides that made it famous. After opening 15 franchise locations in 2017, the iconic brand expects to open another 12 this year.
Canton, Mass. — Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisees Lagunita Franchise Operations, LLC (LFO). Over the next several years, the franchisee group is planning to open seven new restaurants throughout Montgomery, Ala. The first two locations are scheduled to open in 2019.
Boca Raton, Fla. — Orangetheory® Fitness has hired Mike Mettler as senior vice president of domestic franchise development. He will be responsible for overseeing the company’s domestic growth and expansion, as well as providing strategic leadership to assist the fitness franchise in achieving its goal of having more than 1,100 open studios worldwide by the end of 2018.