Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading fast-casual cafe concept, opened 101 new cafes in 2017 and signed 187 agreements that will grow the brand’s footprint in markets nationwide. The company aims to reach 1,000 locations by 2020.
franchise development
Laval, Quebec — Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (Couche-Tard), one of the world’s largest convenience store retailers with over 15,000 stores globally, has announced new full-service franchise opportunities with its Circle K brand in Canada. The expansion marks the first time the Circle K brand will be franchised in Canada with the offer initially targeting the Ontario province.
Dunedin, Fla. — Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More®, a locally-owned, high-technology garment decorating retail franchise, has awarded 100 units in its first 10 years of franchising. The brand closed out 2017 by awarding its 100th unit and has eyes set on awarding 25 more in 2018.
Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is steadily expanding in the Southeastern United States with the opening of three new franchised locations — including its first location in Mississippi — and the announcement of a new franchise development agreement.
New York City — Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, the rapidly expanding New York artisanal pizza concept, has signed a five-unit franchise deal to bring Artichoke Basille’s Pizza to New Jersey. The New Jersey stores will be located in Hoboken, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Princeton and Newark.
Dallas — Nestlé® Toll House® Café by Chip® has hired Rudy Frederico as vice president of franchise development. Frederico, a 27-year franchising veteran, will be responsible for leading the growth and market expansion for the brand’s franchise partners across the globe. He joins the company from Red Mango.