franchise development

Denver — Sola Salons, the world’s largest studio suite franchise, has marked the Oct. 4 grand opening of its largest location to date in Northeast Minneapolis. Located at 2626 NE 2nd St., the new facility spans 29,903 square feet and houses 101 studios and 114 chairs, making it a landmark destination for entrepreneurial beauty professionals in the Twin Cities. The scale of the new Sola Salons Minneapolis facility distinguishes it as the largest Sola Salons location ever built, and it has already generated excitement, with 70% of the studios pre-leased …

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Sandy, Utah — Swig, the creator of the dirty soda beverage category, is ramping up its nationwide growth by promoting Todd Smith to president, following his tenure as chief commercial officer, and appointing franchise sales veteran Shannon Swenson as chief, franchise partnerships. “We’re at a major moment for dirty soda,” says Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. “People crave playful, personalized drinks, and Swig is here to deliver — coast to coast. Todd’s vision, Shannon’s franchising prowess and the talent of Swig’s leaders and team members alike are the perfect combination …

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Columbus, Ohio — Donatos Pizza is partnering with new franchise owners to begin adding more than 50 new locations across the Carolinas over the next several years. Cities in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, High Point and Greensboro. Cities in South Carolina include Greenville, Spartanburg and Columbia. In North Carolina, Donatos already serves guests through 16 Red Robin locations. South Carolina has Donatos Edge to Edge® pizzas available in four Red Robin locations in addition to four traditional restaurants in Summerville, Boiling Springs, West Ashley and Fort Mill. “This …

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Davenport, Iowa — Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has added several seasoned leaders to its executive team, including Jenny Culp as vice president of purchasing and supply chain and Christopher Anschutz as vice president of restaurant operations. Culp has played a major role within the brand’s operations and supply chain since 2007, most recently serving as the director of purchasing and supply chain. In her new role as vice president, she will oversee sourcing, vendor partnerships and distribution strategies that position franchisees for success while ensuring consistency, quality and …

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New York City — Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchise owner of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee. As part of the agreement, FEP will continue to execute 7 Crew’s existing development agreement with 7 Brew, which includes opening more than 200 new stands in addition to the 50 currently operating. FEP has taken a selective approach to investing in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. After evaluating numerous opportunities, 7 Brew stood out as a differentiated, category-defining brand. 7 Brew …

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Salina, Kan. — Salina, Kan.-based Mokas Coffee & Eatery, known for its roasted coffee, freshly baked pastries and breakfast and lunch offerings, has announced the upcoming opening of its first franchise location ahead of the brand’s 20th anniversary this November. Entrepreneur and hospitality veteran Christian Coleman has signed a six-unit agreement to bring Mokas Coffee to Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties. The first location is scheduled to open in Olathe, a suburb of Kansas City, Mo., in March 2026. Coleman launched his career in professional tennis at the BNP Paribas Open …

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Drybar

New York City — Drybar, a leading professional blowout beauty concept, has signed a multi-unit development agreement to bring three new locations to Delaware and New York City. Real estate developer and entrepreneur Angelique “Angel” Patterson will open the brand’s first location in Christiana, Del., within the next year, which will mark Drybar’s debut in the state. Drybar will also open its first shops in Brooklyn’s Park Slope and Williamsburg neighborhoods. “As a longtime client and real estate professional, I can appreciate all sides of the brand,” says Patterson. “Both the …

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Scott Norris

Anaheim, Calif. — Anaheim, California-based Friar Tux has appointed Scott Norris as president. Norris is a veteran of the men’s apparel and retail industry who has held various leadership roles for more than two decades. In his new role, Norris will lead Friar Tux’s growth strategy across its digital channels and e-commerce platforms, drive expansion into new brick-and-mortar markets and develop Friar Tux teams. He will also focus on reducing friction across the customer journey, while advancing technologies such as the company’s AI-powered Fit Calculator, which is designed to deliver sizing …

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SAMBAZON Açaí Bowls

South Carolina and Georgia — SAMBAZON®, a California-based açaí food and beverage concept, has signed a multi-unit franchise deal with Açaí SC to open 10 new açaí bowl shops over the next five years. The new shops will span South Carolina and coastal Georgia, including Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Savannah. The first location, which is expected to open in the Charleston area before the second quarter of 2026, will mark the company’s first brick-and-mortar locations in both states. Açaí SC is led by veteran operator Parag Patel, who has …

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New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has partnered with Union MAK Corporation, a leading Hawaii-based company with decades of experience across hospitality and retail, to bring the Shake Shack experience to the Aloha State with the first Shack set to open on Oahu in 2027. Union MAK is a Honolulu-based company deeply rooted in the Hawaii community through its restaurant operations. Union MAK’s proven track record, commitment to excellence and dedication to local communities makes it an ideal partner to introduce Shake Shack to Hawaii. “Bringing Shake Shack to …

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