franchise development

Atlanta — Craveworthy Brands, a fast-growing multi-brand restaurant platform, is collaborating with the Georgia Institute of Technology to bring multiple concepts in its portfolio to campus under Crave Kitchen Georgia Tech. Set to open in August 2026 on the second level of the John Lewis Student Center, the location will serve a student body of more than 56,000 at one of the nation’s leading public research universities. Craveworthy’s differentiated model brings multiple brands together within a food hall, supported by the infrastructure to operate efficiently at scale. Non-traditional venues — …

Phoenix — Bringing a taste of Carolina flavor to the Grand Canyon State, Bojangles has officially landed in the Phoenix DMA. The new restaurant, located in Gilbert, Ariz., opened on July 20 and marks its first location in the state of Arizona. This expansion into Arizona marks a significant step in Bojangles’ strategic growth plan. In the past year, the brand has successfully entered new markets, with its most recent opening Morganville, N.J., following expansions into in Oklahoma City; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Austin, Texas; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Piscataway, N.J.; Las Vegas; …

Cincinnati — Penn Station Sandwiches, formerly Penn Station East Coast Subs, is celebrating a strong first half of 2026 driven by a strategic brand refresh, expanded menu offerings and accelerated franchise growth. The company’s new identity reflects its commitment to innovation while staying rooted in the high-quality subs and sandwiches, fresh-cut fries and hand-squeezed lemonade that have defined the brand for more than 40 years. The transition to Penn Station Sandwiches marks an evolution for the company as it broadens its appeal to new audiences. The rebrand is designed to …

Atlanta — Atlanta-based chicken chain Zaxbys® is opening its first two locations in New York this summer, representing a significant step in its national expansion strategy and bringing its operations across 24 states. Zaxbys is opening new restaurants in the Bronx and Manhattan. “New York is one of the most influential food cities in the world, and we’re incredibly proud to introduce Zaxbys to this market,” says Bernard Acoca, chief executive officer of Zaxbys. “Opening our first two restaurants in New York this summer marks an exciting milestone in our …

San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats has signed two new development agreements to open 50 new restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville. A recent acquisition and expanded development commitment from B Wild Investments, LLC is further accelerating franchise-led growth. “We’re thrilled to partner with proven franchise operators who share our people-first culture, exceptional standards for guest service and commitment to disciplined growth,” says Jeremy Vitaro, chief development officer, QDOBA. QDOBA and its franchise partners currently operate over 865 restaurants, with plans to double the brand’s footprint to approximately 2,000 restaurants within …

Dallas — Smoothie King has steadily increased its presence throughout the Northeast and Midwest by 85% over the last 5 years, with northern markets now accounting for approximately 358 Smoothie King locations — up from 193 in 2020. As part of the brand’s continued northern expansion, Smoothie King is opening its first-ever location in Penfield, N.Y., as part of a three-unit deal for the Western New York area. The new location will open on July 18. In the last 5 years, New York has emerged as a key growth market, …