franchise development

Barstow, Calif. — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has made its highly anticipated debut in California with a new location in Barstow, which opened on April 28, 2025. Located at 1523 East Main St., this marks the brand’s first foray into the California market, bringing its signature tacos, memorable drinks, and laid-back vibe to the West Coast. The new shop is owned and operated by the Soleimani Group, an experienced multi-unit franchisee group with over 30 IHOP locations. “Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has built a passionate following across the country, and we’re confident …

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Dallas — TGI Fridays has appointed Phil Broad as president of TGI Fridays International Franchising. Based in Dubai, Broad will oversee the brand’s international operations and franchise partnerships, with a focus on accelerating global growth and delivering exceptional guest experiences worldwide. Broad served as managing director of TGI Fridays UK from 1997 to 2000. In addition to his deep understanding of the brand, he has over 30 years of global leadership experience in the food and beverage, hospitality and retail sectors. “Phil’s return to the Fridays family comes at a …

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San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has unveiled a series of actions to improve long term financial performance across its restaurant system, including the closure of 150-200 underperforming Jack in the Box restaurants and, with the help of BofA Securities, possible strategic alternatives for its Del Taco brand, including a potential divestiture of the business. “In my time thus far as CEO, I have worked quickly with our teams to conclude that Jack in the Box operates at its best, and maximizes shareholder return potential, within a simplified …

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Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a development agreement to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time. In partnership with Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V. (Alsea), a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, Chipotle will open a location in Mexico by early 2026 and begin exploring additional expansion markets in the region. “We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,” says Nate Lawton, chief business development officer at Chipotle. “The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity …

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— By Ulyses Camacho — Taco Cabana embarks on a new chapter of growth and innovation. At Taco Cabana, we’ve spent nearly five decades delighting guests with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, warm hospitality and vibrant dining experiences. As a beloved Texas institution, we’ve grown alongside our communities, continuously evolving to meet their needs while staying true to our roots. Now, as we look to the future, I’m excited to share how Taco Cabana is embarking on a new chapter of growth and innovation. In October 2024, we proudly launched our national …

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Atlanta — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is opening its first New Orleans-area restaurant in Metairie, La. Located near the Lakeside Mall and adjacent to Trader Joe’s, the April 22 opening marks the introduction of the brand to the New Orleans market. Chicken Salad Chick of Metairie marks the debut location for Nibbles Hospitality Group, led by Bill and Anne DiPaola and Tiffany and Paul Spring. The partners are two husband-and-wife teams who have signed on to bring four Chicks to the New Orleans …

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Lake City, Fla. — Ellianos Coffee, a Southeast-based drive-thru specialty coffee brand, has expanded into Mississippi, with a new location under development in the state’s southern region. This development marks the sixth state in the company’s footprint. Established in 2002, Ellianos currently operates 65 locations throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama, with locations in development in Tennessee and North Carolina. The company has expanded through its franchise model, focusing on quality products, efficient service and customer experience. Ellianos utilizes a double-sided drive-thru model to provide efficient service. “We’re excited to bring …

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Atlanta — Saucy chicken chain Zaxbys™ opened its first-ever Las Vegas restaurant on April 14. Located at 5290 Blue Diamond Rd., the new Zaxbys is owned and operated by Royce Chow and Jie Zhou of Zax Nevada LLC. “Las Vegas is just the beginning of Zaxbys expansion plans as we aim to open our 1,000th store in 2025,” says Mike Mettler, chief development officer at Zaxbys. “We are thrilled to continue to build relationships with new franchisee partners and bring Zaxbys to additional growing markets including Arizona, Philadelphia, New Jersey, …

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Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, the nation’s largest and leading superfruit shop specializing in acai bowls, smoothies, juices, cold brew and more, is celebrating a major milestone with the opening of its 300th location. Located in Atlanta’s fast-paced Buckhead neighborhood, the milestone shop opened on March 29, 2025. This milestone reflects the strength of the concept and the dedication of Playa Bowls’ franchise owners, many of whom have grown from single-unit owners to multi-unit operators, building their own legacies while bringing the brand’s fresh, feel-good flavors to new communities. As …

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Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed seasoned restaurant and hospitality executive Charles Watson as its new chief executive officer. In his new role, Watson will prioritize franchisee success while accelerating the brand’s impressive expansion. Watson brings nearly three decades of experience driving substantial growth, most recently as chief executive officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where he expanded the brand to over 1,500 locations nationwide and tripled systemwide revenue to $1.42 billion. Prior to his CEO role, Watson led franchise growth and brand development strategies for multiple brands at Wyndham Hotels …

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