franchise development

Toronto — Playa Bowls, the United States’ leading superfruit bowl shop with more than 400 locations across the United States, has opened its first international shop at The Well in downtown Toronto. The 1,700-square-foot flagship shop officially marks the brand’s entry into the Canadian market. The landmark opening represents a significant next chapter for the New Jersey-born franchise as it accelerates its growth beyond the U.S. through a master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada Inc., the restaurant development group leading Playa Bowls’ expansion across Canada. “Opening our first international …

Portland, Ore. — Gong cha, the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, is opening in Maine for the first time. The brand will officially open its first location in the state on June 27 in South Portland. “One of the most exciting aspects of our growth over the past several years has been seeing Gong cha resonate in an increasingly diverse range of markets,” says Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas. “What was once concentrated in a handful of major cities has …

Houston — Shipley Donuts has signed a three-unit franchise agreement in Cincinnati, marking its entry into Ohio. The deal is with Houston-based Koelache Co. LLC, which plans to open its first Shipley location in first quarter 2027, with the other two units expected to open through 2029.  Founded in Texas in 1936 and expanding rapidly into new markets, Shipley Donuts is known for its signature hot glazed donuts plus dozens of varieties of fresh, handmade donuts including filled, iced and cake donuts. Shipley is also famous for its kolaches, which …

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza is developing a new Operations Center of Excellence in Orlando, Fla., a strategic investment designed to elevate franchisee training, strengthen operational execution and support the brand’s continued national and international expansion. The new facility represents an extension of the company’s headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. Construction is currently underway, with the facility expected to open in fall 2026. Located at 222 South Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando, the approximately 14,030-square-foot center will serve as a corporate office, training destination and operational hub. Backed by an investment …

Lexington, Ky. — PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans has signed a 7-unit license agreement with Steve Estepp, founder of Estepp Energy and Coffee Dudes LLC, to expand the New Orleans-born coffee brand throughout convenience stores in Central Kentucky. A locally owned and family-operated business, Estepp Energy has built a strong reputation throughout Kentucky’s convenience store industry over the past 50 years by emphasizing operational excellence, customer service and strategic growth. Today, the company operates more than 13 convenience stores across Central Kentucky and continues expanding its portfolio with complementary brands …

Atlanta — Krystal, the iconic quick-service chain that has been serving its signature square sliders hot off the grill since 1932, opened its first New Jersey restaurant on June 4 in Union, marking the brand’s Northeast debut. “Opening our first restaurant in New Jersey is a major milestone for Krystal and an important next step for the brand,” says Amanda Hyde, chief operating officer of Krystal. “Krystal has always had fans beyond the South, and now we’re proud to introduce the full experience to the Northeastern community.” Krystal is actively …