franchise development

Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe continues to see positive growth through third quarter of 2023, opening 141 new cafes and signing 166 franchise agreements. The brand now has more than 1,335 open locations. In the third quarter alone, Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisees opened 51 new cafes. In addition to new openings in the third quarter, the brand signed 77 new franchise agreements, further strengthening the development pipeline to fuel its future growth. “I’m extremely proud of what the brand has accomplished already this year thanks to the dedication and commitment …

Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts, one of the nation’s oldest and largest do-nut brands, has signed a development deal with Charlotte, N.C.-area franchisees John and Lillian Brijeski to open the brand’s first North Carolina locations beginning in late 2024. The family plans to open three locations in the Charlotte area, starting with the first in Concord, N.C. “After trying Shipley Do-Nuts for the first time in South Carolina, we agreed they were delicious and that we needed to bring the world’s greatest do-nuts to the residents of North Carolina,” says Lillian …

Wichita, Kan. — Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® has opened its 500th restaurant, located at 608 SW Wilshire Blvd, in Burleson, Texas. This milestone underscores Freddy’s accelerated growth since its inception in 2002.  “As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. Reaching 500 locations was made possible first and foremost through the commitment of our passionate franchise partners, which we believe are the best group of franchisees in the country. Over the years we have had thousands of devoted …

Elkhart, Ind. — Scooter’s Coffee®, best known for its fast drive-thru and specialty coffee, is opening its 700th unit, located at 616 W. Bristol Street, Elkhart, Ind. The new location is part of the company’s new strategic growth phase in the Midwest and nationwide. “Opening our 700th location and celebrating this milestone with the great community in Elkhart is really exciting for Scooter’s Coffee,” says Joe Thornton, president of Scooter’s Coffee. “We look forward to sharing our amazing brand and love for all things coffee to new customers.” The drive-thru …

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has acquired the Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill restaurant chain from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. The $30 million acquisition marks the company’s first foray into barbecue and expands FAT Brands’ portfolio of polished dining chains, which currently includes Twin Peaks. The purchase is expected to bring 61 new corporate locations under FAT Brands’ umbrella. “We continue to be selective and opportunistic in our acquisition strategy, targeting brands that are both scalable and synergistic with our existing platform,” …