franchise development

East Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE, a high-energy coffee concept with more than 360 units, has signed 43 new franchise agreements so far this year and is on track to reach the 500-unit mark by the end of 2024. In 2023, 31 new stores have opened so far. “Currently, we have 361 stores open and around another 140 in development for a total of close to 500,” says Tony DiPietro, vice president of emerging market development. “That 500 is a big deal because we have a goal to have 500 …

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Johnny Rockets and 16 other restaurant concepts, has inked a new development deal set to bring 20 new franchised Johnny Rockets locations to Texas in the next 10 years, with the first unit set to open in 2024. The new locations will open in partnership with Brame Holdings LLC. “Brame Holdings LLC continues to be a great growth partner in Texas across the FAT Brands portfolio,” says Taylor Wiederhorn, chief development officer of FAT Brands. “They are quickly …

Dallas and New York City — Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of the Pollo Tropical® restaurant brand, and Authentic Restaurant Brands (ARB), a portfolio company of Garnett Station Partners, LLC, a New York-based principal investment firm, have entered into a definitive agreement under which a wholly owned subsidiary of ARB will acquire Fiesta in an all-cash transaction. ARB’s current brands include Primanti Bros Restaurant & Bar, P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant and Mambo Seafood. ARB is led by industry veterans including Chairman Alex Macedo and CEO Felipe Athayde. Upon …

Los Angeles — Great American Cookies has opened its 400th location. Since its inception in 1977, the iconic chain, known for its original chocolate chip cookie recipe, has spread to 31 states and five countries around the world. In the last 2 years, the brand has opened 73 new locations and entered new states such as Alaska, Arizona, Illinois and New Mexico. The steady expansion of the brand can be attributed, in part, to its successful co-branding model with sister brand Marble Slab Creamery. Launching in 2009, there are now …

Dallas and Minneapolis — Dunn Brothers Coffee, a growing specialty coffee franchise, has named Scott Harvey as its new president. The appointment comes at the forefront of strategic brand growth, with Harvey spearheading both franchising and consumer packaged goods (CPG) initiatives. Tapping into his significant leadership experience and accomplished past in the coffee and restaurant categories, Harvey joins Dunn Brothers Coffee fresh off serving as president and CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, a fast-casual concept serving Caribbean cuisine and baked goods, with more than 100 restaurants. Previously, he was …

Pasadena, Calif. — Through mid-year, Wetzel’s Pretzels has driven a 9.1% increase in same-store sales and a 6.3% uptick in foot traffic. The brand opened 20 new bakeries through second quarter, well on its way to opening its milestone 400th location. “Fueled by innovative marketing, digital enhancements and a variety of flexible store formats, Wetzel’s continues to set new high-water marks for AUV and store growth,” says Vincent Montanelli, chief operating officer of Wetzel’s Pretzels. “After finishing 2022 with a 35% increase in same-store sales versus 2019, we’re excited to …

Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles, a beloved franchise famous for its chicken, biscuits and tea, has signed a multi-unit development agreement to bring 20 new restaurants to Las Vegas, as well as the development of restaurants within 10 TravelCenters of America franchise locations across Western markets. The expansion will be led by TravelCenters of America franchisee, LVP Restaurant Group, LLC, an entity of LV Petroleum, and its investment partner, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, as the developer. “This expansion represents an incredible opportunity to share Bojangles with the Las Vegas community. The city’s …