Dallas — Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand and the first health and fitness fast-casual brand of its kind, plans to open its first-ever stores in the Grand Rapids, Mich., market, as well as 100 new units overall in 2024. Smoothie King has signed development agreements for six units set to open in the Grand Rapids DMA starting early 2025. As Smoothie King continues to prioritize development and strong new unit growth, the brand has welcomed Brian Olson as vice president of real estate. Bringing a wealth of knowledge …
franchise development
Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ has hired Kris Larson as vice president, franchise development. Larson brings with him a breadth of experience supporting franchised brands Bojangles, School of Rock, Ace Hardware, Dunkin Brands and more. In his new role, he will lead the brand’s growth through strategic expansions and enhancing franchise performance across Sonny’s BBQ’s footprint. “We are beyond thrilled to welcome Kris Larson to our team, and to have him work alongside us as we continue to support our franchisees in this period of growth and expansion,” says Jamie …
Irving, Texas — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® has signed two multi-unit development agreements to mark the Baja-inspired brand’s expansion throughout Arizona and Texas. The deals will bring 40 new restaurants to those markets over the next 8 years. “Fuzzy’s has transformed from a single neighborhood taco shop with a chill vibe in Fort Worth, Texas, into an emerging, nationally franchised concept with an exceptional bar program and a Baja-inspired menu that our guests have come to crave,” says Paul Damico, president of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “As we prepare to grow Fuzzy’s …
Nashville, Tenn. — Toastique, the vibrant, artisan toast and juice café conceptualized in Washington, D.C., will expand into Tennessee within Nashville’s North Capitol neighborhood. Set to open in late June 2024, the Nashville store will be Toastique’s first location in the state. The Nashville location will be fueled by Andy Patel, a first-time Toastique franchisee, who has signed a three-unit deal with the Nashville location being the first and is planning future locations in Brentwood, Franklin and other surrounding Nashville cities. The new 1,625-square-foot location is on the ground floor …
Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company has appointed Abigail Pringle to the newly-created role of president, U.S., and E.J. Wunsch to president, international, effective June 17. Pringle has served as president, international, and chief development officer since 2019, and in numerous leadership roles across development, operations and strategic initiatives since joining the company in 2002. Wunsch has served as chief legal officer since joining the company in 2016. He has been a strategic partner on various international initiatives across Australia, Asia, Europe and South America. As president, U.S., Pringle will …
Nashville, Tenn. — Captain D’s, the nation’s leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, has signed a 26-store franchise development agreement. This agreement will bring Captain D’s restaurants to St. Louis, Indianapolis and North Carolina over the next several years led by experienced multi-brand franchisees Keith Johnson and Kevin Davis of Amazing Food Concepts. The business partners also acquired and currently operate 15 Captain D’s in the St. Louis area and Illinois. “We are pleased to welcome Keith and Kevin to the Captain D’s team. They have a proven history of success across …
Dallas — Southern California-based Krak Boba, which offers signature boba teas, opened its very first location in the state of Texas on May 25, situated in the Dallas suburb of Addison. This marks the brand’s 15th location opening and the second opening this month. Krak Boba offers traditional milk teas, smoothies, coffee drinks and fruit teas, breaking down taste profiles and preferences into delicious flavor options, such as Queen Brûlée, Strawberry Snow, Matcha Storm, Dragon Slayer, Taro Twist and more. For more information, visit www.KrakBoba.com. SOURCE: Krak Boba
Atlanta — Carvel®, GoTo Foods’ classic ice cream brand known for The Original Soft Serve® and its iconic ice cream cakes and treats, is celebrating its 90th birthday with the introduction of a brand-new shoppe design as well as a new logo. The first two shoppes to debut the new Carvel design recently opened in Gainesville, Fla., and in Jamaica, N.Y. The new design is driven by the brand’s commitment to modernizing and refreshing the brand while simultaneously continuing to grow the brand in both new and existing markets across …
Miami — Woof Gang Bakery, a leading specialty retailer of pet food, pet supplies and professional pet grooming, has opened its first store in Indiana, located in Carmel. This milestone marks another significant expansion for the brand, which continues to establish its presence across North America. The Carmel store was officially open and operating as of May 16. “We are thrilled to bring Woof Gang’s exceptional services and products to the vibrant pet-loving community in Carmel,” says Nikunj and Manali Jadawala, owner of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Carmel. “Our …
Dallas — BRIX Holdings, LLC, a multi-brand franchising portfolio group whose restaurant brands include Friendly’s, Red Mango and Orange Leaf, has completed its formal acquisition of all assets of Clean Juice, the original USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise. Clean Juice franchise and field support will now be provided from the BRIX headquarters in Addison, Texas. A core group of Clean Juice employees will join BRIX in roles spanning field operations, supply chain and technology. “The entire BRIX organization is thrilled that our acquisition of Clean Juice is complete,” says Sherif …