franchise development

Berkeley, Calif. — Grégoire, a trailblazing fine-fast-casual restaurant concept, is wrapping up a pivotal year — not only celebrating its 21st anniversary, but also a year of strategic growth. Founded in 2002 by French-trained chef Grégoire Jacquet, the brand has revolutionized the culinary scene by offering high-quality, fine dining-style food in a convenient carry-out format. Looking ahead to 2024, the focus will be on further franchising efforts, particularly in the Bay Area. “It has been a learning experience for us — a year of setting up and really finding out …

Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE, a high-energy coffee franchise with 379 units nationwide, is pursuing the 500-unit mark across markets nationwide. With 150+ stores currently in development, the franchise is on pace to achieve its goal. “This year, we opened 48 new locations and awarded another 88 franchises,” says Tony DiPietro, vice president of emerging market development. “Around one-third of our franchise agreements came from existing franchise owners, and that’s a great indicator of franchisee happiness and success in the system.” BIGGBY® COFFEE awarded franchises in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, …

Orlando, Fla. — The chief operating officer of Sonny’s BBQ, Billy Brewer, and its chief brand officer, Peter Frey, share their key learnings from 2023 that have positioned the brand to remain top of its class through an enhanced guest experience, training and development for team members, strengthening foundational operations, and delivery on quality and value. Sonny’s BBQ has made meaningful progress and remained competitive despite industry-wide struggles to drive in-store traffic since the pandemic. As guest preferences continue to shift toward more off-premise dining options, Sonny’s BBQ prioritized the …

Pabst Farms, Wis. — Clean Juice®, the first and only USDA-certified organic juice and food bar franchise, has opened its newest store in Pabst Farms, Wis., the first in the state. Franchise owners Claudia and Charlie Wiggins will officially open their new store on Dec. 2, situated in the township of Oconomowoc.  “We believe wholeheartedly in the all-organic movement and are thrilled to be a part of the Clean Juice family,” says Claudia Wiggins. “Our family is honored not only to bring Clean Juice into Pabst Farms but also to …

Las Vegas — Focus Brands®, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, is capitalizing on franchise growth in the non-traditional sector, now boasting more than 2,000 non-traditional units across the country. Building on this momentum are two newly signed agreements in the Las Vegas market. Mother-daughter entrepreneurial team Vicki Richardson and Leila Day, of JV Ventures, recently opened an Auntie Anne’s location inside of Allegiant Stadium. This location adds to their non-traditional portfolio including two Auntie Anne’s at the Las Vegas …

Kansas City, Mo. — Hawaiian Bros, an island-inspired, award-winning, quick-service restaurant concept, has signed its fifth multi-unit development agreement with Rock Hawaiian LLC since launching its franchise program in late 2022. Rock Hawaiian LLC is set to develop 18 Hawaiian Bros locations in the San Antonio, Texas, area in the coming years, starting with the acquisition of the Live Oak store this year. Rock Hawaiian owners Chris Aslam and Edith Diaz have a strong track record of developing successful multi-unit franchises. Since 2007, their restaurant group has been operating quick-service …

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. signed 123 new restaurant commitments during its 2023 fiscal year. The brand also announced the signing of 138 new restaurant commitments for Del Taco. The news comes as the company announced its Q4 and fiscal year 2023 financial results. During 2023, Jack in the Box also entered four new states: Arkansas, Florida, Montana and Wyoming. The brand also signed a 22-unit commitment to enter Mexico. In mid-2023, Jack in the Box set a record for a restaurant opening in a new market, …