franchise development

Johns Creek, Ga. — Shawarma Press, the first authentic Shawarma franchise in the U.S., continues its expansion with the opening of a flagship restaurant in Georgia. Located in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek, the popular Mediterranean spot is the first of several franchise units planned throughout the state. The expansion to The Peach State follows seven well-established Texas locations in Irving, Plano, Georgetown, Arlington, Frisco, San Antonio and a recently opened flagship restaurant in the Dallas Arts District. Sawsan Abublan, CEO and co-founder, says expansion in Georgia is significant …

Atlanta — Huddle House Franchise is driving expansion across Southern markets through its existing franchise network. In recent months, Huddle House announced new store openings in Lynchburg, Va., Owensboro, Ky., Nahunta, Ga., as well as a 10-year renewal agreement in Lady Island, S.C. All of these announcements have come from existing franchise owners. Christopher and Stephanie Wilson, the husband-and-wife business duo, are the operators of Huddle House of Lady’s Island, and have been serving the community since 2018. The Wilsons recently renewed their agreement with a 10-year commitment, ensuring that …

Chicago — Potbelly Corporation has completed a deal that will expand its presence in the greater Seattle-Tacoma region of Washington state. This agreement will increase the number of shops in the area to 22 in partnership with franchisee Sound Sandwich LLC, including the transfer of ownership of nine existing restaurants. Additionally, the franchisee will develop 13 new units in King, Pierce and Thurston counties over the next 8 years. “We’re thrilled to put the Potbelly experience within the reach of more people in the Seattle-Tacoma region,” says Bob Wright, president …

Dallas — Smoothie King has provided its third-quarter brand update, posting record sales during period 7, marking its highest sales period in its 50-year history. The surge was driven largely by record-breaking digital sales and new product innovation. Additionally, the brand reported a 13% increase in same-store sales year over year at completion of the quarter, 60 openings year-to-date and expansion within its home market of Dallas-Fort Worth, as well as signing its first agreements in Boston. “We are proud of achieving record-breaking sales and can attribute a lot of …

Detroit — Little Caesars, the third largest pizza chain in the world, has signed franchise development agreements that will add 15 new locations across two of the brand’s target markets. Led by two different franchisees, the developments are set to expand the brand’s presence in Boston and Chicago. The franchisees leading the brand’s latest developments include: • Pritpal Bains and Haranchal Bains, who have operated Little Caesars restaurants in California since 1999, plan to establish five new locations throughout Boston by 2027. • Karim Khowaja and Sanjeev Khatau, who have …

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has opened its newest location in the Louisville, Ky., market, the brand’s first ever entry into the state of Kentucky. This opening represents the brand’s second new market entry in the past 3 months, joining Salt Lake City. The new location features the brand’s innovative CRAVED image, which includes a new restaurant image package with bold colors and signage. With its first location open, Jack in the Box has additional locations planned throughout Louisville for future development. “We’re pleased to announce the …

Raleigh, N.C. — Capital Tacos, a small-town taco shop turned nationally-acclaimed Tex-Mex restaurant franchise, has secured the brand’s first-ever franchise agreement for the state of North Carolina; the first unit will open in spring 2024 in Raleigh. David and Silvia Robertson, the husband-and-wife duo bringing the brand to North Carolina, combine his 25 years of sales leadership experience in the IT market with her background in the operations and quality control of various restaurant brands. The deal is for a single unit, although the Robertsons have each expressed an intention …