franchise development

Dallas — As part of a company-wide revitalization initiative, TGI Fridays® plans to close 36 underperforming locations in select markets across the U.S. The company has also sold eight previously corporate-owned restaurants in the Northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette, who will now lead the locations into a new phase of revitalization. The news follows recent moves to bolster TGI Fridays’ leadership team, including the recent appointments of Weldon Spangler to chief executive officer, Ray Risley to U.S. president and chief operating officer and Nik Rupp to president and COO …

San Francisco — Slice House by Tony Gemignani, the fast-casual pizza franchise by world renowned pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani, has expanded its nationwide footprint to 100 franchise units open or under development. This achievement reflects the brand’s rapid growth since launching franchising efforts 18 months ago in California and marks its entry into two new key markets: Colorado and Utah. In 2024, Slice House projects the signing of 100 more units into development.   “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 100 units for Slice House by Tony Gemignani, a testament to the …

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 …