franchise development

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 …

Los Angeles — Great American Cookies, the Original Cookie Cake franchise, is opening its first locations in Philadelphia. Both situated at the Franklin Mills Mall, the new stores represent the cookie chain’s commitment to domestic expansion on the East Coast. “At Great American Cookies, every new store opening is an opportunity to bring joy to a local community,” says Allison Lauenstein, president of Great American Cookies. “Making our debut in Philadelphia is a tremendous opportunity for Great American Cookies from a brand visibility standpoint and we look forward to treating …

Austin, Texas — Clean Juice®, the first and only USDA-certified organic juice and food bar franchise, is opening its first Austin, Texas, store with father-and-son duo franchisees Jeff and Ty Mobley. The new Clean Juice will open on July 29 in the William Cannon area across from Arbor Trails Plaza. “We were impressed from the first moment we walked through the doors,” says Ty Mobley, who is also a former award-winning collegiate soccer player. “The cleanliness of the restaurant and the freshness of the food presentation was on point. We …

Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® has signed a franchise development agreement led by new franchisee, Ellis Choi, to debut eight new restaurants in LA County, Calif., a key target market in the U.S. for the brand. This announcement comes on the heels of two quarters of growth, ending the first half of the year with more than 480 locations across 36 states. Freddy’s has set its sights on reaching 500 units later this year. “As we build upon a momentous first half of the year, we are …

New York City — Brand Urban, a real estate brokerage and advisory company based in Manhattan, and Dochter & Alexander Retail Advisors, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate brokerage, have brought Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to Times Square. The nationally beloved brand, known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice cream, has signed a lease for a 600-square-foot scoop shop at 2 Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. Marking the brand’s 27th location in New York City, Van Leeuwen at 2 Times Square is slated to open in late 2023. Emily Green …