franchise development

Newport, Calif. — Toastique, a vibrant, artisan toast and juice café conceptualized on the East Coast, is set to launch its first storefront in California on Sept. 16, 2023. The new location will be opening at 226 Marine Ave., a former Starbucks location, at the corner of a seaside street on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, Calif. The approximately 1,500-square-foot establishment will provide both indoor and outdoor café style seating, including bar seats and tables. Toastique was first launched in 2017 in Washington, D.C., and has gained recognition over the …

Athens, Ga. — Zaxby’s, a rapidly growing Athens, Ga.-based QSR franchise, now with over 930 locations, has recently signed a franchise development deal that will lead the company to enter its 21st state: Arizona. “This is such an exciting time for us,” says Bert Lane, Zaxby’s vice president of development. “Not only are we seeing growth in our tried-and-true Mid-Atlantic states and Southeast, but we’re thrilled to expand our footprint in the western part of the United States.” This year alone, Zaxby’s has sold 51 new locations and is on …

Atlanta — Krystal, the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South, is unveiling a strategic refranchising initiative aimed at propelling the expansion of its brand presence. The program involves offering existing company-owned locations in markets previously unavailable for franchising, with a targeted focus on attracting established multi-unit operators who possess a proven track record and a desire to acquire a successful portfolio of existing restaurants and continue to build the market with new locations. This strategic move aligns with Krystal’s ambition to amplify its footprint across the United States, transitioning …

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl franchise, has opened its 200th shop. This new opening marks Playa Bowls’ 71st franchise agreement this year, demonstrating the brand’s dedication to growth since first launching in Belmar, N.J., in 2014. The brand plans to open 33 additional shops before the end of the year. “Playa Bowls once began as a patio table outside of a pizza shop, and now, nearly a decade later, we’ve reached 200 locations across the nation,” says Abby Taylor, chief marketing officer of Playa Bowls. “With …

East Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE, a high-energy coffee concept with more than 360 units, has signed 43 new franchise agreements so far this year and is on track to reach the 500-unit mark by the end of 2024. In 2023, 31 new stores have opened so far. “Currently, we have 361 stores open and around another 140 in development for a total of close to 500,” says Tony DiPietro, vice president of emerging market development. “That 500 is a big deal because we have a goal to have 500 …

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Johnny Rockets and 16 other restaurant concepts, has inked a new development deal set to bring 20 new franchised Johnny Rockets locations to Texas in the next 10 years, with the first unit set to open in 2024. The new locations will open in partnership with Brame Holdings LLC. “Brame Holdings LLC continues to be a great growth partner in Texas across the FAT Brands portfolio,” says Taylor Wiederhorn, chief development officer of FAT Brands. “They are quickly …