Atlanta — The specialty footwear and lifestyle chain, The Athlete’s Foot (TAF), launched its most anticipated project of 2023: the introduction of its “neighborhood” concept store, located at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta. The Athlete’s Foot is focused on elevating the consumer experience while continuing to drive hyper-localized product assortment and community engagement efforts. The grand opening events, which took place at the end of April, included a sneaker customization class, live performances, and custom art pieces and murals. The Athlete’s Foot partnered with Adidas to provide swag bags filled …
franchise development
Tampa, Fla. — The Melting Pot, the 94-unit fondue concept that provides a unique, experiential dining atmosphere, has been carefully considering its growth efforts in recent months, launching a campaign to remodel all restaurants and embracing what it has coined ‘Melting Pot Evolution.’ This year, the company will open one remodeled restaurant each week. “2021 and 2022 were both tremendous years for the brand in terms of increasing traffic — real growth,” says Bob Johnston, CEO. “In other words, we had growth that came not just through price increases, but actual …
Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, has finalized a 16-unit shop development agreement in two Florida markets. This agreement includes 14 shops in Broward County and two shops in Gainesville. “We are enthused to begin a partnership with Rami Boaziz and Stellar Hospitality, which we believe will be great stewards of the brand,” says Bob Wright, president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to expanding the Potbelly brand in the Florida market with a Shop Development Area Agreement (SDAA) for 16 new shops, following our previous …
New York City — WHP Global, the parent company of Toys”R”Us, has partnered with leading omnichannel retailer El Puerto de Liverpool, SAB de CV to launch the toy brand in Mexico for the very first time. The partnership will bring Toys”R”Us to Mexican customers through standalone flagship stores and e-commerce. Toys”R”Us has experienced significant growth since its acquisition by WHP Global in 2021, doubling its footprint by 50% in 2022 with the national rollout in the U.S. at all Macy’s stores and recent launches in India, United Kingdom and Australia. …
Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee®, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, has signed several multi-unit development agreements to franchise more than 300 new locations domestically. Caribou Coffee expanded its franchise program in October 2021, marking the first time interested candidates had an opportunity to own and operate traditional franchise locations in the United States. In March 2022, Caribou Coffee announced the signing of its first multi-unit development agreement with Mike Mariola Restaurants to franchise locations in Ohio. Mariola and his team opened their first Caribou Coffee location on November …
Miami — In first quarter 2023, Subway saw positive traffic and double-digit growth in global restaurant same-store sales, driven by its continued focus on menu innovation, modernization of restaurants and improvements to the overall guest experience, including digital. Kicking off the second quarter, in April, the brand also achieved its highest weekly average unit volume (AUV) in the U.S. since 2010. Q1 global results, compared to the same period in 2022: 12.1% increase in same-store sales. 11.4% increase in digital sales. Q1 North America results, compared to the same period …
Nashville, Tenn. — Captain D’s, a leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, has converted a former Huddle House restaurant into its newest franchised location in Glennville, Ga. Owned by local entrepreneur Zuber Malek, the new restaurant will open on April 24; its grand opening kicks off a spate of Captain D’s conversions this spring in Georgia, including a former Bojangles in Savannah and a Dunkin’ in Marietta. The new Glennville restaurant features Captain D’s vibrant, coastal design and welcoming atmosphere, serving high-quality seafood with warm hospitality at an affordable price. With spacious …
Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is introducing Twisted by Wetzel’s, a never-before-seen street concept that amplifies the iconic brand’s classic pretzels to satisfy today’s millennial and Gen Z generations. From savory to sweet, the menu features new creations that are stuffed, topped and drizzled to ultimate pretzel perfection. The new concept will debut in California this spring. “Twisted by Wetzel’s embraces the magic or our core brand and elevates it to a whole new level, providing a bigger, bolder, more imaginative expression of Wetzel’s,” says Kim Freer, chief marketing officer. …
Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl shop, has appointed Dan Harmon as its new chief executive officer. As CEO, Harmon will leverage his extensive industry experience to accelerate the company’s overall growth strategies and performance. He succeeds Playa Bowls’ co-founder Rob Giuliani, who will remain engaged in the business as chief innovation officer and continue to play a critical role in Playa Bowls’ strategic development. “Harmon has an exceptional reputation for exceeding business objectives and franchisee relationships in the restaurant industry and will be a valuable asset …
Chicago — Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay is coming to the Windy City. Intelligration Capital BB, LLC (ICBB), the licensor and franchisor company for Bobby’s Burgers, has finalized the brand’s first franchise deal to propel the brand’s footprint across the neighborhoods of Chicagoland. Notably, the multi-unit agreement is introducing the ultimate burger experience to a new market while debuting Bobby’s Burgers’ first traditional, streetside restaurant model. The openings will bring an approachable Bobby Flay dining experience to all while maintaining a menu curated using only the highest quality ingredients. Well …