franchise development

Dallas — During the third quarter, Smoothie King has reported 38 new store commitments and 28 new store openings across 16 states, marking the highest number of store openings in a single quarter in 6 years and the second highest in its history. Key milestones this quarter included expansions into two new states (New Hampshire and Delaware); the grand opening of a new Austin, Texas, location (the first in the area in 3 years); a flagship store opening at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport; and the opening of two new stores …

Portland, Ore. — Killer Burger, a fast-growing better burger concept, plans to enter the state of Texas with its first location in San Antonio. The franchised location is expected to open in November, and will be owned and operated by Killer Burger founder — and now also a franchisee — Thomas “TJ” Southard. This marks the brand’s first location outside of the Pacific Northwest. Southard is adding “franchisee” to his roles of founder, board member and majority shareholder as part of his broader plan to help Killer Burger attract and …

San Antonio, Texas — Taco Cabana®, a popular fast-casual chain since 1978, has launched a franchise program to grow the brand in new markets across the country, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. “After 45 storied years building the Taco Cabana brand in Texas, we have the leadership and operational systems in place to deliver a nationwide franchising opportunity for passionate and experienced operators who want to introduce our acclaimed restaurant chain to their communities,” says Ulyses Camacho, president and COO of Taco Cabana. “This exciting step forward …

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc., a leading franchisor in the quick-service industry, is expanding again into the Chicago market with a 12-unit franchising deal. This builds on the brand’s momentum with the planned openings of 2 CloudKitchens in downtown and the previous announcement of 8 company-operated locations to be developed in the suburbs of Chicago. “We are excited to bring Jack in the Box back to Chicago,” says Van Ingram, vice president franchise development. “Chicagoland serves as the gateway to the Midwest, and we see tremendous opportunity …

Charlotte, N.C. — On Sept. 30, Sweetgreen opened its first North Carolina location in Uptown Charlotte at One Independence Center. The 2,479-square-foot location marks a significant milestone amidst the brand’s continued nationwide expansion. “We’re so grateful for the warm welcome and excitement around Sweetgreen coming to North Carolina to join the Queen City,” says Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “As we expand across the Carolinas, we’re looking forward to teaming up with local partners in the Southeast.” The Uptown space will accommodate up to 42 diners inside and …