franchise development

Boston — Gong cha, a premier bubble tea brand with more than 240 locations across 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, has appointed Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as vice president of U.S. non-traditional franchise development. A franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich’s expertise spans franchising, site selection and strategic partnerships — expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long term value creation. In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha’s non-traditional …

Irvine, Calif. — Pokeworks, a fast-growing fast-casual poke brand has finalized a 10-unit deal in San Antonio and is selling out its available Houston territories. With a goal to open 10 stores in two years, Agustin Guzman will be developing the greater San Antonio market as well as the Rio Grande Valley. Guzman, a former Olympic swimmer and seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across various industries, currently operates Pokeworks’ McAllen, Texas, location and is in the process of opening his second location in Mission, Texas. “I’ve experienced …

Rogers, Ark. — Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, a restaurant brand serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and specializing in sweet and savory crêpes, hot drinks and more, is expanding its national presence by entering two new states: Arkansas and Missouri. In a four-unit signed agreement, two restaurants will be opening in Arkansas metropolitan cities, and two restaurants will be opening in Kansas City, Mo. The first restaurant is slated to open in fall 2025, at Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers, Ark. Pinnacle Hills Promenade is a luxury retail lifestyle center …

Dallas — Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating the opening of its 700th bakery, located in Rosenberg, Texas. The Dallas-based company has grown to the nation’s largest specialty cake company with locations throughout more than 40 states and Canada. The brand has ambitious plans to open its 1,000th location by 2027. Nothing Bundt Cakes opened 101 bakeries in 2024 and is on pace to do the same this year as this bakery opening is the 40th in 2025. The brand is on track to become one of the highest-growth companies in …