Tucson, Ariz. — Quiznos is returning to Tucson, Ariz., with a new restaurant opening near the University of Arizona campus as part of a blockbuster deal calling for 30 new locations to open in Arizona over the next 5 to 7 years. This is the first new full-menu Quiznos in Arizona since 2010, and it comes with exciting new features like a drive-thru — only the second Quiznos in the U.S. to have one. The Tucson location had a soft opening on Sept. 26, with a grand opening planned for …
Athens, Ga. — This year, Jittery Joe’s Coffee is celebrating 30 years in business. The specialty coffee roaster, based in Athens, Ga., is also now launching franchise opportunities for a new drive-thru model. Jittery Joe’s Coffee’s new drive-thru concept stands out by maintaining a smaller footprint, offering lower labor costs and enhancing efficiency. “As demand for coffee and energy continues to rise, savvy investments are shifting toward the smaller-footprint, drive-thru-only coffee model,” says Drew French, co-owner of Jittery Joe’s Franchising. “Our new drive-thru concept is poised to capitalize on these …
— By Tim Conn — 8 tips to appeal to Gen Z and future franchisees. Franchising has long been a successful business model, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to own a business with an established brand and built-in support system. As the economic landscape evolves, the demographic that franchise owners must appeal to is also shifting. Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is emerging as a powerful consumer group and a growing pool of future franchisees. It’s imperative that current franchise owners understand and adapt to the values, preferences …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., a leading global franchising company and parent company of 18 brands including Twin Peaks, has opened the first converted Smokey Bones location to Twin Peaks in Lakeland, Fla. Since acquiring Smokey Bones last year, FAT Brands has identified a select number of Smokey Bones locations to convert to its fastest-growing brand, Twin Peaks. The global restaurant franchising company has identified this strategy as a key growth pillar for the brand and currently has a pipeline of approximately 30 Smokey Bones locations …
Omaha, Neb. — Scooter’s Coffee, LLC, the Midwest-based drive-thru coffee franchise experiencing record-breaking growth, plans to open five new coffee kiosks in four different states — the result of new franchise agreements signed in August — including its first location in the state of West Virginia. The new signings in West Virginia, Alabama, Minnesota and Wisconsin are the latest boost to the Scooter’s Coffee‘s network of more than 800 stores in 30 states as the brand strives to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation. …
Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company has appointed John Min as its chief legal officer and secretary and Mary Greenlee as senior vice president, U.S. operations. Min will report to Wendy’s president and chief executive officer, Kirk Tanner; and Greenlee will report to the president, U.S., Abigail Pringle. Min succeeds E.J. Wunsch, who was appointed as Wendy’s president, international in June 2024. “I’m pleased to welcome John and Mary to the Wendy’s team,” says Tanner. “John’s proven track record of managing complex commercial transactions, his extensive background in legal strategy …
Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed industry veteran and financial expert Dan Hurwitz as its new chief financial officer. In his new role, Hurwitz will focus on supporting investment decisions to drive profitable growth for Smalls Sliders as the brand continues expanding its capabilities as an industry disruptor. With over two decades of experience managing and overseeing the financial growth of several known brands, Hurwitz will play a key role in Smalls Sliders’ growing leadership team. Hurwitz’s background includes his most recent position as CFO of Philz Coffee, where he …
Wichita, Kan. — Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® has signed four separate development deals that will build the brand’s presence across Washington, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey and Texas. These deals are being individually spearheaded by a mix of both current and new Freddy’s franchisees and will add a total of 21 restaurant locations to the franchise system. Among these deals, Freddy’s is planning its first restaurants in the state of Washington, with a 10-unit development agreement for the Seattle market. Another franchise deal, this time in the …
Denver — Smashburger® has appointed Jim Sullivan as chief development officer. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for overseeing all facets of restaurant development, including market planning, site selection and franchise sales, with a strategic focus on elevating Smashburger’s brand identity in the fast-casual space. “We are thrilled to welcome Jim Sullivan as Smashburger’s new chief development officer,” says Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger. “Jim brings unparalleled expertise, passion and a deep understanding of the fast-casual industry that will be instrumental in driving our ambitious expansion plans both domestically …
Detroit — Little Caesars celebrates its 65th anniversary with another successful development period, signing numerous new multi-unit development agreements to expand its footprint across the U.S. These agreements will translate into more than 23 new restaurants opening in Dallas; Los Angeles; San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Baltimore, Md.; and Greenville, S.C. Recent grand openings have also included three new restaurants in New York City. “Over the past few years, we’ve taken steps to continue to meet the demands and preferences of franchisees and guests alike. As …
