franchise development

Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant brands in the world, plans to enter China, marking a major milestone in the company’s global growth and its 27th international market. The brand’s first restaurant in China is slated to open in Shanghai this summer, with additional locations — at least 600 — to follow. Texas Chicken has partnered with Deke Shengtang, a leading local operator with multiple QSR brands, signing a franchise agreement to develop 600 or more restaurants across China over the …

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza has signed a 12-unit franchise agreement with experienced multi-unit operator Baljit Gill, accelerating the brand’s expansion across Southern California. Today, three Marco’s Pizza locations are open in Upland, Fontana and Hesperia, with two additional stores in development in Yucaipa and Highland slated to open in April. The remaining units are currently in site selection throughout Southern California. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco. The …

Orlando, Fla. — Huey Magoo’s has signed a development agreement in Texas, continuing its rapid national expansion. The development of 15 new restaurants in the Lone Star State will span Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties. Overall, Huey Magoo’s is on track to reach 100 locations in 2026. The latest agreement brings on the SMR Capital Group. Led by its managing partner, Muhammad Ali Akbar, and its operating partner, Jason Gilbert, the group offers a blend of multi-unit operating expertise, franchise growth leadership, and real estate-backed investment experience. …

Toronto — Playa Bowls, the U.S.’s leading superfruit bowl shop with nearly 400 locations, is officially bringing its tropical vibe north of the border. Eat Up Canada, Inc., the restaurant development group leading Playa Bowls’ Canada expansion, has signed a lease for the brand’s first Canadian shop in downtown Toronto. The shop will mark Playa Bowls’ international debut when it opens this spring. The new shop is part of Playa Bowls’ master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada, led by George Heos and Alex Gerzon. The pair previously built a …

Chicago — PopUp Bagels is expanding across Illinois, with the first of 25 Chicago locations set to open in Lincoln Park. Expanding to the Chicago area marks a major milestone for PopUp Bagels as it expands the brand’s footprint to the Midwest for the first time. The brand, which debuted in Westport, Conn., in 2021, serves hot, whole bagels straight from the oven — never sliced, never toasted — designed to be torn apart and dipped into schmear. The Chicago locations will deliver the same bagel experience as those in …

Nashville, Tenn. — la Madeleine, the French-inspired café-bakery brand, has opened its first location in the state of Tennessee. The new café-bakery opened on March 18 in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., and will have a formal grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting on April 14. la Madeleine offers a distinctive café-bakery experience where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner through soups, salads, artisan sandwiches, pastas, handcrafted coffees and a display of freshly baked pastries. More than just a café, la Madeleine’s thoughtfully designed spaces — including a welcoming fireplace and inviting …