Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading national fast-casual cafe franchise, experienced another record-breaking year in 2020. Tropical Smoothie Cafe delivered its ninth consecutive year of positive same-store sales, with 2020 same-store sales coming in at +7.5%. The brand opened 99 new cafes, including its 900th location in Fort Benning, Ga. Further, the brand signed 254 new franchise agreements — 70% of which came from existing franchisees — and is on track to reach more than 1,000 operating restaurants in 2021. “Our success is directly related to the passion and …
franchise development
Fayetteville, Ark. — Slim Chickens plans to open more than 50 restaurants this year in various states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As the fast-casual brand expands around the globe, Slim Chickens, which features dine-in and drive-thru footprints in the “better chicken” segment, is set for an explosive 2021. Internationally, franchise restaurants will continue to open across the United Kingdom as well. Slim Chickens closed out 2020 having signed over 150 multi-unit agreements with 16 groups that will bring the brand into new markets …
San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats® (QDOBA), the largest franchise opportunity in the fast-casual Mexican segment, has opened its 400th franchise location (pictured). The landmark opening underscores the brand’s dynamic development strategy to expand to 2,000 units. QDOBA’s growth will be fueled by blending a mix of current franchisees expanding their portfolios, new franchisee acquisition and corporate development. QDOBA’s 400th franchise restaurant had its grand opening on Jan. 19 in Brighton, Mich., a suburb of Detroit. The modernized QDOBA features several of the brand’s recent innovations, including a new drive-thru …
— Interview with Greg Smith — Sport Clips Haircuts proves how essential its service is with a thriving franchise system of more than 1,800 stores and locations in all 50 states. As many of us realized very soon into the pandemic, it’s easy to argue that hair salons are essential services. Nevertheless, like other hair salons around the country, Sport Clips Haircuts was forced to close its more than 1,800 locations during the spring shutdown. By October, nearly all had reopened and, as we continue to navigate the …
Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers experienced significant development success in 2020, opening 30 new restaurants in key markets throughout the U.S., including its milestone 400th location. Despite a challenging industry landscape, Freddy’s maintained strong systemwide sales throughout the pandemic and continued to grow, reporting AUV growth of 6.5%. The brand also signed with six new development groups that committed to over 60 development options; it also signed 11 new development agreements with existing Freddy’s franchisees who committed to additional territory and over 70 new restaurant options. “Our …
Atlanta — Cinnaholic, a gourmet vegan bakery, is set to open 20 new locations across the country this year. The brand also experienced a successful 2020: it signed agreements for new franchise locations across 20 new markets including Ann Arbor, Mich.; Portland, Ore.; Philadelphia; New Jersey; and Phoenix. Since June 2020, the brand has also opened locations in new markets including Raleigh, N.C.; Chicago; San Antonio; Baltimore; Birmingham; Tulsa, Okla.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Tyler, Texas. As Cinnaholic sets its sights on continued growth in 2021, it seeks out qualified …
Newport Beach, Calif. — Mountain Mike’s Pizza has opened its second Oregon location, in Roseburg. The new Roseburg location is owned by franchisee and area developer, Jim Smith, who owns the Mountain Mike’s in Medford, Ore., and plans to open two additional restaurants in the state in 2021. With dining rooms open at limited capacities throughout Oregon, Mountain Mike’s continues to adhere to the strictest health and safety guidelines set by the state and the CDC, such as employees wearing masks and gloves, and tamper-proof seals. Mountain Mike’s offers dine-in, …
New York City — Greek Xpress, New York’s favorite Greek quick-service restaurant, is partnering with franchise development group Fransmart to bring its authentic, delicious and healthy Greek cuisine to customers nationwide through franchising. The brand has continued to build momentum despite challenges surrounding COVID-19, opening its seventh location in Manhattan last year and continuing construction on its eighth location in Staten Island. “Customers vote with their wallets, and Greek Xpress restaurants are busy,” says Fransmart CEO Dan Rowe. “We have full confidence that this concept could grow to become a Greek Five Guys or a …
Auburn, Ala. — Chicken Salad Chick, a Southern-inspired, fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, will be expanding in Florida with its newest restaurant in Coral Springs. The Coral Springs restaurant marks the first Florida opening this year with additional locations in St. Petersburg, Ocala, Gainesville and Wellington slated to open over the next several months. The restaurant will make its South Florida debut on January 27. Chicken Salad Chick is closely following Florida’s state and local guidelines for COVID-19 procedures and will open the Coral Springs restaurant with social distancing measures …
Savannah, Ga. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-thru in the “better chicken” segment, has signed a multi-unit agreement with Southeast Slims Hospitality LLC to develop 12 restaurants across the eastern section of Georgia, including Savannah and Augusta, and the western section of South Carolina. The first location is slated to open in first quarter 2021. “Our team was completely taken aback by the Slim Chickens brand when we were first introduced. It seemed like a no-brainer to join such a dynamic concept,” says Casey …