— By Katie Lee — Even during a pandemic, Jersey Mike’s continues to grow and evolve — adding 200 stores this year and fully funding the ongoing retrofits of its 1,800+ locations. Ten years ago, Retail & Restaurant Facility Business first featured Jersey Mike’s on its cover. At the time, the iconic sub sandwich chain, which launched in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, had 450 stores open and under development in 29 states. One short decade later? Jersey Mike’s is just getting started. The company has more than …
franchise development
Hartland, Wis. — Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, has been ranked No. 131 on Franchise Times’ Top 200+ List, the most comprehensive ranking of the 500 largest franchise systems in the United States. The prestigious list is based on Batteries Plus’s global system sales and number of locations. The brand joins the list among some of the nation’s most recognizable brands. In 2020, Batteries Plus signed 20 franchise agreements and is on track to have 20 new agreements signed by …
Perris, Calif. — Farmer Boys, a Southern California-based fast-casual concept, will celebrate its 100th restaurant opening the weekend of October 23-24 in Perris, Calif. — the same city where it all began nearly 40 years ago. “We are thrilled to open the 100th Farmer Boys restaurant in the city where we first opened nearly 40 years ago,” says Larry Rusinko, vice president and chief marketing officer for Farmer Boys. Since opening in 1981 in Perris, Farmer Boys has prided itself on establishing a loyal customer base throughout its nearly 40 …
Miami — CAO Bakery & Café, a South Florida staple known for blending traditional Cuban baking with the inviting atmosphere of American-mainstay cafés, plans to expand its pastelito portfolio through franchise opportunities. This will allow Cuban American Original (CAO) to reach new markets beyond its nine Miami-Dade and three Broward locations. As the retail bakery market in the Miami metro area grew a robust 13% between 2017 to 2018, nationwide, the bakery-café industry is projected to grow at a 2.3% annual rate over the next 3 years. CAO plans to …
Arlington, Va. — Bob & Edith’s Diner, an iconic Washington, D.C., eatery beloved by celebrities and locals alike, recently opened its fifth corporate location in Arlington, Va., despite COVID-19-related delays. The new location welcomed more customers than anticipated in its first week (both on- and off-premise), highlighting the concept’s popularity and cult-like following in D.C. and surrounding areas. The new location has special significance to owner Greg Bolton. “My dad worked at this very location 65 years ago, before he opened the first Bob & Edith’s Diner,” he says. “I …
Chula Vista, Calif. — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Hurricane Grill & Wings and eight other restaurant concepts, has opened Hurricane Grill & Wings in Chula Vista, Calif. This marks the restaurant brand’s first location in California and its first fast-casual restaurant concept nationwide. “We are excited to expand fan-favorite Hurricane Grill & Wings into the California market,” says Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands. “While we have had great success with our full-serve model, we see a huge appetite and demand for a fast-casual experience …
Atlanta — Jamba®, a global lifestyle brand leader, has signed a 50-unit deal to expand in Japan. With two Tokyo locations now open, ADASTRIA eat Creations Inc. — a subsidiary of one of the largest fashion and apparel companies in Japan — is driving Jamba’s Japan expansion. ADASTRIA has opened two locations in Tokyo and has plans to expand to 50 locations across Japan by 2025. “As we strategically expand our brand portfolio in select countries around the world, we believe that Japan is an ideal market for Jamba as …
Chattanooga, Tenn. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the “better chicken” segment, has inked a deal that will bring 10 locations to cities throughout Tennessee. The Davis Group, which consists of Scott, Ricky and Cody Davis, will bring the restaurants to Jackson, Knoxville and Chattanooga. The Davis Group is partnering with David Hull, Greg Rowden and Josh Rowden to co-own and operate existing Slim Chickens restaurants in Memphis and Arkansas. They will continue development in those markets as well. “We are so excited to expand our Slim Chickens …
Cheyenne, Wyo. — Taco John’s International Inc., a leading quick-service Mexican franchise, announced that same-store sales are up at the brand for the third month in a row. From May through August, comp sales were up by an average of 6.85% each month. “The way our system has been able to maneuver and grow through this pandemic is incredible and speaks to the recession-resistant nature of our franchise model,” says Brooks Speirs, vice president for franchise development at the legacy brand. Taco John’s has celebrated nearly half a dozen openings …
Milwaukee — Seattle-style teriyaki restaurant Teriyaki Madness is planning its first foray into Wisconsin, with five new locations set to open by the end of 2020, plus a sixth in Illinois. The first shop will open at 920 S. Moorland Rd. in Brookfield in mid-September, with additional shops set to open in Hales Corners, Wauwatosa, Germantown and Pewaukee, Wis., and another to open across the Illinois border in Rolling Meadows later this year. Milwaukee-based FirstPathway Partners is responsible for bringing the restaurants to the area, which will be operated through …