Alexandria, Va. — Fransmart, a global franchise development company, is expanding its leadership team with the appointment of seasoned food industry executive Don Baruch as vice president of franchise support operations. Baruch brings more than 25 years of franchise development and operations experience to the position. Most recently, he was vice president of development for BurgerBusters, a more than 150-unit franchisee of Yum! Brands with Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants, as well as several other national brands. “An experienced franchisee, franchisor and franchise owner, Don brings a unique …
franchise development
Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee®, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands portfolio concept, has launched its domestic franchise program. Since its inception in 1992, Caribou Coffee has grown to more than 718 locations systemwide including 314 company-owned coffeehouses primarily across the Midwest. Caribou Coffee’s domestic franchise launch marks the first time interested candidates in the U.S. have an opportunity to own and operate coffeehouses which were previously only available internationally, through non-traditional or licensing. Industry-leading innovations in restaurant design have further positioned Caribou Coffee for nationwide expansion, including the 2019 …
Hartland, Wis. — The nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, Batteries Plus, has seen significant third quarter growth with the signing of 20 new store agreements, bringing the brand’s total signings for the year to 66. Included in the 20 new store agreements was a 10-unit signing which will expand the brand in Nevada and Utah, a three-unit signing in Philadelphia and multiple two-packs set to expand Batteries Plus into Sacramento, Calif., and Wichita, Kan. Additional single-unit signings will grow the brand in Georgia, Texas, …
Louisville, Ky. — Biscuit Belly, a chef-driven fast-casual breakfast and brunch concept, has signed development agreements for 10 franchised units, five of which will be located in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with an additional five units to be built in the Nashville DMA. These two agreements are in addition to the 10 units signed earlier this spring, resulting in commitments for a total of 20 units in the first 9 months of 2021. The brand also plans to expand with additional company-owned restaurants in the Louisville and Southern Indiana markets. …
Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is offering a unique franchise opportunity with the Phillips 66 family of brands. Operators will now have the opportunity to open a hot, fresh Wetzel’s experience at Phillips 66®, Conoco® and 76® branded convenience stores. “We’ve been incredibly impressed with the early success of Wetzel’s Pretzels locations at the 76® convenience stores and the benefit this initiative will provide for both brands’ growth,” says Frank Gonzales, director of non-traditional development at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “Our team is excited to provide the convenience and ease of operations …
— Interview with Neil Gill — As the leader in dog daycare, Dogtopia is on track to open 50 new locations this year through robust retail franchising and a business model that focuses on overall wellness — for the dogs and their humans. As the saying goes, “Pets are people too.” And lucky are the dogs who get to experience day care at Phoenix-based Dogtopia, which currently operates 166 locations across 35 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, when …
Las Vegas — Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone have signed 16 area development agreements in the third quarter, which will bring an additional 39 new stores to communities across the U.S. The 39 units sold — 25 Capriotti’s shops and 14 Wing Zone locations — follow the signing of 89 units in the first two quarters of the year, bringing the total new shop count to 128 for the year. Third quarter signings for Capriotti’s include: Austin/Houston, Texas N. Dallas, Texas Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Fresno, Calif. Louisville, Ky. Maryland …
New York City — Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, the nation’s fastest growing dumpling automat concept, has a signed multi-unit franchise deal to make the brand’s first appearance in Florida. Florida-based franchisee Marc Silverstone closed on a deal with Brooklyn Dumpling Shop to bring at least five units to Orlando, Miami and surrounding areas. “From the moment I entered the East Village location, I knew this was the right fit for me and for Florida. I’m so excited to be part of the Brooklyn Dumpling Shop family and make this amazing concept …
Louisville, Ky., and Dallas — Papa John’s International, Inc. has signed its largest domestic franchisee development agreement in the company’s history with top U.S. franchisee operator Sun Holdings, Inc. Under the terms of the deal, Sun Holdings will oversee the opening of 100 new stores in high-growth markets across Texas by 2029. Founded by Guillermo Perales, Dallas-based Sun Holdings supports more than 1,000 locations across 12 states. “Papa John’s development flywheel has started to take off,” says Amanda Clark, Papa John’s chief development officer. “With industry-leading paybacks and our key …
Arlington, Texas — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express, has opened the 100th U.S. location of Fatburger, which is now open in Arlington, Texas. Co-branded with Buffalo’s Express, the restaurant will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 7 to celebrate the milestone. The new location is under the helm of franchisee Maisha Bankhead, who also owns a Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express in North Richland Hills that opened in June 2020. “Expanding Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express’s domestic presence has been a key focus for …