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 …
franchise development
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 …
Pearland, Texas — Buff City Soap, a rapidly expanding handmade retail franchise known for its plant-based soap and body products made in-store daily, recently opened its first Houston-area location in Pearland, Texas. The new store opened on September 23 in Pearland Town Center. “Bringing Buff City Soap to Houston is an amazing milestone for both us here locally and the brand in general,” says operating partner Brad Reece. “We can’t wait to begin offering an interactive retail experience for our guests and provide them with the very best soap and …
Lee’s Summit, Mo. — Chicken Salad Chick has mapped out development goals to add 50 locations to the pipeline for the Midwest in the next 4 years via strategic franchise partnerships. These development goals build on the tremendous growth Chicken Salad Chick has experienced this year, with 17 signed agreements year-to-date and 40 locations projected to open by year-end. In addition to this impressive development, Chicken Salad Chick is reporting a +17.1% increase over 2019. The Midwest proves to be an attractive franchise development region for the brand with 15 …
Orlando, Fla. — Another Broken Egg Cafe, a full-service breakfast, brunch and lunch franchise, has seen its focus on seasonality, service and guest experience both on- and off-premise pay off this year. Same-store sales are up nearly 20% from pre-pandemic levels, and that momentum is attracting new franchisees as well as inspiring many of the brand’s existing franchisees to develop more locations. “Between our sales increases and new cafe openings, we expect system-wide growth to exceed 35% this year,” says Paul Macaluso, president and CEO of Another Broken Egg Cafe. …
Livonia, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer in North America, has signed 69 new store commitments year-to-date for 2021. From these 69 new store commitments, the pet retailer will continue to grow its footprint in hundreds of neighborhoods across the country including the following states: Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, New York, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas. “It’s incredible to watch our franchise lead in one of the hottest industries out there. Not only are our existing owners increasing their number of locations, but we’re also adding new …
New York City — Newmark Retail has signed a 2,230-square-foot lease at 885 Eighth Ave. for the newest P.F. Chang’s To Go. This marks the fifth such lease in the city in the past 18 months as P.F. Chang’s expands its off-premise dining concept throughout the country. P.F Chang’s began to grow its new To Go concept in 2019, before the pandemic, and has strategically continued openings throughout 2020 and into 2021. Open P.F. Chang’s To Go locations in New York City include 240 West 40th St., 630 Third Ave., …
Philadelphia — Edible®, the world’s leader in the gifts and treats category, has signed a multi-unit agreement in Philadelphia with multi-brand operators Nilita Patel, Manisha Patel and Jimmy Shah of ANZ Hospitality LLC. With 1,000-plus locations nationwide, the Patels and Shah plan to take over ownership of select existing stores, and add new locations within the Philadelphia market — seven new stores total for the team. “We are very excited to expand our ownership with Edible,” says Nilita Patel. “The brand has a constant desire to innovate, which we took …
Dallas — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue franchise, is embarking on a huge development push in the Northeast. The company has signed a multi-unit area development agreement with Chaac Foods, LLC to develop 48 Dickey’s locations in 5 years. Chaac Foods is led by CEO and President Luis Ibarguengoytia, a veteran restaurant operator, who teamed with Gauge Capital to form Chaac Foods, which currently develops and operates Pizza Hut and Bojangles restaurants. “We look forward to entering the barbecue category by joining forces with the world’s fastest growing …
Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, has opened its newest restaurant at 685 Skyland Blvd. in Tuscaloosa, Ala., marking its first location in the state. Seasoned restaurant group Heart of the South is at the helm of the new location. “Opening our first location in Alabama is a huge step for Slim Chickens,” says Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “Heart of the South has a passion for bringing good southern comfort food and great experiences to Tuscaloosa locals, …