Charlotte, N.C. — Famous Toastery has been one of the fastest growing better-breakfast chains in the U.S. As an early pioneer of the breakfast-and-lunch-only sector, Famous Toastery has made a name for itself by offering all-day breakfast long before the quick-service giants had discovered the sales potential. After starting a franchise program in 2013, the North Carolina-based concept jumped from three to more than 25 stores in just 5 years. “Now, we are accelerating our franchise development efforts again, with the goal of doubling in size over the next 2 …
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Georgetown, Texas — Sport Clips Haircuts has reopened 98% of its more than 1,800 locations in the U.S. and Canada. At the onset of the pandemic, Sport Clips sent out a letter to landlords saying it would waive franchise agreement fees for franchisees in an attempt to make paying rent more feasible. By paying more than $300,000 in rent for 69 company-owned locations in Texas, Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma, Sport Clips was able to prioritize tools and resources for franchisees. “Few times does a company get the opportunity to truly illustrate that values are not …
Maryville, Tenn. — Ruby Tuesday Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with plans to permanently close 185 restaurants that were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s 236 open locations will remain operational throughout the reorganization process. The Maryville, Tenn.-based chain is the latest restaurant group to fall victim to the economic pressures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. California Pizza Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 protection in July citing similar struggles. “This announcement does not mean ‘Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday’ — this is ‘Hello, to a stronger Ruby Tuesday’,” …
Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General has unveiled its newest retail store concept: popshelf. This new store aims to engage customers with a fun, affordable and stress-free shopping experience where they can find on-trend seasonal and home décor, health and beauty must-haves, home cleaning supplies, party goods, entertaining needs and much more — with approximately 95% of items priced at $5 or less. The first two popshelf locations will open near Nashville, Tenn., this fall. “We are excited to introduce popshelf from a position of strength, further highlighting our innovative spirit …
Columbus, Ohio — True Food Kitchen has opened its first Ohio restaurant at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio. The restaurant brand was founded in 2008 by Sam Fox and Dr. Andrew Weil, creator of the anti-inflammatory diet, which involves selecting foods that help fight chronic inflammation. True Food Kitchen serves a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. As a result of COVID-19, the restaurant is currently offering family to-go meals and carryout cocktails. The dining room includes 27 tables that are spaced 6 feet apart. The restaurant also …
San Francisco — Gap Inc. has appointed Nancy Green as the president and CEO of Old Navy, the company’s largest brand. Green will report to Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc., and will serve on the company’s senior leadership team. Green has served as interim head of Old Navy since March and was previously president and chief creative officer of the brand. “Nancy is a visionary leader who brings deep customer empathy to her role every day. She has led the brand through one of the most challenging periods in …
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 …
Greensboro, N.C. — Jeff Linville has been named vice president of operations at Biscuitville Fresh Southern®. For more than 20 years, Linville has served in various C-suite and senior management roles within franchised, private equity firms as well as other quick-service restaurants. “Jeff is a veteran of restaurant operations and senior management, having worked with some of the industry’s leading brands,” says Kathie Niven, president of Biscuitville. “He will take the lead role in the continuing evolution of Biscuitville operations. Jeff is an outstanding operator, and his people-first leadership style …
Hudson, Wis. — Refrigerated Solutions Group (RSG), an industry leader in refrigerated equipment and service, has added to its commercial sales team. Chris Carney and Howard McCann were recently named regional sales managers for the portfolio of brands. Both Carney and McCann will report directly to Bob Stevens, director of dealer sales for RSG. “Chris and Howard’s expertise in regional sales gives me great confidence that both will be strong assets as the regional sales managers for the Master-Bilt and Nor-Lake brands,” says Stevens. “Both have vast foodservice equipment experience …
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 …