restaurants

Orlando, Fla. — The chief operating officer of Sonny’s BBQ, Billy Brewer, and its chief brand officer, Peter Frey, share their key learnings from 2023 that have positioned the brand to remain top of its class through an enhanced guest experience, training and development for team members, strengthening foundational operations, and delivery on quality and value. Sonny’s BBQ has made meaningful progress and remained competitive despite industry-wide struggles to drive in-store traffic since the pandemic. As guest preferences continue to shift toward more off-premise dining options, Sonny’s BBQ prioritized the …

Pabst Farms, Wis. — Clean Juice®, the first and only USDA-certified organic juice and food bar franchise, has opened its newest store in Pabst Farms, Wis., the first in the state. Franchise owners Claudia and Charlie Wiggins will officially open their new store on Dec. 2, situated in the township of Oconomowoc.  “We believe wholeheartedly in the all-organic movement and are thrilled to be a part of the Clean Juice family,” says Claudia Wiggins. “Our family is honored not only to bring Clean Juice into Pabst Farms but also to …

Las Vegas — Focus Brands®, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, is capitalizing on franchise growth in the non-traditional sector, now boasting more than 2,000 non-traditional units across the country. Building on this momentum are two newly signed agreements in the Las Vegas market. Mother-daughter entrepreneurial team Vicki Richardson and Leila Day, of JV Ventures, recently opened an Auntie Anne’s location inside of Allegiant Stadium. This location adds to their non-traditional portfolio including two Auntie Anne’s at the Las Vegas …

Kansas City, Mo. — Hawaiian Bros, an island-inspired, award-winning, quick-service restaurant concept, has signed its fifth multi-unit development agreement with Rock Hawaiian LLC since launching its franchise program in late 2022. Rock Hawaiian LLC is set to develop 18 Hawaiian Bros locations in the San Antonio, Texas, area in the coming years, starting with the acquisition of the Live Oak store this year. Rock Hawaiian owners Chris Aslam and Edith Diaz have a strong track record of developing successful multi-unit franchises. Since 2007, their restaurant group has been operating quick-service …

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. signed 123 new restaurant commitments during its 2023 fiscal year. The brand also announced the signing of 138 new restaurant commitments for Del Taco. The news comes as the company announced its Q4 and fiscal year 2023 financial results. During 2023, Jack in the Box also entered four new states: Arkansas, Florida, Montana and Wyoming. The brand also signed a 22-unit commitment to enter Mexico. In mid-2023, Jack in the Box set a record for a restaurant opening in a new market, …

Johns Creek, Ga. — Shawarma Press, the first authentic Shawarma franchise in the U.S., continues its expansion with the opening of a flagship restaurant in Georgia. Located in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek, the popular Mediterranean spot is the first of several franchise units planned throughout the state. The expansion to The Peach State follows seven well-established Texas locations in Irving, Plano, Georgetown, Arlington, Frisco, San Antonio and a recently opened flagship restaurant in the Dallas Arts District. Sawsan Abublan, CEO and co-founder, says expansion in Georgia is significant …

Atlanta — Huddle House Franchise is driving expansion across Southern markets through its existing franchise network. In recent months, Huddle House announced new store openings in Lynchburg, Va., Owensboro, Ky., Nahunta, Ga., as well as a 10-year renewal agreement in Lady Island, S.C. All of these announcements have come from existing franchise owners. Christopher and Stephanie Wilson, the husband-and-wife business duo, are the operators of Huddle House of Lady’s Island, and have been serving the community since 2018. The Wilsons recently renewed their agreement with a 10-year commitment, ensuring that …