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Starbucks to Close Stores, Lay Off Workers in $1 Billion Restructuring Effort

by Abby Cox

Seattle — Starbucks Coffee has announced that it will be eliminating roughly 900 non-retail U.S. jobs, with additional plans to close several hundred underperforming company-operated stores, as part of a broader $1 billion restructuring effort. The company’s store count will decrease by about 1 percent, which translates to roughly 500 closures for the company, as reported by CNBC. Starbucks plans to end its fiscal year with almost 18,300 North American locations, including both company-operated and licensed cafés. “In fiscal year 2026, we’ll grow the number of coffeehouses we operate as we …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Mokas Coffee & Eatery Signs First Franchise Location in Kansas, Celebrates 20th Anniversary

by Abby Cox

Salina, Kan. — Salina, Kan.-based Mokas Coffee & Eatery, known for its roasted coffee, freshly baked pastries and breakfast and lunch offerings, has announced the upcoming opening of its first franchise location ahead of the brand’s 20th anniversary this November. Entrepreneur and hospitality veteran Christian Coleman has signed a six-unit agreement to bring Mokas Coffee to Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties. The first location is scheduled to open in Olathe, a suburb of Kansas City, Mo., in March 2026. Coleman launched his career in professional tennis at the BNP Paribas Open …

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Texas de Brazil
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Texas De Brazil Opens First Western Michigan Location at Woodland Mall

by Abby Cox

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Brazilian-American steakhouse, Texas de Brazil, is opening its newest location at Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, marking the brand’s first restaurant in West Michigan and its third overall in the state. The new location at Woodland Mall will showcase Texas de Brazil’s signature rodizio-style service, where guests will enjoy a continuous rotation of flame-grilled meats, which are carved tableside. Complementing the grilled selections of meat is a gourmet salad area featuring over 50 seasonal items, including fresh vegetables, artisan breads, charcuterie, imported cheeses and house-made soups. “We are excited to bring …

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SAMBAZON Açaí Bowls
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

SAMBAZON Inks Multi-Unit Agreement Franchise Deal in South Carolina, Georgia

by Abby Cox

South Carolina and Georgia — SAMBAZON®, a California-based açaí food and beverage concept, has signed a multi-unit franchise deal with Açaí SC to open 10 new açaí bowl shops over the next five years. The new shops will span South Carolina and coastal Georgia, including Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Savannah. The first location, which is expected to open in the Charleston area before the second quarter of 2026, will mark the company’s first brick-and-mortar locations in both states. Açaí SC is led by veteran operator Parag Patel, who has …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Shake Shack to Make Hawaii Debut in 2027

by Katie Lee

New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has partnered with Union MAK Corporation, a leading Hawaii-based company with decades of experience across hospitality and retail, to bring the Shake Shack experience to the Aloha State with the first Shack set to open on Oahu in 2027. Union MAK is a Honolulu-based company deeply rooted in the Hawaii community through its restaurant operations. Union MAK’s proven track record, commitment to excellence and dedication to local communities makes it an ideal partner to introduce Shake Shack to Hawaii. “Bringing Shake Shack to …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Chipotle to Open First Restaurants in Asia in 2026

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, Chipotle plans to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. “With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” says Scott Boatwright, chief executive officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with …

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Groucho’s Deli Partners with Square Across 30+ Locations

by Katie Lee

Columbia, S.C. — Groucho’s Deli, a South Carolina-based sandwich shop with an 84-year legacy, has chosen Square’s comprehensive commerce platform to power its operations across more than 30 locations. By leveraging Square’s integrated hardware, software and partner ecosystem, Groucho’s is unifying its operations, streamlining service and preparing for its next phase of franchise expansion — without losing the neighborhood hospitality that has defined the brand for generations. “As we look toward our next phase of growth, we needed a technology partner that could unify our operations across corporate and franchise …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Chuck E. Cheese Expands to the UK, Marking First Location in Europe

by Katie Lee

Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Yum! Brands Appoints Key Leaders Under Incoming CEO Chris Turner

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has made strategic leadership appointments that will strengthen its enterprise capabilities and drive long term value creation across its global portfolio. The appointments come as Chris Turner, chief executive officer-designate and chief financial & franchise officer, Yum! Brands, Inc., prepares to step into the role of CEO on Oct. 1. Sean Tresvant has been promoted to Yum! Brands’ chief consumer officer and chief executive officer of Taco Bell. Since joining Yum! in January 2022 as the global brand officer at Taco Bell, Tresvant’s leadership …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Playa Bowls Refreshes Leadership Team; Continues West Coast Growth

by Katie Lee

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl brand with more than 340 locations, is fueling franchise expansion under a fresh executive leadership team following its 2024 acquisition by Sycamore Partners. Playa Bowls is poised to deepen its footprint from coast to coast. Since stepping into the CEO role earlier this year, John Cappasola has leveraged his 30 years of accomplished leadership in growing brands to drive Playa Bowls’ next chapter. Cappasola has served on the Playa Bowls board of directors since Sycamore’s acquisition and was previously CEO of …

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