Chipotle Reaches 1,000th Chipotlane Milestone 

Chipotle Mexican Grill  announced today the opening of its 1,000th Chipotlane restaurant on Thursday, November 21. Located in the Kansas City metro area, the milestone restaurant will feature the company's signature digital order drive thru pick-up lane. Of the company's more than 3,600 restaurants in its real estate portfolio, nearly 30% feature a Chipotlane.

"Chipotlanes are a critical piece of our long-term growth goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America," said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer. "This restaurant format

is the fastest way for fans to...

Subway Continues to Expand Its Global Presence with Over 10,000 Future Restaurant Commitments

Subway®, one of the world's largest restaurant brands, is reaching new milestones as it makes progress on its global growth strategy to expand its footprint, while delivering a high-quality, convenient guest experience around the world.

Over the past three years, Subway has signed more than 20 master franchise agreements, resulting in over 10,000 future restaurant commitments and contributing to over 40% of the brand's new restaurant openings this year. Seven of the 20 master franchise agreements have been signed in 2024, marking its entry into...

Del Taco Continues its Southeast Surge, With Record-Breaking First-Week Sales for New Market Openings

Del Taco, the nation’s second largest Mexican quick-service restaurant by number of units, today announced continued new market sales momentum with three consecutive new store openings in Port Orange, FL, Tallahassee, FL, and Chesapeake, VA with each one setting the new company record for first week sales.

“We are incredibly proud of the success of our recent store openings, each shattering previous sales benchmarks,” said Tom Rose, Del Taco Brand President. “This is a testament to the dedication of our team and the...

The Wendy's Company Announces Plans to Enter  European Markets as the Brand Continues Global Growth

Wendy's®, the iconic global quick-service restaurant brand based in the United States, today announced the signing of two new development agreements with franchisees in the Republic of Ireland and Romania. These franchisees plan to support Wendy's expansion goals to develop hundreds of restaurants across Europe over the next decade, beginning in 2025. The Company is also actively recruiting well-established franchisee candidates in European markets to help expand its restaurant footprint across the continent. Wendy's is looking for franchisees with strong operations experience...

Jack in the Box Makes Triumphant Return to Chicago with Eight Planned Openings

Iconic Brand Returns to Chicago for the First Time in Four Decades

Locations Planned to Open in 2025 Throughout Chicagoland with Targeted Expansion Plans for Over 125 Locations in the Area

Jack in the Box Inc., a leading franchisor in the quick-service restaurant industry, today announced its highly anticipated return to the Chicagoland market. This accelerated development plan includes eight company-operated units and as part of the brand’s strategic market plan, Jack in the Box has identified more than 125 potential trade area opportunities for...

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Heads to California With 10 Unit Development Deal

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®, a leading family-dining restaurant serving homestyle comfort classics and fresh-from-the-oven pies, is thrilled to announce a milestone in its storied franchising history. The brand recently signed a groundbreaking 10 unit development deal, marking Perkins first foray into California and underscoring its commitment to bringing its beloved offerings to new communities.

The announcement comes at an exciting period of franchising for Perkins as the brand has experienced a record breaking year of growth....

Flynn Group Expands Portfolio Through Acquisition of Applebee’s Restaurants

Signs Agreement with Applebee’s to Open 25 New Restaurants

Applebee’s, one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, recently signed an agreement with the world’s largest restaurant franchise operator, Flynn Group, with the goal to open 25 new Applebee’s restaurants in the U.S. over the next seven years. This expansion goal is part of Applebee’s development strategy to return the brand to net new unit openings.

Tony Moralejo, President of Applebee’s, said, "After 44 years as the neighborhood dining destination in America, this agreement reinforces...

Papa Johns Deepens Strategic Partnership With the Bajco Group to Expand Presence in North America 

Papa John’s International, Inc. (“Papa Johns” or “Company”) today announced plans to open 50 new restaurants by 2028 in partnership with franchisee Nadeem Bajwa and his company, The Bajco Group, which has grown over the past 20 years to become one of Papa Johns largest domestic franchisees.

Furthering Bajwa’s goal to own 500 Papa Johns restaurants, the new agreement will expand the Papa Johns footprint in The Bajco Group’s existing markets across the Midwest and in Arizona, Pennsylvania...

Marco's Franchising Announces Mexico Expansion with 50-Unit Master Franchise Agreement

Marco's Franchising, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brand franchises, announces a 50-unit master franchise agreement marking its debut in Mexico City as international development takes center stage in 2024.

Behind the development is Grupo Pizza Amantes SA de CV, a Mexican company run by four business partners. With the three principals having more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant, hospitality, and retail industry, Grupo Pizza Amantes has been appointed as the master franchisee for Mexico City...

Krystal Breaks Ground in North Carolina With New Design

Krystal Restaurants LLC, the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South, announces a strategic expansion into North Carolina, marking a pivotal step in the brand’s plans to expand across the United States. The new builds will boast a sleek and contemporary design and cater to consumers’ on-the-go dining desires. The location is projected to open in Fall 2024.

“We are proud to bring our standout business model and our innovative restaurant design to the state of North Carolina,” said Josh Kern, CEO of... 

America's Low-Price Leader ALDI Expands Footprint Nationwide with 800 New Stores by the End of 2028

ALDI, one of the fastest-growing grocers in the U.S., today announced plans to add 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions. This five-year expansion plan will bring even more communities great products at the lowest possible prices during a time when consumers are more focused than ever on saving money. As a key part of its plans, ALDI also announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its...

Nathan’s Famous Continues International Expansion in 2024

Nathan’s Famous, Inc., the American tradition serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, announces their continued international expansion in 2024. The brand, which recently opened virtual kitchens in Belgium and France, multiple full-service franchised restaurants in Mexico City, and two franchised restaurants and a food truck in Egypt in 2023, currently operates in 19 countries globally. Through master franchise relationships in Brazil, United Kingdom, Egypt, and Ukraine, the brand plans to open brick and mortar franchised locations and sub-franchised locations in Brazil by the end of 2024...

Hooters® Paves Way for U.S. Development with Second Generation Real Estate Opportunity

Hooters®, the original American wing joint, outlines flexible store model options to provide franchise owners with location-specific customizability. The iconic restaurant brand showcases how store model flexibility will play a key role in adapting to various market-dependent real estate options as leadership hones in on U.S. franchise development.

One of the keys to Hooters' growth strategy is the opportunity that lies in second generation real estate. Its kitchen design and position of 'heart of the house' equipment, are only one of the main ingredients...

McAlister’s Deli Announces 10-Unit Agreement Marking Brand’s Debut in Minnesota

Focus Brands®, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, and Schlotzsky’s®, today announces the debut of McAlister’s Deli in Minnesota with a 10-unit franchise agreement, alongside a tri-brand franchise agreement that will bring Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and Jamba to Mankato.

Behind the signings are seasoned restaurateurs and husband-wife team, Steve and Dani Wegman. The duo owns multiple food concepts around the greater Mankato area including 507, Weggy’s, Krusty’s Donut Shop...

Marco's Pizza® Opens Milestone 1200th Store with Largest Franchisee

Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, announces the opening of its 1200th store at 3831 Ruckriegel Parkway in Louisville, KY. Behind the milestone opening is Marco's largest franchisee, Hoogland Restaurant Group, led by President McLain Hoogland. The Hoogland team boasts a 117-unit Marco's Pizza portfolio, with plans to grow their unit count by 20 this year.

McLain Hoogland is the fourth generation of his family to lead Highland Ventures, which includes the Hoogland Restaurant Group. Coming from a long line of family business leaders...

Tim Hortons is Turning 60 and Expanding Across the US

Tim Hortons is proudly celebrating the 60th anniversary of opening its very first restaurant in Canada, the 50th anniversary of establishing Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, and 40 years of serving freshly brewed original blend coffee and always delicious food to communities in the U.S.

The first Tim Hortons restaurant opened on May 17, 1964, in Canada, in Hamilton, Ontario, and the first U.S. restaurant opened in Tonawanda, New York, in 1984. Today, there are over 630 Tim Hortons restaurants across the U.S. and more than 5,700 in...