Franchising News & Media

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard heats up 2026 with $60K drive-thru incentive program

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is launching an aggressive 2026 incentive program offering up to $60,000 in direct cash support to franchisees who open…

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Wetzel’s Pretzels debuts 1st Walmart location in Tennessee

February 13, 2026

Wetzel's Pretzels has opened a location in a Clarksville, Tennessee Walmart, according to a press release.

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Speaker Spotlight: Eddie Flores, co-founder L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, chairman of L&L Franchise, Inc.

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

In his RFIS keynote Eddie Flores will share "unconventional" strategies that led L&L Hawaiian Barbecuse to eight consecutive #1 Asian food franchise rankings.

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Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken expands with legacy partner

February 11, 2026

Jack Omer, grandson of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Co-Founder Harold Omer, has acquired five existing Lee's restaurants across Indiana, according to a press…

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HTeaO to open in Sevierville, Tennessee

February 10, 2026

HTeaO will open a location in Sevierville, Tennessee, on Feb. 14. The store is under the helm of franchise owners Jeremy and Rachel Harris, marking their first…

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Speaker Spotlight: Seth Larsen, CDO, Cheba Hut Toasted Subs

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

Seth Larsen, CDO of Cheba Hut Toasted Subs talks about how stays ahead of the competition while having a blast in today's speaker spotlight.

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Krystal to enter New Jersey

January 29, 2026

Krystal is expanding north with its first location in New Jersey. The restaurant, in Union, New Jersey, marks the brand's debut in the Northeast. The unit is…

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Flying Dolly's lands in Mississippi with 2 franchise locations

January 29, 2026

Southern ice cream and snoball brand Flying Dolly's will open two franchised locations in Mississippi in early spring. One shop will open in Gluckstadt, just…

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Speaker Spotlight: Troy Hooper, CEO, Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at the…

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Restaurant leaders share tips for driving growth, innovating when franchising

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

At the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, top restaurant executives will share how they’re scaling smarter and growing faster through bold…

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Wetzel's Pretzels opens in South Carolina Walmart

January 20, 2026

Wetzel's Pretzels has opened a location in a Walmart in Summerville, South Carolina, according to a press release.

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Pizza Nova franchisee believes in quality, consistency, brand culture

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Driven by a lifelong connection to the brand, franchisee Chi-son Phu has successfully grown his Pizza Nova business in Toronto by strictly following the…

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Riko's Pizza's unique style sets it apart as brand grows on East Coast

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Riko's Pizza's unique thin-crust pizza sets it apart from the heavy competition on the East Coast. The brand is growing and now has 12 locations.

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Speaker Spotlight: John Lucas, VP, Farmer Boys

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

Read more about John Lucas, VP of Farmer Boys in today's Speaker Spotlight.

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HTeaO closes out 2025 with 36 openings, focus on beverage innovation

January 12, 2026

Iced-tea chain HTeaO closed out 2025 with 35 new locations, including 14 openings in Q4 alone, according to a press release.

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3rd generation legacy leads Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken expansion in Central Indiana

December 30, 2025

Third-generation legacy Jack Omer has acquired the New Castle, Indiana, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken and has inked a development agreement for six new Lee's…

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Pizza Brands to Watch in 2026

Dominating the landscape is a shift toward “experiential” and “fusion” dining, where classic pepperoni is being challenged by global flavors like…

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Cold Stone Creamery seeks franchise opportunities in Birmingham, Alabama

December 18, 2025

Cold Stone Creamery is seeking to expand its presence in Birmingham, Alabama and its surrounding suburbs. The brand plans to open three to six stores in the…

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A&W Restaurants exploring Kansas City metro area franchising opportunities

December 17, 2025

A&W Restaurants plans to expand the brand's presence across Kansas City, Missouri, and into neighboring suburbs, according to a press release.

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HTeaO opens in San Antonio, Texas

December 15, 2025

HTeaO has opened a store in San Antonio, Texas. The shop is owned and operated by franchisees Anita Sustaita and Daniel Sustaita Sr. of SusTEAta, LLC, marking…

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