20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch in 2021

Although the pandemic has forced thousands of brands — old and new — to shutter, the newbies on our list of “20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch” are finding ways…

McDonald's names 1st US operator to win 'Three-Legged Stool Award'

March 5, 2021

McDonald's is kicking off Women's History Month by announcing its first U.S. franchisee recipient of its Global Three-Legged Stool Award — Atlanta-based…

Cinnabon drive-thru in Egypt to open in 'drive-thru mall'

March 4, 2021

Cinnabon Egypt franchisee UFB is opening the company's first drive-thru store in the Middle East in Egypt. According to an email from parent company, Focus…

Nathan's Famous extends its fame to 5 more countries

March 4, 2021

Nathan's Famous said it is not only bringing its products to five more countries globally, but also rolling out its recently unveiled virtual kitchen brand…

Roy Rogers to open flagship in Maryland

March 3, 2021

Roy Rogers will open a flagship store in June inside a former Wendy's in Eldersburg, Maryland, on Ridge Road. Featuring the Frederick, Maryland-based chain's…

Bojangles Opco deal will add 45 stores

March 2, 2021

Bojangles Opco LLC inked a development deal with longtime franchisee, Jeff Rigsby of BOJ of WNC LLC, to open 45 locations of the chicken and biscuit QSR over…

Sales soaring at A&W

March 1, 2021

Despite the pandemic, A&W's sales were up 8.5% over last year, and the growth trend is continuing in 2021. January same-store sales climbed 20%, making it…

Jeremiah's Italian Ice builds brand momentum

February 26, 2021

Jeremiah's Italian Ice will open 35 new locations in Texas, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina, as well as open its first locations in Louisiana and Colorado…

Dippin’ Dots, Doc Popcorn debuting NYC flagship store

February 25, 2021

Dippin' Dots, a flash-frozen beaded ice cream treat, and Doc Popcorn fresh-popped, kettle-cooked popcorn will be available in a co-branded flagship store…

Black McDonald's franchisees take protest to chain's HQ doorstep

February 23, 2021

A pair of Tennessee Black franchisees took their allegations of discrimination against McDonald's straight to the chain's corporate headquarters in Chicago's…

Jesse Jackson concerned with how McDonald's treats Black franchisees

February 18, 2021

Longtime political activist and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, 79, said today he was going to be in touch with McDonald's leadership regarding…

Dog Haus opening virtual restaurant in Central Austin

February 17, 2021

Dog Haus Gourmet has opened a virtual restaurant in Austin, Texas, according to a press release.

Roy Rogers names former Paris Baguette leader to head franchise expansion

February 17, 2021

Roy Rogers Restaurants has named former Paris Baguette America franchise sales executive, Gregg Koffler, to fill its newly created role of vice president of…

McDonald's Black franchisee: 'Only time McDonald's does anything for Black folk is when they're forced to'

Former pro baseball player and 40-year McDonald's franchisee, Herb Washington, came out swinging at McDonald's Tuesday, first filing suit against the chain for…

Southern Classic Chicken steps toward Baton Rouge expansion

February 9, 2021

Southern Classic Chicken has recently launched a franchise opportunity and is hoping to not only grow to new areas, but strengthen its presence in its home…

Nathan's Famous opens 100th ghost kitchen since June

February 8, 2021

Nathan's Famous Inc. has opened its 100th ghost kitchen since June 2020. The kitchens — which offer both the Nathan's Famous menu as well as the recently…

Golden Chick's money-saving move into modular store construction

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

In about a month, Golden Chick will open the doors on its first store created entirely through modular design and construction, but it certainly won't be the…

Taco Bell, Dunkin', Popeyes top out Entreprenuer's Top Franchises

January 29, 2021

Taco Bell and Dunkin' were the No. 1 and No. 2 spot, respectively, on the latest Franchise 500 ranking from Irvine, California-based, Entrepreneur Magazine…

Kelly's Roast Beef set to add 50 New England stores in 5 years

January 28, 2021

Revere, Massachusetts-based Kelly's Roast Beef said in a news release that it is planning expansion to neighboring New Hampshire and across New England. The…

Greek Xpress rolls out nationwide franchising

January 22, 2021

NYC-based Greek Xpress is partnering with franchise development group Fransmart to roll out nationwide franchising. The brand has continued to build momentum…