Good News! - May 2016

The good news: Franchising is experiencing a remarkable growth phase – not only in unit count and system-wide revenue, but also in the number of new and emerging brands. The bad news: It’s harder to keep up with all the good news! That’s a nice problem to have – and why we’ve brought back our “Good News!” roundup of selected news items on unit growth, investment and financial developments, international expansion news, refranchising, and milestones attained by franchisors large, medium, and emerging. Here’s your chance to follow the leaders, every third Tuesday of the month.

So if you’re not doing it already, send us your good news here.

New Units/Growth/Expansion

ZIPS Dry Cleaners Signs 9-Unit Area Development Deal for Maryland

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Signs 4-Store Development Deal in Oregon

PizzaRev Opens First Long Island Store; 3 More Coming

Snapology Opens 24th Unit; Plans 20 New Locations Annually

Shoney’s Continues Brand Revitalization with New Unit in Alabama

Potbelly Sandwich Shop Signs 4-Unit Deal for Little Rock Area

Famous Dave’s Inks 3-Unit Area Development Deal for Charlotte

Big Plans, Big Dreams

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Targets Growth in the Northeast

Gyroville, 9-Unit Fast Casual Greek Concept, Preps for National Expansion

Financial/Acquisitions

TravelCenters of America Completes Quaker Steak & Lube Acquisition

Growler USA Acquires Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli, Plans Expansion

International

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Opens First Hotel in Fiji

Pieology Pizzeria Opens First of Three Stores in Guam

Hampton by Hilton Enters Chile with Colombia-Based Partner

PizzaRev Opens First International Location (Monterrey, Mexico)

Anago Cleaning Systems Signs Master Franchise Deal in Manitoba

Yum China Bounces Back in Q1; Operating Profit Up 35 Percent

Milestones

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Celebrates 50 Years

New And Emerging Brands

Wag N’ Wash Natural Food & Bakery Opens 10th Unit (Las Vegas)

Big Air Trampoline Park (3 Locations) Launches Franchise Program

People

Smashburger’s New CEO Michael Nolan Is Poised for Growth

MOD Pizza Names Bob Barton CFO; IPO Ahead?

Huddle House Names Jarrod Brooks New Director of Franchise Development

Qdoba Mexican Eats Promotes COO Keith Guilbault to President