Good News! – February 2020

We know it’s hard keeping up with all of today’s franchise news, even for us. That’s why we provide this monthly digest of selected items on unit growth, investment and financial developments, legislation and regulation, people, and milestones. This past month has seen a lot of changes in the C-suite at several brands. And for items that don’t fit neatly into other categories, we’re continuing with our newest section, “Odds, Ends & Trends.” Check it out!

Here’s your chance to follow the leaders, every third Tuesday of the month!

And if you’re not doing it already, send us your good news here!

NEW UNITS/GROWTH/EXPANSION

Primo Hoagies Signs 9-Unit Deal for Northern New Jersey

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Signs 3-Unit Development Deal in Florida

Ziggi’s Coffee Signs 3-Unit Deal for Arizona

American Family Care Buys 18 Clinics as Part of New England Expansion Plan

Jellystone Park Inks 3-Unit Deal for Parks in Michigan and New Hampshire

Abrakadoodle Announces 2 New Units in Connecticut

FINANCIAL, M&A, PRIVATE EQUITY

BBQ Holdings (Famous Dave’s Parent) To Buy Granite City Food Out of Bankruptcy

Muscle Maker Grill Prices IPO at $7.7 Million

Fiesta Restaurant Group Lands Investment from AREX Capital Management

GFG Bakery-Café Merges with Fournos Theofilos, Seeks Franchisees

NEW & EMERGING BRANDS

Bruxie Begins Franchising with Deals for 18 Units in the U.S., 24 Internationally

Curry Up Now Lands Funding from Liquid 2 Ventures, Looks To Open 15 in 2020

Sushi Sake Launches Franchising Effort To Expand Nationwide 

RibCrib’s CEO, Former NFLer Garrett Mills, Leads National Franchising Push

GFG Bakery-Café Signs 31-Unit Deal

Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Inks Deals for 135 Locations in First 18 Months

2019 RESULTS & 2020 PLANS

Red Robin CEO Paul Murphy Outlines Turnaround Plans for the Brand in 2020

Signarama Adds More than 60 New Units in 2019

Sylvan Learning Plans To Open 40 New Locations in 2020

Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa Boosts Texas Expansion Plans

Coolgreens Reports Strong 2019; YOY Sales Rise 11.4%

ODDS, ENDS & TRENDS

UMass Study: Where Are the Hispanic Executives?

Starbucks Announces Plans To Open 100 Community Stores by 2025

The 19 Oldest Brands on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 List

PwC Global CEO Survey: More Than Half Believe Global Growth Will Decline

TGI Fridays CEO Ray Blanchette Reveals 2020 Goals

PEOPLE, AWARDS, MILESTONES

Gordon Logan, Sport Clips Founder, Wins IFA’s Hall of Fame Award

IFA Names Anytime Fitness Co-Founders Entrepreneur of the Year

Bloomin’ Brands Chair Elizabeth Smith Steps Down; Greg Scarlett Named EVP

Outback Steakhouse Names Brett Patterson President

GPS Hospitality Promotes COO Michael Lippert to CEO

Denny’s Promotes CFO Mark Wolfinger to President

Boston Market Names Former COO Eric Wyatt CEO, Replacing Frances Allen

Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo’s Parent Promotes COO Tom Sterrett to CEO

Edible Brands Expands COO Cheikh Mboup’s Role To Include President

Roti Modern Mediterranean Names Justin Seamonds CEO

Mighty Auto Parts Celebrates 50 Years in Franchising

Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina Turns 20 in 2020