Learn when to sell franchise locations by evaluating financial performance, operations, market conditions, lease terms, and long-term business goals carefully.
Jul 20, 2026
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Topgolf Media Networks turns 100+ venues into an ad platform with 42M visits and 28,000 screens, tapping retail media tactics for measurable brand activations.
Jul 20, 2026
Discover how Fresh off the Boat in Santa Ana has built a thriving, health-focused Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Explore operational insights, business strategies, and the customer experience that set this unique concept apart.
Jul 20, 2026
If your restaurant is busy but profits feel thin, food cost is usually the first place to look. Not because it is always the problem, but because it is the most controllable variable in your P&L.
Jul 20, 2026
Burger King launches its “Your Way Champion” managerial role, focusing on guest experience, order customization, and staff engagement. Restaurant operators can glean insights for elevating hospitality in their own venues.
Jul 20, 2026
Domino’s leverages rising order volumes to boost revenue and market share despite industry challenges in Q2 2026, offering key lessons for restaurant owners.
Jul 20, 2026
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
Jul 18, 2026
Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star filed Chapter 11 after a 2023 deal revealed unpaid taxes, costly repairs, and lease burdens; plans to reject leases and refocus.
Jul 18, 2026
Discover how Applebee’s is transforming its brand through the Lookin’ Good program and dual-branding strategy to enhance customer experience and boost sales.
Applebee’s ambitious reimaging program, known as the Lookin’ Good initiative, signifies a transformative journey aimed at surpassing consumer expectations in aesthetics and atmosphere. Spearheaded by Dine Brands CEO John Peyton, this multi-year effort focuses on upgrading all Applebee’s locations to elevate the look and feel of the restaurants.
Innovatively, Applebee’s is embracing a dual-branding strategy by converting select locations to Applebee’s/IHOP units. This strategic move not only diversifies the dining options but also taps into the synergies between the two brands, offering customers a unique experience and driving revenue growth.
Displaying strong franchisee support, Applebee’s intends to refranchise remodeled restaurants after the makeover. Major franchisees have already shown enthusiasm, with six of the top 10 franchisees opting to accelerate remodels based on the Lookin’ Good program. This collaborative effort is pivotal in expanding and enhancing the Applebee’s brand presence.
The shift towards dual-branding has proven to be a successful growth strategy for Applebee’s, ushering in considerable revenue increases. Locations like the IHOP in Seguin, Texas, which underwent the dual-branding transformation, experienced remarkable sales spikes, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach in enhancing sales performance.
While Applebee’s is leading the way with its rebranding efforts, other industry players like Burger King and Bloomin' Brands are also exploring renovation programs to drive sales. As Applebee’s continues to evolve its offerings and customer engagement strategies, the future outlook appears promising with a fresh vision and strong growth trajectory.
