Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
Franchise Frenzy: Cross-Border Growth
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
McDonald’s unveils six beverages across 14,000 restaurants on May 6, expanding McCafé with Refresher and crafted sodas and a new store-level beverage specialist role.
Apr 29, 2026
Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
Apr 27, 2026
Explore marketing strategies for food businesses using reviews, professional photos, SEO, social media, partnerships, events, and catering.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by shen wenjie on Unsplash
Holiday-driven menu drops fuse nostalgia with wellness, turning menus into living calendars for fast-casual brands.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Abdul Raheem Kannath on Unsplash
Susannah Frost named Chick-fil-A President, joining Cliff Robinson as COO to guide domestic expansion and international growth.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Moon Bhuyan on Unsplash
Ghost pepper-led promotions redefine autumn menus as chains blend heat, storytelling, and seasonal collaborations to drive foot traffic.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Noah Martinez on Unsplash
CAVA rolls out Garlic Ranch Pita Chips with a Steak + Harissa Bowl and a refreshed Rewards program, tying flavor innovation to personalized guest experiences.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s launches Pick 6 Mondays, offering free wings with a $10 purchase when a Pick 6 occurs on Sundays, driving game-day momentum across dine-in and To Go.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Stu Moffat on Unsplash
Beatrice Nguyen explores how leadership blends speed, loyalty, and standardized operations to grow Shake Shack while preserving its signature experience.
Apr 28, 2026
Explore how Bonchon plans to accelerate its growth through strategic franchise development with industry experts Wheeler and Haddad.
Photo by Jean-Baptiste D. on Unsplash
Photo by Jean-Baptiste D. on Unsplash
With industry veterans Wheeler and Haddad on board, Bonchon is poised for accelerated growth through strategic franchise development. Wheeler's experience overseeing development for renowned brands like Salata, Pollo Campero, and Cinnabon brings a wealth of knowledge to enhance Bonchon's expansion. Similarly, Haddad's background at Drive Shack and Sun Holdings, managing construction projects for major chains such as Burger King and Arby’s, reinforces Bonchon's commitment to quality and efficiency in building its franchise network.
Bonchon's strategic aim to double its global units from 500 to 1,000 within the next five years sets a bold trajectory for the brand's expansion. Focusing on the U.S. market, where it already operates 147 stores, Bonchon's targeted growth areas include key markets like Chicago, Los Angeles County, and San Antonio. Leveraging the expertise of Wheeler and Haddad, Bonchon aims to capitalize on high-potential markets and establish a stronger presence in the competitive restaurant industry.
Photo by Jean-Baptiste D. on Unsplash
In line with its growth strategy, Bonchon plans to concentrate on its successful unit formats, particularly emphasizing the fast-casual model. While the brand's dine-in restaurants average around $1.6 million in revenue, its fast-casual units bring in approximately $1.1 million, showcasing the brand's revenue diversity. By aligning development efforts with these successful formats, Bonchon aims to optimize its revenue streams and capitalize on consumer preferences.
Photo by Jean-Baptiste D. on Unsplash
Bonchon's forthcoming fast-casual prototype, developed in collaboration with its Korean team, represents a significant step towards enhancing the dining experience. This prototype, tailored for restaurants between 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, introduces a modern counter-service model with digital kiosks, aiming to elevate customer convenience and brand engagement. Moreover, with the rising demand for Asian flavors predicted by the National Restaurant Association, Bonchon's focus on authentic Korean cuisine aligns with evolving consumer preferences for unique dining experiences.