How to Franchise a Restaurant
Learn how to franchise a restaurant by building systems, protecting your brand, choosing franchisees, and supporting consistent long-term growth successfully.
May 29, 2026
Learn how to franchise a restaurant by building systems, protecting your brand, choosing franchisees, and supporting consistent long-term growth successfully.
May 29, 2026
Learn how Father's Day promotions, menus, reservations, marketing, and staff training increase restaurant sales while protecting margins and improving performance.
Jun 1, 2026
McDonald’s unveiled McDonald’s Next, a new strategy focused on menu improvements, technology investments, restaurant upgrades and hospitality.
Jun 2, 2026
Explore the operational secrets and business strategy behind Monty's Good Burgers, a trailblazing vegan restaurant in Los Angeles. Discover how culinary innovation, consistent quality, and strategic customer engagement redefine plant-based dining.
Jun 2, 2026
Dutch Bros delivered one of the strongest quarterly performances in its history during Q1 2026, with a 31% revenue increase, 8.3% same-store sales growth, and unaided brand awareness that has more than doubled in 18 months driven by mobile ordering, food menu expansion, loyalty upgrades, and aggressive market density building.
Jun 1, 2026
Fuel costs are emerging as one of the more unpredictable financial pressures facing quick-service restaurant operators running through supply chains, delivery economics, and consumer spending behavior in ways that are harder to anticipate and manage than traditional cost inputs like food and labor.
Jun 1, 2026
Chipotle is quietly testing a new Crispy Chicken protein option in select California restaurants, marking a potential shift in the chain's menu strategy as it looks to accelerate innovation and tap into one of the fastest-growing food categories in the restaurant industry.
Jun 1, 2026
Red Robin has sold 30 company-owned restaurants in Washington and Western Idaho to multi-unit operator Evergreen Dining for $23.5 million in cash, using the proceeds to pay down debt and fund its First Choice turnaround plan as the chain continues to reshape its ownership structure.
Jun 1, 2026
Operators share how to scale: trust the brand’s playbook, plan people, invest early, and navigate the Hell Zone as multi-unit growth accelerates into 2026.
May 31, 2026
Red Lobster will close its 5 Times Square flagship on June 14, 2026, citing construction and office-to-residential conversion; staff offered transfers and pay.
May 31, 2026
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Explore how Auntie Anne’s is strategically expanding by focusing on airport locations to overcome mall challenges and drive brand growth.
Photo by Dan V
Photo by Dan V
Auntie Anne’s, a renowned name in mall snacking, is strategically shifting its focus towards high-volume airport locations as malls face development challenges. With over 50 airport locations and significant room for growth, the chain aims to leverage the continuous 365-day traffic flow that airports offer, unlike venues like ballparks or concert arenas that are event-driven.
The operational landscape in airports presents unique challenges and opportunities for Auntie Anne’s. The chain’s concept is tailor-made for streamlined operations to meet high demand efficiently. By ensuring product availability and quick service, Auntie Anne’s can cater to large crowds within tight timeframes, boasting an average sales volume at airport locations of over $1.8 million.
Photo by Dan V
One key aspect of Auntie Anne’s strategy in airports is the olfactory marketing approach. The distinctive aroma of freshly baked pretzels enables the chain to engage consumers on impulse, enticing them to visit by triggering their senses. This immersive experience enhances brand recognition and drives foot traffic to Auntie Anne’s locations within airports.
Photo by Dan V
Navigating the intricacies of airport locations involves overcoming permitting delays and building strong partnerships with airport authorities. Choosing the right franchisees with airport connections is crucial for successful development. Despite these challenges, the rapid construction pace and heightened brand visibility make airport locations rewarding for growth and market penetration.
Photo by Dan V
While airport expansion is significant for Auntie Anne’s, the chain’s growth strategy also includes a focus on streetside locations. Leveraging brand loyalty gained from captive audience venues, Auntie Anne’s will drive expansion into new markets. Additionally, modernizing store designs and exploring co-branding opportunities with Cinnabon will further enhance consumer appeal and market reach.