FAT Brands Collapses, Reemerges as OHG Brands
FAT Brands' $1B acquisition empire fell into bankruptcy and sold for $965M, re-emerging as OHG Brands with 1,700 restaurants.
Oct 1, 2026
FAT Brands' $1B acquisition empire fell into bankruptcy and sold for $965M, re-emerging as OHG Brands with 1,700 restaurants.
Oct 1, 2026
CAVA names John Ludeke, former Dr. Squatch Chief Brand Officer, as its new CMO to drive national growth and guest loyalty.
Oct 1, 2026
La Madeleine's CEO John Dillon steps down mid-turnaround, leaving a menu overhaul, new coffee program, and franchise growth plans in limbo.
Oct 1, 2026
Hot Head Burritos promotes longtime operator Peter Wiley to corporate VP, chief marketing and chief technology officer, blending brand strategy with tech oversight.
Oct 1, 2026
Mo' Bettahs names Don Crocker, a Chick-fil-A and Inspire Brands veteran, as chief development officer to lead its national corporate-owned expansion.
Sep 30, 2026
Wage hikes, the penny's end, new NLRB rules, California sugar labels, and franchise law changes are converging on operators this year.
Sep 30, 2026
Panera taps outsiders from Burger King and Oakberry to fix operations, order accuracy and supply chain as it overhauls loyalty and marketing.
Sep 30, 2026
Opening a second restaurant location requires readiness, clear goals, financial planning, funding, smart strategy, standardized operations, strong teams, and careful launch monitoring for sustainable growth.
Sep 30, 2026
Chipotle hits 1,500 Chipotlanes, the digital pickup lanes launched in 2018. Here's how the format became core to its growth strategy.
Sep 29, 2026
El Pollo Loco appoints Damon Thomas as chief operating officer, bringing restaurant operations experience to the company’s senior leadership team.
Sep 29, 2026
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How 16 Handles is reshaping the frozen dessert industry with unique flavors, innovative store design, and cost-effective solutions.

16 Handles sets itself apart in the frozen dessert market with its diverse and unique soft-serve flavors. With a menu featuring 16 different flavors, the brand caters to a wide range of taste preferences. The recent introduction of viral flavors like French fry frozen yogurt and Squid Games-inspired Squid Ink Black Matcha showcases the company's daring approach to flavor innovation.
Beyond its varied soft-serve options, 16 Handles offers customers an expansive selection of toppings and sauces, exceeding 50 choices. This abundance of toppings allows customers to personalize their treats, creating a truly customized experience. From classic toppings like fruits and nuts to more adventurous choices, the brand ensures there is something for everyone.
In addition to its soft-serve and toppings, 16 Handles also presents a variety of frozen novelties to delight customers. These novelties include cakes, cookie dough, and take-home pints, adding to the brand's appeal and expanding its offerings beyond traditional frozen yogurt. By diversifying its product range, 16 Handles ensures customers have a plethora of options to choose from.
Recognizing the significance of an appealing store layout, 16 Handles underwent a substantial store design revamp to enhance the customer experience. By reducing the cost of buildout significantly, the brand made its stores more accessible to franchisees. The introduction of in-house millwork production and custom modular topping bars not only contributes to a visually striking interior but also ensures consistency across all locations.
A key highlight of 16 Handles' menu development and store design strategy is the focus on cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. By manufacturing all key elements within the U.S. with high-quality materials at a lower cost compared to competitors, the brand demonstrates its commitment to providing value for franchisees. The customized branded furniture that is easy to assemble not only reduces startup costs but also elevates the brand's identity.