Thomas Keller Group Settles EEOC Case for $2 Million
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
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
Cinnabon posted a net gain of 308 U.S. units in 2025 and launched Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2026 to boost beverage mix, margins, and franchise-driven expansion.
Jul 18, 2026
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings launches Poppin’ Ranch, a 99-cent popping-candy ranch add-on, designed to spark sensory buzz and impulse trials ahead of Wing Day.
Jul 17, 2026
Wonder closed a $650M Series D at a $9B valuation to expand locations and invest in robotics, AI, and delivery tech, accelerating its automation-first restaurant model.
Jul 17, 2026
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
Explore the latest trends in franchise agreements and brand acquisitions in the restaurant industry. Learn how franchisees are driving growth and expansion.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Franchise agreements have become a driving force behind the growth and expansion of restaurant brands in the competitive market. By offering franchising opportunities, restaurants can scale their operations more rapidly and reach new markets with the help of motivated franchisees.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Recent years have seen a surge in brand acquisitions by franchisees, leading to increased consolidation and collaboration in the restaurant industry. Franchisees are increasingly becoming key players in driving innovation, growth, and profitability for established brands.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
One notable success story is the strategy employed by Brix, backed by Legacy Brands, in expanding Friendly’s locations in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Texas. Through strategic franchise agreements and operational expertise, Brix has achieved positive sales growth and momentum across its brands.
The evolution of franchise agreements has significantly impacted the landscape of restaurant mergers and acquisitions. Franchisees are actively participating in the acquisition of new brands and storebases, reshaping the industry's competitive dynamics.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
To ensure the success of franchise agreements, brands must focus on maintaining brand loyalty, introducing menu innovations, and adopting strategic pricing approaches. By incentivizing franchisees with discounts and support, brands can attract new operators and drive sustainable growth.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Brand acquisitions by franchisees are on the rise, with examples like Thrive Restaurant Group's acquisition of Modern Market Eatery and Sun Holdings' multi-brand platform expansion through acquisitions like Uncle Julio’s. These acquisitions demonstrate the growing influence of franchisees in the industry.