Taco Bell Franchise Expansion in Midwest
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
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Darden Restaurants surpassed $13 billion in sales, fueled by robust performance at LongHorn Steakhouse and innovative menu changes at Olive Garden. Explore the strategies driving this industry giant’s continued dominance.
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The fallout of Pizza Hut's mandated AI delivery system rollout has ignited a $100 million lawsuit from a leading franchisee, highlighting crucial franchisor-franchisee lessons for all restaurant owners.
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Founders Table Restaurant Group acquires fast-casual leader Hopdoddy Burger Bar, expanding its reach to over 200 restaurants and accelerating operational growth across the platform.
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LongHorn Steakhouse surpassed $1 billion in quarterly sales for the first time, driven by strong value perception and menu innovation. Restaurant leaders can draw key lessons for thriving when consumer price sensitivity is high.
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Inspire Brands is preparing for an IPO aiming for a $20B valuation. Discover how giants like Arby’s, Sonic, and Dunkin’ are performing as part of this dynamic portfolio.
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Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
Jun 24, 2026
Miso Robotics has acquired Zume Pizza’s technology deck, giving new life to pizza automation and food robotics for forward-thinking restaurant operators.
Jun 24, 2026
Learn how Bun Mee, a San Francisco-based Vietnamese fast-casual brand, is making waves in the competitive restaurant landscape by franchising its unique banh mi sandwiches nationally.
Photo by Phil Hearing
In a culinary landscape dominated by popular fast-casual chains, Bun Mee stands out with its unique offering of traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. Founded by Denise Tran in 2011, the brand took a bold step to introduce Vietnamese flavors to American palates. Originating from the English phonetic pronunciation of 'banh mi,' Bun Mee sought to fill a gap in the market for Asian sandwich concepts.
Photo by Phil Hearing
Over the years, the banh mi sandwich has transitioned from an unfamiliar item to a mainstream favorite on American menus. Traditionally made with a combination of pork belly, cucumbers, cilantro, pickles, and jalapenos stuffed inside a crusty baguette, Bun Mee's menu offers diverse variations, including classic pork, mortadella, tofu, and chicken options. Alongside sandwiches, the brand caters to a wider audience with offerings like chicken pho, noodle bowls, and Vietnamese beverages like coffee and tea.
Photo by Phil Hearing
After years of establishing a strong presence in San Francisco, Denise Tran made the strategic decision to franchise Bun Mee nationally. The timing, post-COVID-19 recovery, proved opportune for expanding the brand's reach. Creating a partnership with Franchise Elevator, Bun Mee set its sights on growth, aiming to replicate its success outside its home turf.
Photo by Phil Hearing
To prepare for the franchising endeavor, Bun Mee prioritized operational excellence. Focusing on streamlining processes, the brand reduced menu complexity, upgraded kitchen equipment, and embraced lean practices. By investing in internal efficiencies, Bun Mee positioned itself for scalable growth through franchising while maintaining high-quality standards.
Looking beyond its origins, Bun Mee plans to expand thoughtfully through franchising, with an initial focus on the Colorado region. By setting realistic goals of onboarding new franchisees incrementally and aiming for steady unit openings, the brand emphasizes quality over rapid expansion. With a vision of reaching 50 units in five years, Bun Mee aims to grow sustainably while preserving its commitment to delivering authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Denise Tran's philosophy revolves around achieving quality growth that aligns with Bun Mee's values. By prioritizing sustainable expansion and nurturing a network of dedicated franchisees, the brand aims to maintain its reputation for authenticity and excellence. Through careful management and strategic franchising, Bun Mee paves the way for bringing Vietnamese cuisine to a wider audience while ensuring a consistent dining experience across its locations.