Franchise Fans Fuel Push for Legal Certainty
Polling shows majority support for franchise-specific joint employer rules as Congress weighs the American Franchise Act.
Jul 20, 2026
Polling shows majority support for franchise-specific joint employer rules as Congress weighs the American Franchise Act.
Jul 20, 2026
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
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Topgolf Media Networks turns 100+ venues into an ad platform with 42M visits and 28,000 screens, tapping retail media tactics for measurable brand activations.
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Discover how Fresh off the Boat in Santa Ana has built a thriving, health-focused Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Explore operational insights, business strategies, and the customer experience that set this unique concept apart.
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Domino’s leverages rising order volumes to boost revenue and market share despite industry challenges in Q2 2026, offering key lessons for restaurant owners.
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Burger King launches its “Your Way Champion” managerial role, focusing on guest experience, order customization, and staff engagement. Restaurant operators can glean insights for elevating hospitality in their own venues.
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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
Explore how Chicken Salad Chick's unique strategies and growth have fueled its franchise development success in the fast-casual sector.
Photo by Stephen Mierendorf
Chicken Salad Chick's recent milestone of reaching 300 locations in April marks a significant achievement in the fast-casual industry. The brand's strategic approach to franchising has been a key driver of its rapid growth. By signing 35 franchising deals in Q1, the brand demonstrated its commitment to expanding its footprint and capturing new markets.
Photo by Stephen Mierendorf
One of the standout aspects of Chicken Salad Chick's success lies in its unique positioning. The acquisition of Piece of Cake in late 2023 allowed the brand to diversify its menu offerings, particularly in the dessert segment. This move not only differentiated Chicken Salad Chick from its competitors but also contributed to an increase in the average ticket size.
The brand's robust financial performance is reflected in its unit count growth of 13% over the last year. With franchise stores achieving an AUV of $1.48 million in 2024, Chicken Salad Chick has not only demonstrated steady growth but also attracted increased interest from potential franchisees. The positive same-store sales growth has further fueled franchise development.
The success of Chicken Salad Chick is emblematic of the broader trend within the fast-casual sector. As consumer preferences evolve and demand for quality dining experiences grows, fast-casual brands like Chicken Salad Chick are well-positioned to capitalize on this shift. The sector's outperformance compared to traditional fast food chains has prompted industry leaders to accelerate their expansion plans, creating a conducive environment for growth.
Photo by Stephen Mierendorf
With plans to expand into regions like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, and beyond, Chicken Salad Chick's growth trajectory remains ambitious. By strategically targeting specific states for development, the brand aims to solidify its presence in key markets while catering to diverse consumer preferences. This expansion strategy underscores Chicken Salad Chick's commitment to sustainable growth and market penetration.