Lola Beans, a drive-thru coffee concept, signed the largest multi-unit deal in its history with Kirk and Coleen Jeter, who committed to developing 120 units as area representatives. Through their company, the Jeter Group, the couple initially signed a 15-unit agreement, and will now lead the effort to recruit and support additional franchisees to grow the brand across Texas. Founded in 2020, Lola Beans began franchising earlier this year.
Emerging fast-casual healthy food brand Konala launched its franchise system last year.
Konala, positioned as a healthy quick-service restaurant, is primed for growth in two states with the signing of a 25-unit agreement. Speedy Foods, a group with years of franchise experience, will develop the restaurants in both Idaho and Utah. Founded in 2023 and franchising since 2024, Konala has three locations.
Fast-casual brand Chicken Salad Chick inked a 12-unit agreement with franchisee The Foundry Group. The company, led by CEO Brandon Manly, has a team experienced in real estate, finance and project management. They will develop the dozen restaurants in central Florida. Chicken Salad Chick, founded in 2008, has grown to more than 307 locations in 22 states.
Mini-burger brand Smalls Sliders is set for growth in Louisville, Kentucky, with the signing of a five-unit agreement. Committing to the development is JHN Hospitality Group, which brings 20 years of restaurant operations and franchise ownership experience. Smalls Sliders, backed by 10 Point Capital, has 45 locations, with the majority in the Southeast.
Indoor golf concept The Swing Bay is set for growth.
The Swing Bays, an indoor golf and fitness concept, signed a five-unit agreement to develop markets in Southern California. Joining the brand as new franchisees are Sam and Corinna Chang. Both have experience as realtors, and Sam Chang also has a background in sales. Established in 2022, The Swing Bays was founded by professional golfer Dustin Miller and has been franchising since 2024.
Pet care brand The Dog Stop is entering the state of Massachusetts with a two-unit deal in Boston. The agreement is with local entrepreneur Jeff Green, who brings a background in artificial intelligence, having worked in the technology sector with companies including Oracle and ExaGrid. Founded in 2009, The Dog Stop began franchising in 2013 and has 44 locations in 17 states.
Face Foundrie, a facial bar skincare concept, signed a four-unit deal for the Dallas market. The agreement is with existing franchisees Hunter and Mallory Mitchem, who earlier signed on for 11 locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Before Face Foundrie, Hunter Mitchem worked in the aerospace industry, while Mallory Mitchem was in account management. Face Foundrie, launched in 2019, has 63 locations in 24 states.
Sports bar brand Twin Peaks, founded in 2005, has 115 locations with an average unit volume of more than $5 million.
Twin Peaks, a sports bar concept, is entering the state of Connecticut by way of a three-unit agreement. New London Hospitality, led by business partners Deepak Verma and Kam Singh, will open the locations in and around Hartford and New Haven. The duo brings experience in hotel properties, including the Red Roof Inn, Choice Hotels and Hilton. Established in 2005, Twin Peaks has 115 restaurants in the U.S. and Mexico.
International News
Casual dining brand TGI Fridays is expanding its presence in Asia with the signing of a master franchise agreement in the Republic of Maldives. The deal is with Brew and Feast Holdings, which will open restaurants in the city of Malé, before exploring new openings in hotel properties. TGI Fridays, which filed for bankruptcy in late 2024 and is now working to restart growth under new CEO Ray Blanchette, has nearly 400 locations in close to 40 countries.
Infrared fitness franchise Hotworx is expanding into Mexico thanks to a new master franchise agreement. The deal is with Karla Ramos, an existing multi-unit franchisee based in Texas. It marks the first effort by the brand to develop Latin America, with plans to open more than 200 studios in Mexico. Founded in 2017, Hotworx has grown to more than 800 studios.