Fast-casual concept Chicken Salad Chick is set for growth across the Midwest with five new multi-unit agreements. Two agreements were signed for expansion in Kansas, with Jo Anne and Kirk Williams planning to open four in Kansas City with business partner Cindy Sulzman, while entrepreneur Troy Morrison is set to open 11. In addition to units in Wichita, Morrison plans to open some of his locations in Oklahoma City.
In Indiana, Caitlin and Michael Becker inked a three-unit agreement to open Chicken Salad Chick restaurants in Lafeyette, while Jesse Koontz and Toni Siprut are committed to opening five in Chicago. In Michigan, meanwhile, Sarah and Keith McKae have signed on to open three stores in communities just west of Detroit. Chicken Salad Chick has more than 307 restaurants in 22 states.
Dill Dinkers, an indoor pickleball concept, is an emerging brand tapping into the growing popularity of the sport.
Maryland-based pickleball brand Dill Dinkers is making its way to the West Coast with the signing of a 10-unit agreement in California. Bill and Georgia Revilla are the latest franchisees and will open locations in the Golden State’s Central Valley, in markets including Madera and Visalia. Bill Revilla brings experience in hospital administration while Georgia Revilla is a licensed dentist, and the couple also manage a real estate portfolio together. Founded in 2022, Dill Dinkers has 21 clubs.
Boardroom, a men’s grooming and styling concept, is positioned for multi-state growth thanks to a five-unit agreement. In addition to acquiring three company-owned locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, existing franchisees Paul and Caren Wolf will open two additional Oklahoma units and another three in Texas markets. Boardroom has grown to 44 salons across seven states since launching in 2004. It restarted its franchise growth efforts this year.
Pigtails & Crewcuts, a children’s hair salon brand, signed a deal for three locations in Chicago. In charge of the expansion is Hillery Simmons, vice president of analytics for the outfitting and styling technology company Stylitics. Founded in 2003, Pigtails & Crewcuts began franchising two decades ago and has expanded to more than 80 salons in over 20 states.
Fitness brand Pvolve is set to enter the state of Nevada with a two-unit agreement in the Las Vegas suburbs. The deal is with Jennifer LaFrance, a certified accountant and chief financial officer of an investment firm, who plans to open a pair of studios. Founded in 2017, Pvolve has grown to nearly 30 locations in the United States and Canada.
Broken Yolk Cafe is a breakfast brand growing via multi-unit deals.
Broken Yolk Café, a California-based breakfast concept, inked a four-unit agreement to expand its Texas footprint. The Dallas-area deal is with United States Army veterans JP Wu and John Zhang, who both bring experience in the financial sector with work on Wall Street, as well as backgrounds in global supply chain operations. Founded in 1979, Broken Yolk Café began franchising in 2010 and has grown to 41 locations nationwide.
Retailer Batteries Plus will soon have a presence in all 50 states as the result of a new multi-unit agreement. The brand inked a three-unit deal with a pair of entrepreneurs, who will open two in Delaware and a third in Maryland. Leading the development is Matt Poulos, who runs a logistics partner company with Amazon, and his wife Nicole, who brings a business executive background. Batteries Plus has more than 800 locations, and Delaware marked the last remaining state where it didn't have locations.
Founded in 2006 and franchising since 2009, Goldfish Swim School has 200 locations.
Goldfish Swim School is building up its California footprint with a two-unit agreement for the northern part of the state. The husband-and-wife team of Vish and Dee Desai, who bring franchise experience as owners with the Goddard School, will bring the first Goldfish units to the Sacramento area, with an opening set for spring 2027. Founded in 2006 and franchising since 2009, Goldfish Swim School has more than 200 schools across the U.S. and Canada.
Related: New Goldfish Swim School Franchisees Sign Deal for L.A.
International Development News
Fatburger is returning to Japan after an absence of a couple years with a new development agreement. The company, part of the FAT Brands portfolio, signed a deal with Green Micro Factory Inc. to open four locations in Japan after its previous location there closed in 2023. The four new units will be located in Okinawa. Fatburger, established in 1952, is one of 18 concepts in the FAT Brands portfolio, which has more than 2,300 combined locations worldwide.
Club Pilates is coming to Thailand with the signing of a master franchise agreement, including 20 studios in Bangkok. The deal is with Me In Motion Co., led by CEO Thanayous Kositsakul, who has three decades of business experience in operating Toyota dealerships. For Club Pilates, it marks the brand’s 22nd international market. Founded in 2007, Club Pilates has more than 1,200 locations worldwide.
GymGuyz, a personal training fitness brand, is expanding into several Middle Eastern markets, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. It also plans to develop markets in Morocco. Helming the four-country growth is Bait Al Batterjee Group, which is also a Gold's Gym franchisee with more than 20 locations throughout Saudi Arabia. GymGuyz started in 2008 and has grown to 183 territories.