Techy Buys NerdsToGo From Propelled Brands to Expand Beyond Device Repair: It’s a story of nonstop evolution for Techy, the device repair and solutions company that with its latest acquisition added an IT support franchise to the mix.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Techy purchased NerdsToGo this summer from Propelled Brands, the parent company of Fastsigns, My Salon Suite and Camp Bow Wow. NerdsToGo provides on-site and remote tech support services for homes and small businesses.
The acquisition, said Techy Chief Operating Officer Tim Phelps, was three years in the making as Techy saw demand from its business-to-business device buyback customers in accessing IT support from the same provider. Nine months ago, said Phelps, Catherine Monson, Propelled’s CEO, called and said they were looking to sell.
Brightway Insurance Expands Footprint With Acquisition of GlobalGreen: Founded by brothers David and Michael Miller in 2008, Brightway is now the second largest privately owned insurance distribution platform in the country.
Today, Brightway has expanded its network to more than 535 independent agencies in 45 states.
With the acquisition of GlobalGreen Insurance Agency, the Jacksonville, Florida-based firm increased its annual written premiums from $1.4 billion to more than $1.7 billion. The transaction also made Brightway the second-largest privately owned insurance distribution platform in the country behind Lockton Companies, which does not franchise.
New Franchise Bill Would Establish Permanent Joint Employer Standard: A bipartisan bill with language cementing joint employer rules was introduced in the United States House of Representatives. The legislation, titled the American Franchise Act, received support from the International Franchise Association as it goes to committee.
On Wednesday, Rep. Kevin Hern, R-OK, introduced the American Franchise Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was joined by 13 other representatives, including six other Republicans and seven Democrats.
If signed into law, the legislation would establish clarity on how responsibility is shared by franchisors and franchisees in regards to the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill states, “a franchisor may be considered a joint employer of the employee of a franchisee only if the franchisor possesses and exercises substantial direct and immediate control over one or more essential terms or conditions of the employees of the franchisee.”
Longtime Honey Baked Ham Franchisee Continues Family Legacy With Multi-Unit Deal: For nearly 30 years, Matt Davis and his family have owned and operated Honey Baked Ham Company locations in North Carolina and beyond. Davis wants to add to the store count, already at 21 locations, and inked a deal to open eight units in four states.
Founded in 1957, the franchise with 400-plus locations often sees its strongest sales during the holidays as families get together. For Matt Davis, the family tradition around the concept is tied to business, too, as he and his parents have been longtime franchisees.
Growth for Davis is set to continue with the signing of an eight-unit agreement across four states. The deal, scheduling development over three years, has Davis’ operation expanding to a pair of Charlotte suburbs, as well as Bel Air, Maryland, Chesapeake, Virginia, and Des Moines, Iowa.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Names Humera Kassem Chief People Officer: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. announced today the appointment of Humera Kassem as Chief People Officer, effective September 15.
In this role, Kassem will be responsible for overseeing Red Robin's organizational strategy and vision centered on the continued strengthening of Red Robin's culture and the advancement of its recently announced First Choice Plan.
With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Kassem has demonstrated expertise in cultivating organizational culture and driving talent development across various industries.
Currito Expands Ohio Presence with Three-Unit Deal in Dayton: Currito has announced a three-unit development deal that will bring the brand to Dayton. The agreement is the result of a strategic partnership between Currito’s Vice President of Franchise Development, Scotty Geiger, and local doctor-turned-entrepreneur Venkat Neelati. The first location is slated to open by the end of 2025 in the Centerville Whole Foods Plaza.
Born and raised in Dayton, Geiger brings over 13 years of franchise leadership experience to the table. After graduating from Miami University, he held key roles with multiple national brands, including over 6 years at Restaurant Brands International, leading teams in franchise operations and development. After a year leading franchise development for Currito and witnessing firsthand the company’s strategic growth and strong performance metrics, as well as the rise of their single-unit franchisees returning to sign new deals, he knew Currito was something he wanted to further invest in.
Potbelly Corporation to be Acquired by RaceTrac in Approximately $566 Million Transaction: Potbelly Corporation (NASDAQ: PBPB) announced today that Potbelly and RaceTrac, Inc. have entered into a definitive merger agreement. RaceTrac will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Potbelly for cash.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Under the merger agreement, RaceTrac will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Potbelly for cash. Potbelly’s board of directors recommends that stockholders tender their shares. Directors and executive officers have entered into support agreements.
D1 Training Appoints Jeff Fish as Senior Director of Coaching: D1 Training, a leading fitness and enrichment concept that utilizes the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages, from youth athletes to fitness-minded adults, expands its bench of seasoned directors with the appointment of Jeff Fish as Senior Director of Coaching.
Fish brings over 30 years of experience working as a performance director and strength and conditioning coach with both professional teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Phoenix Suns, and collegiate teams, including Clemson, Missouri and UNLV. Fish also has worked 15 NFL Scouting Combines and won a Super Bowl ring during his time in the NFL. Prior to his new role with D1 Training, Fish also worked in the private fitness sector as an owner, general manager, and head strength and speed coach.
Sky Zone Appoints Stephanie Meltzer-Paul as Chief Commercial Officer: Sky Zone®, an indoor trampoline park and family entertainment franchise, announced the appointment of Stephanie Meltzer-Paul as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective September 22, 2025.
Meltzer-Paul has experience in digital innovation, customer engagement, and loyalty. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President of Global Loyalty Services at Mastercard. Her career also includes senior leadership roles at Inspire Brands, Dunkin’ Brands, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Starwood Hotels.
Metal Supermarkets Welcomes Ryan Pryznyk as President and CEO: Metal Supermarkets today announced the appointment of Ryan Pryznyk as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In addition to his new role, Pryznyk will also serve on the Board of Directors.
Pryznyk brings over 17 years of senior executive experience with organizations spanning a variety of B2B industries as well as extensive experience in the franchise sector. His previous roles include President at BearCom Canada, a wireless voice, video and data solutions provider, and Chief Operating Officer at 4Refuel, a North American leader in mobile on-site refueling. Throughout his career, Pryznyk has demonstrated an outstanding track record of strategic problem solving and multinational leadership experience to drive business growth and innovation.
Askar Brands (USA) signs agreement with Franchise Arabia to expand presence in MENA: Askar Brands, one of America’s fastest-growing multi-brand restaurant groups, has signed an agreement with Franchise Arabia Group to drive its expansion plan across the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.
Askar Brands, founded by industry veteran Casey Askar, is home to a fast-growing portfolio of American restaurant concepts including Blackjack Pizza & Salads, Papa Romano’s Pizza, Papa’s Pizza To GO, Breadeaux Pizza, and Sarpino's Pizzeria.
TGI Fridays accelerates development plans in Peru and Japan: Sugarloaf TGIF Management LLC, the privately held manager of the TGI Fridays brand, has extended franchise development and master franchise agreements with long-standing partners Franquicias Alimentarias S.A. in Peru and Watami Co. Ltd. In Japan, the Dallas-based company said Monday.
The agreements call for developing more than 50 new restaurants, the company said.
"TGI Fridays isn't just another casual-dining brand. It's a proven, high-energy concept with cultural resonance and commercial edge," Phil Broad, president of TGI Fridays international franchising, said in a statement. "The commitment of our partners in Peru and Japan reinforces the strength of our model, the passion of our operators, and the universal appeal of the TGI Fridays experience."
