IFA Summit Draws Support for New Franchise Bill: The legislation, referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce, would keep joint employer standards consistent with the rules set by the National Labor Relations Board in 2020. The joint employer standards have changed several times over the last decade, depending on what party has control of the White House.
In 2023, the NLRB attempted to set a new joint employer rule where a franchisor could be considered a joint employer with the franchisee for a group of employees. If applied, the franchisor could be brought into situations involving wages, benefits and work conditions. Additionally, franchisors could share liability with franchisees on labor violations, and would have a legal obligation to negotiate with unions.
The 2023 effort was eventually blocked in federal court, keeping the 2020 standard in place, which established more separation between the two entities. For the IFA, the joint employer subject has been a major priority, with the goal of having the franchisor only considered a joint employer if it has direct and immediate control over terms and conditions of the employees.
Poolwerx Continues to Make a Splash Hitting 100 Territories Nationwide: Poolwerx, the world's leading pool service and retail franchise, proudly announces the opening of its 100th active territory. With more than 400 territories awarded across the globe and a proven U.S. model built on recurring revenue streams, premium retail experiences, and high-touch support, Poolwerx continues to strengthen its position as the only true one-stop solution in the pool care industry.
“Reaching 100 units is a tremendous accomplishment for our team and our franchise partners, but it’s just the beginning,” said Andrew Kidd, CEO of Poolwerx USA. “Our success comes from providing a premium, full-service pool care solution and building a culture where franchise partners feel supported to grow. We’ve proven this model works across markets, and we’re excited to bring Poolwerx to hundreds more communities.”
Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash Celebrate Over 19,000 Successful Pet Adoptions in 2025 Through Nationwide Initiative: Committed to helping 20,000 pets find their forever homes in 2025, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are on their way to reaching that goal with 19,303 successful adoptions year-to-date. Having surpassed the 2024 goal of supporting 15,000 adoptions through a nationwide initiative, the brands have built on this commitment to animal welfare by partnering with local rescues and hosting in-store adoption events. Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash continue to address the critical need of finding loving homes for shelter animals.
With approximately 2.8 million dogs and cats entering animal shelters in the first half of 2025, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are creating meaningful connections to help pets find the caring families they deserve. Whether they were a stray or born into a shelter, the initiative is driven by the belief that every pet deserves a second chance. The increased awareness and continued education aim to make adoptions more accessible and visible in communities across the country.
PuroClean Reaches 500-Unit Milestone, Fueled by People-First Leadership and Relentless Customer Service: PuroClean, one of the country’s leading property restoration and remediation franchises, proudly announces a historic milestone: the signing of the brand’s 500th franchise location. This achievement was made possible through the vision and leadership of PuroClean’s owners, Chairman & CEO, Mark W. Davis, and Vice Chairman, Frank Torre. Their investments and commitment to elevated systems have paved the way for PuroClean’s Leadership and Home Office Support Team to help build a World-Class Brand alongside its Franchise Owners. In just 10 years, the brand has grown from 222 to 500 locations across North America, stretching from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, San Diego to Vancouver, Miami to St. John’s, Newfoundland. This exponential growth reflects more than just expansion; it signals real impact: families supported, communities restored, and a higher bar for the PuroClean network and restoration industry.
Founded in 2001, the brand has seen incredible growth over the past decade. In 2015, Davis and Torre purchased the company. Under their leadership, the average franchise unit sales has grown by five times, and PuroClean has evolved into one of the fastest-growing restoration franchise companies in North America, a sign of the strength and legacy of the brand. Davis and Torre have invested heavily in infrastructure, training, and above all, people, laying the foundation for a culture of Relentless Customer Service that sets PuroClean apart in the restoration industry.
K9 Resorts to Debut in the Big Apple: K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel's first location in New York City. The pet boarding and daycare brand has partnered with a seasoned hospitality group, The Dhillon Group, to open a location in Brooklyn in the Dumbo neighborhood in early 2026.
The Dhillon Group decided to invest in a growing sector of the hospitality industry: pet care. The success and quality of its services cemented The Dhillon Group’s interest in bringing the brand to the global business hub that is New York City. Led by Harry Sandhu, the resort will aim to be New York dogs’ home away from home and one of the only area facilities with an outdoor area for play.
Another Broken Egg Cafe Continues Its Growth Momentum with Four New Multi-Unit Development Agreements: Another Broken Egg Cafe, the award-winning, elevated ‘NextGen Casual’ daytime-only restaurant, continues its positive growth momentum in 2025 with the signing of four new multi-unit development agreements representing 12 new cafes to be developed over the next 5 years. The deals, secured in the first half of the year, will bring the brand’s chef-driven menu and signature hospitality to new guests across several markets, including San Diego, California; St. Augustine and Naples, Florida; and Birmingham, Alabama.
The new agreements bring experienced, community-focused operators into the brand’s growing system. The new franchise partners have experience owning and operating several restaurant and food service concepts, including Teriyaki Madness, Greek Mediterranean Grill, Scooter’s Coffee, Dairy Queen, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Five Guys, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
“Our continued development is a reflection of the strong interest we’re seeing from experienced operators who recognize the unique value of our concept,” said Chris Eby, Director of Franchise Sales at Another Broken Egg Cafe.
Batteries Plus, Dallas Cowboys Launch Multi-Year Partnership to Power National Battery Recycling Awareness: Batteries Plus is proud to announce it has signed on as the Official Battery Recycling Partner of the Dallas Cowboys. The new, multi-year partnership combines the passion of Cowboys Nation with Batteries Plus’ mission to make battery recycling easier, safer, and more accessible in an overall effort to strengthen America’s energy independence.
The partnership builds on Batteries Plus’ growing presence in the NFL, where the brand helped double recycling volumes across the state of Wisconsin in just one year. With the addition of the Dallas Cowboys, Batteries Plus aims to further elevate battery recycling efforts across Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.
Arthur Murray® Dance Studios Announces Key Leadership Hires: Arthur Murray® Dance Studios today announced the appointment of Chief Development Officer (CDO) Tony Padulo and Vice President of Operations Kimberley Carroll.
The hires signal a new chapter under the leadership of CEO Gary Edwards, focused on expanding the franchise network, strengthening support for existing owners and optimizing studio operations to help all generations discover the fun and beauty of ballroom and social dance.
“These strategic hires reflect our commitment to empowering our franchisees, growing our presence and elevating the ballroom and social dance experience for dancers of all ages,” said Gary Edwards, CEO of Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
KFC U.S. Names Melissa Cash as Chief Marketing Officer, Bolstering Powerhouse Leadership Team Poised to Accelerate Brand's Comeback: KFC U.S. today announced Melissa Cash has been named Chief Marketing Officer, effective Sept. 16. Cash will report to Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC U.S., who previously held the CMO position before her promotion in April 2025.
Francis "Rico" Arrastia has joined as Chief Digital & Technology Officer, effective Sept. 9, reporting to Judd Knight, KFC Global CDTO, with a dotted line to Tan-Gillespie. In his role, Arrastia will lead KFC U.S.'s digital and technology strategy—modernizing discovery, ordering and engagement, while advancing personalization and performance analytics.
Tiffany Furman joined the KFC U.S. team as Chief Growth Officer in July 2025, a new leadership team role that unites finance and development under a shared growth agenda. Furman has been with Yum! Brands for over 17 years. Prior to joining KFC U.S., she served as chief financial officer at Habit Burger & Grill and held finance and development leadership roles at Taco Bell.
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.
"I have had the pleasure of witnessing Humera's impactful leadership, and I'm confident that her proven ability to develop high-performance teams will be invaluable as we transform the Red Robin brand for the future," said Red Robin President and CEO Dave Pace.
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.
Franchise Equity Partners acquires major 7 Brew franchisee: Franchise Equity Partners, a private investment firm specializing in providing capital to franchise businesses and their owners, has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchisee within the 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee system. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
As part of the deal, FEP will continue to execute 7 Crew’s existing development agreement with the company, including opening more than 200 stands, in addition to its current 50 in operation. The development deal spans Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
Chuck E. Cheese plans entry in the U.K.: Chuck E. Cheese is the latest American brand setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The company announced it will make its debut in the market soon, which will also mark its entry into Europe.
The initial location is part of a new multiunit agreement in partnership with a local team and will feature arcade games, interactive play zones, and iconic characters including Chuck E. Cheese.
“Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” Chuck E. Cheese International chief operating officer Mario Centola said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the U.K. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our passion for delivering unforgettable family experiences.”
