Perkins, IHOP Sales Fall as Breakfast Category Sees Slight Decline: In a country that’s always on the go, sit-down breakfast chains are taking a hit. Total sales for the category declined by 0.5 percent in 2024, to $8.3 billion, according to the newly released Franchise Times Top 400.
IHOP’s sales sank 1.1 percent last year, a drop of $38 million. The brand, at No. 34 on Franchise Times' exclusive ranking of the largest franchise brands by systemwide sales, did $3.5 billion with 1,824 units, a net increase of 10 stores. That’s an average unit volume of $1.9 million.
IHOP President Lawrence Kim acknowledged that there are evident headwinds in the family dining segment as a whole, including an uncertain economic future, a change in customer habits and more competition in the category. But he said IHOP can persist with its service, brand recognition and value pricing.
Sales Gains for Vital Care, Senior Helpers Lead Health & Medical Category: In all, 11 senior home care brands posted double-digit sales growth in 2024 with No. 132 Senior Helpers and No. 278 HomeWell Care Services setting the pace in the wide-ranging category with respective 30-plus percent sales increases. They were followed by No. 69 Visiting Angels, No. 197 Firstlight Home Care and No. 242 Assisting Hands Home Care, which each had sales growth of 20 percent or more.
Overall, the health and medical segment reported sales growth of 12.7 percent to reach $12.7 billion in 2024. It is the second straight strong year for the category, which grew sales by 11 percent in 2023.
The segment include a diverse range of businesses, from senior care and medical to chiropractic services, wellness centers and diagnostics. This segment caters to growing needs in the population, including an aging demographic and an increased focus on health and well-being.
Fitness Concept Aarmy Enlisting Franchisees to Spur Global Growth: After building an international following with its popular exercise program, fitness brand Aarmy is planning to create more physical locations for workouts. Part of the strategy for the New York City-based concept is to franchise the brand in international markets.
Today, the brand has three aspects, including the development of workout regimens, online training programs and physical units where in-person exercises can take place. The brand has two locations open, a larger one with more capacity for a variety of exercises, and another with a smaller footprint with space for bootcamp-style workouts.
Akman said he plans to open more locations worldwide, utilizing the franchise model to do so internationally. The global effort is based on the large turnout at pop-up workouts Akman held when overseas, particularly in Asia.
Racing Simulator F1 Arcade Accelerates International Franchise Growth: After establishing itself in the United Kingdom and United States, entertainment franchise F1 Arcade is putting the pedal to the metal with more international growth.
Originating in London, F1 Arcade was founded in 2022 with the goal of making the Formula 1 driving experience accessible to everyone. The brand’s main offering is its full-motion racing simulators, though it also has televisions for racing event watch parties, as well as food and drink services.
Since its first location, the brand made its way across the Atlantic in 2024, opening in Boston in April 2024. Development has continued in the United States, more company-owned locations coming online in Alabama, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Next up, the brand is looking to grow in Atlanta, Denver and Las Vegas. Its expansion isn’t limited to the U.S. F1 Arcade inked a master franchise agreement with Top Racing Iberia to open units in Spain and Portugal. Helming the effort is CEO Pablo Juantegui, an executive who also led Grupo Telepizza, the largest master franchisee of Pizza Hut.
Stratus Building Solutions Expands Top-Tier Commercial Franchise: The demand for consistent and trusted cleaning is continuing to rise — and Stratus Building Solutions is ready to answer the call. As a commercial cleaning and janitorial services franchise built on comprehensive cleaning needs and practices, Stratus is expanding rapidly across North America through its proven master franchise model. This unique structure empowers entrepreneurial leaders to build regional businesses while supporting local unit franchisees who deliver cleaning services in their communities. The timing couldn’t be better. The commercial cleaning industry is anticipated to reach over $110.22 billion by 2033.
As part of its expansion efforts, Stratus has brought 10 new master franchise territories on board during the first half of 2025. Within the company’s multitiered business model, master franchisees are experienced entrepreneurial leaders who operate as regional business owners in an exclusive territory. Master franchisees recruit and support unit franchisees, who are independent small-business owners who provide cleaning services to a broad range of clients in their communities. With 93 total territories, Stratus moves closer to its goal of reaching 100 master franchise territories across the U.S. and Canada by the end of the year.
“We’re thrilled to expand our presence across North America, uplifting a talented and driven group of master franchise owners,” says Gutiérrez Wilson.
Captain D’s Splashes Down in the UK in October: The wait is nearly over: Captain D’s, the iconic American seafood chain, will open its first ever UK restaurant at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, Broadstairs, on 20 October.
The launch marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Captain D’s as the brand brings its refreshed restaurant design, UK-tailored menu, and international expansion strategy to life. This opening is part of a 20-unit master franchise agreement with local partner CD’s Holdings.
The Human Bean’s 20th Annual Coffee for a Cure Giveback Day Returns in October: The Human Bean is inviting coffee-lovers across the United States to "drink pink" on Friday, October 17, for the company's 20th annual Coffee for a Cure breast cancer giveback event. All food and beverage proceeds from every location nationwide will be donated to local breast cancer foundations, marking The Human Bean’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Held each October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Coffee for a Cure aims to raise awareness and provide critical support to breast cancer patients and survivors in communities across the country. In 2022, the most recent year with complete statistics available, there were 279,731 new cases of breast cancer reported in the United States—equivalent to 133 cases for every 100,000 women, according to CDC data.
Rita’s Accelerates Growth with Strategic Corporate Investment and Sunbelt Market Seeding: Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has acquired franchise locations in Savannah, Georgia, converting them into the brand’s first corporate-owned shops in more than 15 years and signaling a new phase of strategic investment and growth.
The acquisition is part of a broader initiative to accelerate expansion outside of its core markets, targeting high-growth regions in the South through a mix of franchise roll-ups and new drive-thru builds. By acquiring select franchisee shops and adding new corporate-developed locations, Rita’s aims to establish multi-shop regional portfolios that can later be sold to experienced multi-unit operators, strengthening the brand’s presence while creating scalable opportunities for growth.
Dunkin'® Celebrates 10K U.S. Location: Dunkin’ celebrated its 10,000th U.S. location which opened last week just outside of Chicago in Darien, Illinois. Together, franchisees Bud and Raj Patel of The Hari Group alongside Inspire leadership celebrated the milestone opening with hundreds of Dunkin’ fans.
“Today, we’re not just celebrating this opening – we’re recognizing the guests who energize us to power forward, and the team members and franchisees who make it happen,” says Scott Murphy, Inspire Chief Brand Officer and Dunkin’ President. “As we look forward to the next 10,000 restaurants, the momentum behind this brand has never been stronger. It feels good to be Dunkin’."
Hand & Stone Accelerates Expansion with Appointment of New Chief Development Officer: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a leading national franchise delivering affordable wellness through professional massage and skincare services, is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew Stanton as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO).
In this pivotal role, Stanton will oversee franchise development, real estate, design, construction, and development purchasing, driving Hand & Stone’s continued growth as it brings its signature wellness experience to more communities across the United States.
Stanton brings more than 15 years of executive franchise leadership experience to Hand & Stone, with a proven track record of helping brands scale strategically and sustainably. He most recently served as Chief Development Officer at Purpose Brands, parent company to powerhouse concepts Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Waxing the City, The Bar Method, and Basecamp Fitness.
“Bar Rescue” Star and Hospitality Entrepreneur Jon Taffer Expands “Taffer’s Tavern” Franchise in Orlando, Florida: Known for saving bar owners from ruin on nine seasons of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer is proud to announce the grand opening of Taffer’s Tavern Orlando on Wednesday, October 15. This location will introduce a reimagined menu and expand on local favorites, next-generation design, and a fully immersive brand experience.
“Orlando is the perfect city to debut Taffer’s Tavern in Florida,” said Nilesh Patel, franchisee of Taffer’s Tavern Orlando. “With its energy, diversity, and constant flow of visitors, it’s an ideal backdrop for the elevated tavern experience Jon has created. I’m thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind concept to International Drive and can’t wait to welcome both locals and travelers to discover what sets Taffer’s Tavern apart.”
Taffer’s Tavern is making its Florida debut in the heart of Orlando along International Drive, led by seasoned hospitality operator Nilesh Patel, who brings extensive experience in the restaurant and bar scene. Situated in a prime location just steps from convention centers, hotels, and entertainment attractions, Taffer’s Tavern aims to tap into the bustling foot traffic to further solidify its presence and attract a diverse clientele of locals, visitors, and business travelers seeking a unique dining experience.
Firstlight Home Care Celebrates Major Milestone With 300th Franchise Location Signed: FirstLight Home Care announced today its 300th franchise. This achievement underscores the company’s mission to provide compassionate, quality care to individuals and families across the United States.
The 300th franchise location, set to open in Delaware, represents the company’s continued growth and commitment to providing trusted in-home care services, including senior care, companion care, personal care, memory care, respite care, and veteran care. These services help individuals maintain their quality of life at home while preserving their dignity and independence so they can age in place with peace of mind.
Another Broken Egg Cafe Announces Executive Leadership Team Driving Next Chapter of Growth: Another Broken Egg Cafe, the award-winning, elevated ‘NextGen Casual’ daytime-only restaurant, today announced the executive leadership team guiding the brand’s next phase of growth, including President & CEO Jorge Salvat and Chief Marketing Officer Peter Frey. Over the past several months, the team has prioritized initiatives that will advance operational excellence, enhance the guest experience, and support purposeful expansion across the country.
Salvat brings more than 35 years of restaurant and franchise leadership to Another Broken Egg Cafe, having held senior roles with iconic brands including Burger King, McDonald’s, and Dunkin’ Brands. Since joining the company, Salvat has focused on strengthening franchisee support and advancing organizational processes. Early initiatives under his leadership have included realigning leadership roles across departments, tightening financial planning tools and performance reporting, launching a systemwide field operations review, and integrating marketing and culinary planning to better support operators.
Ziebart Accelerates Franchise Growth with New Leadership and Strong Development Pipeline: Ziebart, the global leader in vehicle appearance and protection services, reports strong momentum as it enters the final stretch of 2025. The brand's commitment to growth is reflected in two major milestones: the appointment of veteran franchise development leader Tray Doster as Director of Franchise Development and recognition from Franchise Business Review as one of the Most Profitable Franchises of 2025.
"This year has been defined by the investment in our people, our franchisees, and our future," said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. "Welcoming Tray to the team and earning recognition from Franchise Business Review reinforces our more than 65-year legacy of balancing expansion with franchisee profitability and long-term success."
Slim Chickens Taps Matt Green as Chief Development Officer: Slim Chickens has named Matt Green as its new Chief Development Officer. Green will oversee site selection, streamline buildouts and refine market entry strategies.
Green joins Slim Chickens following a distinguished 19-year career with Starbucks Coffee Company, where he most recently served as Vice President of Store Development. In that role, he led development strategy and execution for more than 3,000 stores across six states, managed a team of 80+, and opened 546 new stores in three years. His leadership advanced portfolio performance in the post-pandemic landscape and introduced innovative store prototypes that aligned with evolving consumer behavior and digital convenience.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM Names Home Depot Veteran Melanie BabcockChief Marketing and Growth Officer: Today, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. announced the appointment of Melanie Babcock as Chief Marketing and Growth Officer. In her new role, Babcock will lead all aspects of marketing strategy, brand positioning, customer acquisition and retention, and revenue growth initiatives. She will report directly to CEO Adolfo Villagomez.
A digital pioneer, Babcock has served in several leadership roles at The Home Depot for over a decade. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Orange Apron Media and Monetization, where she pioneered and built the retail media division and oversaw the strategy and execution of the company's retail media network. Under her leadership, Orange Apron Media achieved double-digit year-over-year growth, rebranded from Retail Media+ to Orange Apron Media, and launched the industry's first "InFronts" conference for advertisers. At The Home Depot, Babcock also served as Vice President of Integrated Media and Retail Media+, where she transformed the company's marketing strategy from product-centric to personalized customer marketing.
Popeyes accelerates growth in Mexico: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has announced new development agreements with regional franchisees in Mexico, the company said.
The Miami-based division of Restaurant Brands International Inc. said the “partnerships mark a significant milestone in its expansion strategy and represent a committed pipeline of over 300 Popeyes restaurants in the next 10 years across the Northwest, West, Central, and Southeast regions in Mexico.”
Mr Gatti’s last corporate location acquired: Mr Gatti’s Pizza has officially become a fully franchised-owned system after OneRyan Global LLC’s acquisition of the 61-year-old chain’s flagship South Park Meadows, Texas, location this week. OneRyan is the family office of Dallas businessman G. Brint Ryan and his wife and chief executive officer Amanda.
The acquisition comes as the couple plans to open a Mr Gatti’s Pizza in Big Spring, Texas, this month.
“This marks an exciting chapter for Mr Gatti’s,” the chain's CEO Jim Phillips said in a statement. “Brint and Amanda Ryan bring not only business expertise, but also a passion for community investment. Their acquisition of South Park Meadows and the launch of Big Spring signal the strength of our franchise system and the robust opportunities which lie ahead.”
