Pet Supplies Plus Launches Mobile App and Expanded Gift Card Services to Deliver a More Seamless Shopping Experience: Pet Supplies Plus has rolled out it’s first-ever mobile app and expanded gift card services designed to deliver a faster, easier, and more intuitive shopping experience for pet parents.
Developed to meet the evolving needs of today’s mobile-first consumer, the app gives neighbors the ability to shop, schedule grooming appointments, and redeem rewards directly from their mobile device. With the majority of Pet Supplies Plus neighbors accessing the brand through a mobile device, the improved technology underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to making pet ownership easier and more enjoyable.
The new mobile app offers several advantages: Biometric Login: Simplifies the login process, eliminating the need to remember passwords. ; User-Friendly Interface: Offers a more streamlined experience compared to using a mobile browser. ; Push Notifications: Provides real-time updates on order statuses and other important information. ; Rewards Access: Allows neighbors to convert their rewards points into coupons in real-time for quick access at the register.
Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop Expands with New Locations at American Dream and Mall of America: Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sanrio® today announced the national expansion of the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop with new locations set to open at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, in early 2026.
The first Build-A-Bear & Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop opened in Los Angeles last year and quickly became a go-to destination for collectors, families, and devoted Sanrio fans. Its strong appeal made it clear that the experience deserved a broader presence, especially in places that draw millions of visitors from around the world. Both American Dream, just outside New York City, and Mall of America, one of the most visited retail and entertainment destinations in the United States, offer the kind of scale and visibility that make them ideal homes.
The American Franchise Act: New bill offers a landmark step for franchise independence: In September, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act (AFA), a first-of-its-kind piece of legislation that affirms franchisees are small business owners and that their independence must be protected by federal law.
Seven Democrats and seven Republicans signed on at the bill’s introduction, which is a momentous accomplishment because fewer than 3% of the 11,000 bills introduced during a Congress have more than seven original cosponsors on each side of the aisle. The AFA is intentionally narrow and standalone, only applying to the franchisor-franchisee relationship and not affecting joint-employer determinations outside of franchising. The decision was made to keep the bill focused so that it would garner strong bipartisan support.
The bill is designed to bring stability to the federal joint-employer standard, which has shifted four times in the past decade, depending on political control of the White House. For franchisees, that constant uncertainty has been more than a headache: It has complicated hiring, investment, and long-term planning, leaving owners unsure of how future administrations might treat their businesses.
Golden Chick Strengthens Executive Team with Return of Bobby Brannon and Promotion of Tony Eisermann: Golden Chick is expanding its leadership team with two executive moves designed to strengthen operations and expand development. Industry veteran Bobby Brannon has rejoined the company as vice president of operations, and long-time Golden Chick leader Tony Eisermann has been promoted to vice president of development.
Brannon brings more than 35 years of restaurant experience back to Golden Chick, including six years with the brand as a restaurant operations leader where he helped open more than 30 new locations. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening operations, supporting franchisees and driving consistency across Golden Chick’s expanding footprint. His return comes at a pivotal time as Golden Chick scales its system and expands franchise support infrastructure. A Dallas native, Brannon’s career also includes leadership roles at Shipley Do-Nuts, TCBY, Dave & Buster’s, Schlotzsky’s, Dunkin’ and Huddle House
HOTWORX Achieves 800 Studio Milestone as Infrared Fitness Movement Accelerates: HOTWORX® has officially reached another landmark moment with the opening of its 800th studio.
“Reaching 800 studios is a moment that really makes us stop and appreciate how far this brand has come,” said Stephen Smith, Founder and CEO of HOTWORX. “This isn’t just about a number, it’s about hundreds of franchisees who believed in our concept and thousands of members who show up every day because they feel the difference infrared training makes. We’re proud of this milestone, and even more excited for what’s ahead.”
The 800th HOTWORX studio in Salem, NH, is owned by Phillip and Michelle Sundman, longtime locals with deep roots in their hometown. The Sundmans are passionate about bringing an innovative fitness option to the community and helping residents discover the impact infrared training can have on their health and wellness.
Jersey Mike's Appoints Michele Allen as Chief Financial Officer: Jersey Mike's Subs ("Jersey Mike's" or the "Company"), a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, today announced the appointment of Michele Allen as Chief Financial Officer, effective December 1, 2025. Allen brings more than 25 years of financial leadership at the intersection of hospitality and franchising, positioning her to guide Jersey Mike's performance as the Company accelerates its expansion worldwide.
As Chief Financial Officer, Allen will oversee the Company's global finance organization, supply chain, and enterprise performance management as Jersey Mike's scales its footprint across the U.S. and into key international markets. Drawing on her extensive background, Allen will play a central role in supporting the Company's ambitious growth plans while maintaining the data-driven financial discipline that has underpinned its success. Allen steps into a key role previously held by Walter Tombs, who is retiring from Jersey Mike's in January 2026 after 26 years with the Company. Tombs will continue to support Jersey Mike's in the transition over the next year as an advisor.
Re-Bath Strengthens Executive Team with the Appointment of Jack Jones as Chief Financial Officer: Following a period of significant systemwide growth and continued investment in operational excellence, Re-Bath, one of America’s largest bathroom remodeling franchises, has named Jack Jones as Chief Financial Officer. This move comes as the brand has solidified its leadership team in 2025, adding a new Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Franchise Development, and General Counsel since January. Jones’ appointment marks the latest step in strengthening Re-Bath’s executive foundation to support its expanding national footprint and accelerate long-term strategic initiatives.
Jones’ appointment supports Re-Bath’s ongoing initiatives to enhance systemwide support, operational efficiency, and overall financial performance. Recent strategic efforts include acquiring and developing key markets as centers of operational excellence, improving training programs, streamlining processes, and providing franchisees with tools and insights to drive performance and growth across the network.
"Jack brings a wealth of financial expertise that will be critical as we scale our business and invest in the long-term success of our franchisees," said Brad Hillier, CEO of Re-Bath.
HTeaO Elevates Marketing Leadership with Promotion of Kelsey McManemin to Senior Vice President of Marketing and the Hiring of Director of Marketing, Brittany Knollmiller: HTeaO announces a significant step in strengthening its marketing organization with the promotion of Kelsey McManemin to Senior Vice President of Marketing and the addition of industry veteran Brittany Knollmiller as Director of Marketing. The expanded leadership structure reflects HTeaO’s commitment to accelerating its growth, enhancing its digital ecosystem, and continuing to build the brand into a category leader in both beverage innovation and community-driven loyalty.
Since joining the brand in January 2024, McManemin has been instrumental in redefining and elevating HTeaO’s marketing engine, laying the foundation for the brand’s next phase of expansion. Her promotion recognizes her impact and positions her to play a larger role in company-wide initiatives, partnering more closely with the C-suite while continuing to lead the marketing department.
McManemin and Knollmiller will jointly lead the next phase of HTeaO’s marketing evolution, strengthening the brand’s consumer engagement strategy and driving growth through innovation, national storytelling, and loyalty-driven initiatives.
Teriyaki Madness Names Scott Shotter as Chief Restaurant Officer: Teriyaki Madness has recruited industry leader Scott Shotter as Chief Restaurant Officer. In his new role, Shotter will oversee all aspects of restaurant operations across corporate and franchised locations, advancing the systems and strategies that fuel the brand’s expansion.
With more than 35 years of restaurant leadership experience, Shotter has been the secret sauce behind the operational excellence of some of the industry’s most recognizable brands. Prior to joining Teriyaki Madness, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, President of Condado Tacos, CEO of Back Yard Burgers and Vice President of Operations at Moe’s Southwest Grill where he played a key role in significantly expanding the brand from 200 to more than 700 locations while advancing major innovation initiatives.
At Teriyaki Madness, Shotter isn’t just crunching numbers – he’s stepping in to fire up the Restaurant Support teams, overseeing operations, training, field support, shop technology and supply chain. He’ll also work hand-in-hand with marketing, real estate, development and finance to level up franchise operations and the guest experience across the system.
Operator Signs 6-Unit Bonchon Deal: Erick Muro, an experienced restaurateur, signed a six-unit deal to bring Bonchon, a Korean fried chicken concept, to Puerto Rico. Restaurants are slated to open in late 2026.
Muro was first introduced to Bonchon when his teenage daughter discovered social media love around the brand. They visited restaurants in the U.S., and Muro and his family have since joined the ranks of superfans.
"Few brands have sparked my passion the way Bonchon, and watching my daughter become a fan and seeing my whole family embrace it made me realize how naturally Bonchon connects with people," Muro said. "I believe Bonchon will resonate deeply with Puerto Rican culture and taste as it has the hearts of countries around the world, and we are excited to add Puerto Rico to that growing list of Bonchon-loving communities."
KFC Opens Iconic Flagship Store in Rome, Marking Major Milestone in European Expansion: KFC Europe is thrilled to announce the grand opening of one of its most iconic European flagship stores, located at the heart of historical Rome near the renowned Trevi Fountain. This landmark launch is a testament to KFC’s continued growth throughout Europe, showcasing the brand’s dedication to quality, innovation, and unforgettable customer experiences.
As one of the fastest growing retail brands in the world, KFC opens a new restaurant somewhere around the world once every 3.5 hours. The choice of Rome as the site for one of the first Western European flagship stores was a natural choice and reflects the brand’s rapid growth across Europe and beyond.
The Rome flagship signals a pivotal step in KFC’s broader strategy to accelerate its presence throughout Europe. Following the successful launch of the Prague flagship last year, KFC continues its expansion journey with plans to open additional flagship stores in key European cities over the coming years.
KFC’s Saucy concept opening three locations: KFC’s Saucy concept made its debut in the Orlando market a year ago this month and the brand is celebrating its milestone by opening three more restaurants within the next several weeks. They will also be in the Orlando area, including Waterford Lakes, opening Dec. 6, Winter Park, opening Jan. 10, and Hunters Creek, opening Jan. 17.
Saucy was designed to be a “flavor-forward dining destination” focused on chicken tenders and 11 sauces — a nod to KFC’s Original Recipe chicken with 11 herbs and spices. Unlike much of the KFC system, however, Saucy is a 100% equity concept fully funded by parent company Yum Brands.
Each new location will feature grand opening events with live DJs, games, and prizes. Saucy will also feature new menu items, including “build-it-your-way” combos and lighter bites.
