Krispy Kreme refranchises 23 units to WKS in $90M deal The donut chain transferred 23 company-owned California and Hawaii shops to joint venture partner WKS Restaurant Group as part of a broader plan to shed company-owned locations and pay down debt, bringing WKS's total Krispy Kreme footprint to 73 units.
Flynn Group makes its biggest Planet Fitness play yet The country's largest franchise operator is doubling down on Planet Fitness with its largest acquisition in the gym brand to date, continuing a pattern of consolidation among the biggest multi-unit operators in the fitness sector.
Starbird adds former Jersey Mike's president to leadership team The fast-casual chicken concept is bolstering its executive bench with a veteran operator as it eyes broader franchise expansion outside its West Coast base.
Maryland Franchise Reform Act advances through state legislature Maryland's bill would create new legal protections for franchisees and has cleared both chambers, while similar legislation is moving through other state capitols as the regulatory environment for franchising shifts at the state level.
Sip Fresh doubles down on mall-centric growth strategy The emerging beverage brand is leaning into shopping mall locations as a core part of its franchise expansion model, betting that foot traffic and lower lease costs make malls a viable incubator for growing concepts.
Coalition of Franchisee Associations names new executive director Former multi-unit Hardee's franchisee Dave Glodowski takes over leadership of the CFA, which represents franchisee associations from major systems including McDonald's and Planet Fitness, with a goal of boosting membership and industry advocacy.
Kevin Hart invests in Burn Boot Camp, will open a studio with its founders The comedian and entrepreneur is taking on an executive partner role at the fitness franchise, which now has both a celebrity face and capital to accelerate development ahead of what looks like a busy year for boutique fitness deals.
Alloy Personal Training gets growth investment from CapitalSpring The 135-unit Atlanta-based personal training franchise landed a capital infusion from CapitalSpring, the same investor behind several other growing franchise brands, as 50-plus fitness concepts continue attracting serious money.
IFA's International Franchise Expo coming to NYC with 150-plus brands The IFE is set to bring together franchise brands from 60 countries in New York, offering prospective franchisees one of the largest in-person opportunities of the year to explore concepts and meet franchise development teams face to face.
Monomoy Capital set to acquire Jiffy Lube in $1.3B deal The private equity firm is taking over the oil change giant in a deal that underscores continued investor appetite for recession-resistant, high-frequency service franchise brands with large existing footprints.
Applebee's and Firehouse Subs franchisees file for bankruptcy One Applebee's operator and one Firehouse Subs franchisee have filed for Chapter 11 protection in recent weeks, adding to a string of multi-unit bankruptcies as higher operating costs continue to squeeze franchise operators across casual dining and QSR.
Keith Lee invests in Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Social media food critic Keith Lee, known for his viral restaurant reviews, is backing the automated dumpling franchise as it looks to grow beyond its existing footprint in the Northeast.
