IFA economic outlook projects franchise sector to hit $921B in output in 2026 The International Franchise Association projects franchising's total economic output will top $921 billion this year, up 1.6% from 2025, with the sector expected to support nearly 8.9 million jobs and see more than 12,000 new franchised businesses launch by year-end.
Dog Haus enters Mexico with 20-unit development deal The craft-casual hot dog and sausage concept is taking its first step beyond the US border, partnering with HAK Capital to open at least 20 locations in Mexico starting this summer in Mérida, with plans to expand into Mexico City, Tijuana, the Riviera Maya, and Monterrey.
WellBiz Brands acquired by Transom Capital, plots 150 new agreements in 2026 Transom Capital Group acquired the parent company of Drybar, Elements Massage, Fitness Together, Amazing Lash Studio and Radiant Waxing from KSL Capital, with plans to award 150 additional franchise agreements this year with new and existing operators.
Tint World signs three new licenses, adds CDO and VP of Finance in Q1 The automotive styling franchise signed new agreements in Portland and Indiana, added a Chief Development Officer and VP of Finance, and expects its signed license count to double in the coming months as it targets 85 new franchise awards in 2026.
HTeaO opens seven new stores in Q1 across Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and Tennessee The iced tea franchise opened the year with seven new locations across four states and a steady wave of limited-time beverage launches, reinforcing its position as the dominant concept in a fast-growing specialty tea category with 40-plus openings planned for 2026.
Scenthound signs six-unit deal with former McDonald's operators in South Carolina and Georgia The dog wellness franchise is building out its Southeast footprint with a husband-and-wife team who bring four decades of McDonald's multi-unit experience, opening three locations each in Augusta, Georgia, and Columbia, South Carolina.
Central Bark posts 15% systemwide sales growth and 11% same-store sales growth in Q1 The dog daycare and grooming franchise reported strong numbers across both metrics to kick off the year, building on a 2025 that saw the brand hit $34.8 million in systemwide sales and grow revenue more than 16% year-over-year.
Freddy's opens its first-ever restaurant on a US military base at Fort Lee The fast-casual steakburger and frozen custard brand entered a new venue type with a location inside the Fort Lee Army installation commissary, marking its 25th nontraditional location and what the brand sees as a first step toward additional military installations.
Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay signs lease for first Canadian restaurant at The Well in Toronto The celebrity-backed burger concept is bringing its first Canadian location to The Well, a high-traffic mixed-use development in downtown Toronto, as the brand executes a 65-unit Canada-wide development agreement with Falcon Capital Group.
PrimoHoagies appoints Angela Coppler as SVP of Development to drive national expansion The hoagie chain brought on a veteran of Wendy's and Cousins Maine Lobster to lead its next phase of national growth, with 40-plus units currently in development and significant white space remaining outside its Mid-Atlantic stronghold.
The Melt launches national franchising initiative targeting experienced multi-unit operators After 15 years building and perfecting its model through company-owned stores, the premium fast-casual burger brand is opening franchising to a select group of experienced operators, backed by $58.3 million in 2025 corporate revenue and a $3.4 million average unit volume.
Marco's Pizza signs 12-unit deal in Southern California with veteran multi-unit operator The 1,200-plus-unit pizza brand expanded its California footprint with a 12-unit agreement signed by Baljit Gill, a longtime Subway multi-unit operator whose family now runs three open Marco's locations with two more set to open imminently and additional sites currently under selection.
