11) District Taco Reports 2023 Success, Building Momentum for 2024
District Taco, the premier authentic Mexican fast-casual restaurant bringing the flavors of the Yucatán to the masses, is proud to announce a year of significant growth, innovation, and franchise development. As 2024 begins, the brand looks forward to continued growth and paving the way for industry success.
12) Paris Baguette North America Appoints Full C-Suite with Several Internal Promotions as Another Monumental Year Kicks-Off
Paris Baguette has been bringing the neighborhood bakery café concept to life throughout the U.S. since 2015, serving their beloved cakes, pastries and breads to new communities across the country. After a year of staggering growth – with 43 new cafés opened across the U.S. and Canada, over 100 new franchises awarded and 50 leases signed for cafés in development – CEO Darren Tipton kicked-off 2024 with five internal promotions to round out the leadership team.
13) Q&A: Steve Schulze, Co-Founder and CEO, Nékter Juice Bar
As we approach National Green Juice Day on January 26, it is only fitting that we check in with Nékter Juice Bar CEO Steve Schulze about the steadfast success of the brand and his bullish outlook for 2024. Nékter Juice Bar, which now has more than 200 locations across the country, was founded in 2010 with its “The Greenie” juice on its menu. Today “The Greenie” remains one of Nékter’s most popular menu items joining a delicious and nutritious offering of more freshly made juices, superfood smoothies, acai bowls, and healthy snacks that help guests thrive throughout their days.
14) Bad Daddy’s Unveils Winter Menu Flavors, New Daily Drink Specials
Bad Daddy’s is turning up the heat with savory bites and revitalizing sips this winter, all while making every day a celebration with Daily Drink Specials beginning Wednesday, Jan. 17. Available until Tuesday, March 5, guests can saddle up for a flavor rodeo as Bad Daddy’s brings back a fan-favorite item for a limited-time return and features elevated drinks worth savoring.
15) Local Kitchens To Open Their Newest Micro Food Hall in San Bruno on January 31st
Local Kitchens, the micro food hall that brings popular dishes from up and coming chefs and restaurants under one roof, is opening their newest location in San Bruno, CA on Wednesday, January 31st. Located at 851 Cherry Ave Suite 2, guests will have the option to choose items from six different restaurant brands including The Melt’s wagyu burgers, Square Pie Guys’ Detroit-style pizzas, Boba Guys’ famous bubble tea, Sushirrito’s sushi burritos, Proposition Chicken’s fried and roasted chicken, and Nopalito Taqueria’s burritos and bowls.
16) Nékter Juice Bar Recognized as Top Franchise Opportunity in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for 8th Consecutive Year
Nékter Juice Bar, America’s leading modern juice concept with more than 200 locations across 24 states, has been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as a top franchise opportunity on its annual Franchise 500 list. First appearing on the list in 2017, this is the 8th consecutive year that Nékter Juice Bar has been honored. The Franchise 500 is the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking and is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry. Achieving the honor in multiple years places Nékter Juice Bar among an elite group of franchisors.
17) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Climbs Even Higher and Increases Momentum as Brand Ramps up Development Across the United States
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain for more than 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, dough made fresh daily, and toppings to the edge, proudly ended its 45th anniversary year with extraordinary sales and significant franchise growth. 2023 marked 13 consecutive years of positive Same Store Sales (SSS) for Mountain Mike’s Pizza, while Total System Sales grew nearly 7% and approached $300 million. Mountain Mike’s systemwide average unit volume has grown nearly 40% in the last five years, now reaching over $1.1 million, with the top 25% of locations averaging $1.62 million in sales.
18) Best Pie in America for 65 Years: Village Inn Celebrates 65th Anniversary, Confirming Its ‘#1 Pie’ Status and Launching Remodel Effort With 13 Restaurants Already Refreshed
With a history reaching back over six decades, Village Inn, the 120-unit restaurant franchise concept, has built a strong identity and great reputation for its made-from-scratch pancakes, piping hot coffee and best-in-the-nation pie. This year, Village Inn took on a substantial remodeling effort to reimagine the brand in a more modern light while maintaining the cozy, welcoming feel of a local restaurant for which it is known and loved.
19) Husband-Wife-Son Team Gear Up For The Brass Tap Opening in Kingwood on January 22nd
The Brass Tap, a Tampa-based craft beer bar and entertainment venue of nearly 50 bars in 16 states is continuing its expansion with Tommy Bumstead opening a new Brass Tap located at 4635 Kingwood Drive, Suite 800 on January 22.
20) Pepper Lunch Continues North America Rapid Growth Trajectory with Utah Multi-Unit Development Agreement
Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept unlike any other, with more than 500 locations in 15 countries, has announced it has signed its fourth significant development agreement for North America since announcing the company’s investment in domestic expansion last year, and less than seven months after it filed its FDD.