Catch up on the latest restaurant franchise news from Bread & Vine, Bumpers, Birdcall, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Konala, Rock N’ Roll Sushi, Rita’s Italian Ice, Juice It Up!, Surcheros, Paris Baguette, and Pizza Inn.
Bread & Vine Is Expanding Nationwide
Bread & Vine, a modern all-day quick-service restaurant blending French elegance with international comfort food, is expanding nationwide. Founded in 2021 by French restaurateur Eric Bonnetain, the brand is set to open new locations in Tampa, Florida; Geneva, Illinois; and Boston, Massachusetts, with openings planned for late fall 2025. The franchise program offers entrepreneurs a proven model with full support in menu creation, sourcing, design, staff training, and operations. The initial franchise fee is $40,000, with a royalty of 5% of gross sales. The company aims to have 10 locations by the end of 2026 and 50 by 2028.
Mississippi Favorite Bumpers Welcomes First Franchise Partner in Texas Market
Bumpers Drive-In, a Mississippi-based quick-service restaurant brand, is expanding into Texas by welcoming James Brown as its first franchise partner in the state. Brown, a seasoned foodservice professional with over 20 years of experience, was drawn to Bumpers’ unique offerings, such as funnel cake fries, and its strong operational support, and plans to open the first Texas location in Lindale, TX, aiming to leverage the brand’s loyal customer base for future growth.
Birdcall Is Headed to Boise, Idaho After Signing First-Ever Franchise Agreement
Denver-based craft chicken brand Birdcall has signed its very first franchise agreement, partnering with Boise entrepreneur Caleb Randall to launch five new locations across Idaho’s Treasure Valley, with the inaugural restaurant expected to open in 2026 and additional sites in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell to follow in the coming years. The expansion signifies a major milestone in Birdcall’s growth trajectory, as the brand – currently operating 15 locations across Colorado, Arizona, and Texas – aims to reach up to 200 restaurants nationwide by the end of 2028.
New York Media Misrepresents Texas Based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Success in Franchising
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has responded to a New York Post article that portrayed the brand’s franchise model negatively, clarifying that the majority of its franchisees experience success through a collaborative partnership approach. The company emphasized that the highlighted cases involved individuals who did not adhere to the brand’s proven operational standards, and it provided evidence to support its claims.
“More Than Brisket”: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Franchisees Share Stories of Hard Work, Partnership, and Community Success
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is highlighting the success stories of its franchisees in a recent feature, emphasizing their dedication, community involvement, and the brand’s supportive franchise model. It highlights diverse owner-operators, such as Navy veteran Gary Mulligan and Culinary Institute of America graduate Biraj Patel, who have thrived by embracing the brand’s proven system and making it their own.
East Coast Momentum Builds as Konala Inks Multi-Unit Deal for Philadelphia
Konala, a healthy fast-food brand known for its gluten-free, high-protein menu and efficient drive-thru model, has signed a three-unit franchise agreement with Circle9 LLC to expand into the Philadelphia market. Circle9, previously successful European Wax Center franchisees, were drawn to Konala’s operational simplicity and mission to provide healthy, flavorful food for families, and plan to open their first location in the Main Line suburbs outside central Philadelphia.
Rock N’ Roll Sushi Signs Area Development Agreement to Return to Dallas-Fort Worth
The brand announced today that franchisees Brian Paul and Anthony Krall have signed a three-unit area development agreement to bring Rock N’ Roll Sushi back to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The first location is slated to open as early as this winter.
Rita’s Italian Ice Celebrates Mid-Year Momentum with Growth, Innovation and Industry Recognition
Rita’s Italian Ice is experiencing significant growth in 2025, with 16 new locations opened and 19 more in development, including markets like Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Liberty Township, Ohio. The brand is enhancing its expansion strategy by introducing flexible store formats such as drive-thru prototypes and adaptive reuse of spaces like former banks and dry cleaners, aiming to reduce build-out costs and accelerate market entry.
Juice It Up! Opens New Bakersfield, California Location
Juice It Up! has expanded its presence in Bakersfield, California, with the opening of a new location at 9839 Panama Lane, Suite 100, marking the brand’s tenth store in Central California. The new store is owned and operated by seasoned franchisee Morey Mirkazemi, who previously introduced the brand to the area and aims to establish Juice It Up! as a local favorite by offering signature açaí bowls, blended-to-order smoothies, and fresh-squeezed raw juices in a community-focused environment.
Grand Opening of East Plano Paris Baguette Café on August 14 as the Brand Continues to Dominate the Bakery Café Space
Paris Baguette celebrated the grand opening of its newest café in East Plano, Texas, on August 14, 2025, at 1201 East Parker Road. Franchisee Waleed Liaqat, a former pharmaceutical and consulting professional, was inspired by the brand’s atmosphere and quality, leading him to open this location as the 17th in Texas and a step toward Paris Baguette’s goal of 1,000 North American cafés by 2030.
Grand Opening of Etobicoke Paris Baguette Café on August 16 as the Brand Continues to Dominate the Bakery Café Space
Paris Baguette is set to open its eighth Ontario location in Etobicoke, Ontario, on August 16, 2025, at 171 North Queen Street. The 5,000-square-foot café features 101 seats, a private 40-seat community room, and a liquor license, aiming to serve a diverse clientele from families to professionals. This expansion aligns with the brand’s goal to reach 1,000 bakery cafés in North America by 2030, emphasizing community engagement and quality service.
Surcheros Named One of the Nation’s Fastest Growing Emerging Chains
Surcheros, a community favorite rooted in bold flavors with Southern hospitality, continues to gain momentum, earning a spot on Nation’s Restaurant News’ 100 Under 100 list. The annual ranking highlights restaurant brands with fewer than 100 units that posted the highest percentage of unit growth from 2023 to 2024. Surcheros ended the year with 35 locations across six states, achieving a 34.6% year-over-year unit growth.
Former NFL Player Billy Bajema Hosts Official Grand Opening for Pizza Inn in Yukon
Former NFL tight end Billy Bajema has opened a new Pizza Inn in his hometown of Yukon, Oklahoma, celebrating the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 12, 2025. The restaurant features the brand’s signature all-you-can-eat buffet, including a variety of pizzas, pastas, a fresh salad bar, and sweet Pizzerts, offering a family-friendly dining experience to the local community.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Opens New Locations Nationwide
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has expanded its nationwide presence with new locations in Kapolei, Hawaii; La Junta, Colorado; and Enterprise, Alabama, along with the launch of three ghost kitchens. These openings reflect the brand’s commitment to authentic Texas-style barbecue and community engagement, aiming to create local gathering spots and support neighborhood events.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Brings Texas-Style Barbecue to Post Falls, ID with Week-Long Grand Opening Specials
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has officially opened a new location in Post Falls, Idaho, at 306 North Spokane Street, bringing its signature slow-smoked Texas barbecue and Southern hospitality to the area. To celebrate, the restaurant offered grand opening specials from August 11 through August 14, including $5 classic sandwiches such as pulled pork, chopped brisket, and pit-smoked chicken, each slow-smoked on-site daily with hickory wood for up to 14 hours.