The restaurant franchise sector is seeing significant nationwide growth as diverse concepts from toasted subs to artisan desserts announce strategic expansions. Leading the charge, Cheba Hut is making its Montana debut, while Café 86 and la Madeleine are accelerating growth through new franchise agreements and refreshed brand identities. Established names like Nick the Greek and Nathan’s Famous are nearing major unit milestones with new openings in Arizona and beyond. Additionally, dessert leaders including The Peach Cobbler Factory, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Chocolate Bash are entering new states, while The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill continues to strengthen its presence in Utah.
Cheba Hut Sparks Up the Toaster to Tame Munchies in Magic City
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs is making its Montana debut with a new location in Billings, set to hold its grand opening on Friday, February 27. This location will feature the brand’s signature cannabis-themed toasted sandwiches alongside a full bar with 12 taps highlighting local breweries, a custom community-inspired mural, and a grand opening celebration including a $420 cash drop and an evening drone show.
Fast-Casual Dessert and Beverage Franchise Café 86 Signs Two New Franchise Agreements in California
Café 86 is accelerating its West Coast expansion after signing two new franchise agreements to bring its ube-centric dessert concept to Monterey County and Indio, California. With these latest deals, the brand moves closer to the 50-location milestone as it continues to share its unique Filipino-inspired flavors with new communities.
la Madeleine Builds Momentum After Year of Accelerated Progress
la Madeleine is entering 2026 with significant momentum after a year of strategic refinements, including a refreshed brand identity and the successful launch of its “Ignite the Joy” plan. The bakery-café chain is now set for its strongest expansion pace since 2017, driven by a new small-footprint prototype and enhanced digital and off-premise experiences.
Nick the Greek Accelerates Momentum in 2025 With Expanded Development Activities and Impressive Culinary Introductions
Nick the Greek closed out a successful 2025 by opening 14 new locations and nearing the 100-unit milestone, a growth spurt that reflects high consumer demand for authentic Greek street food. This momentum is supported by popular new menu additions like the Mediterranean Bowl and Pistachio Cream Froyo, positioning the brand for further national expansion in 2026.
Nathan’s Famous Announces Opening of New Location in Tucson, Arizona
Nathan’s Famous has officially opened a new location on North 4th Avenue in Tucson, bringing its legendary New York flavors to the heart of the historic and entertainment district. This latest expansion offers a full fast-casual menu, including world-famous hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and NY Cheesesteaks, to serve the local university community and visitors alike.
The Peach Cobbler Factory Aggressive Expansion in Georgia Signals Category Leadership in the Dessert Franchise Sector
The Peach Cobbler Factory is continuing its rapid expansion across Georgia with the opening of a new location in Stone Mountain, bringing its full lineup of handcrafted cobblers and banana puddings to the local community. This latest debut is part of a broader strategy to establish the brand as a national category leader in the dessert space through a growing network of traditional stores, mobile trailers, and catering services.
Handel’s Carried Momentum into 2026 Following Landmark 80th Year
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is carrying strong momentum into 2026 after celebrating its 80th anniversary with record expansion and consistent same-store sales growth. The legacy brand plans to enter three new states this year – Washington, Florida, and Idaho – as it continues to leverage its efficient operating model to attract experienced multi-unit franchise partners.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Grows with New Location in Cedar City
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is expanding its footprint in Utah with a new location in Cedar City, owned by local entrepreneurs Phillip Geurts and Alex Lignell. The restaurant will celebrate its grand opening on February 27 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a pledge to donate 20% of sales to the Utah Food Bank.
Chocolate Bash Announces First-Ever Tennessee Location
Chocolate Bash has announced plans to open its first Tennessee location, marking the Southern California dessert brand’s second store on the East Coast. Locally owned and operated by franchise partner Peyton Stanley Foster, the new shop will offer the region a variety of customizable chocolate-forward treats including handcrafted crepes, golden waffles, and chocolate-dipped fruits.
Related: Restaurant Franchise News from Identity Coffee Company, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Chocolate Bash, and More!