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The latest restaurant franchise news includes PJ’s Coffee returning to its Uptown roots with a new Maple Street coffeehouse in New Orleans featuring a refreshed design, indoor seating, and an outdoor patio. Meanwhile, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf expanded its California footprint with a new outlet inside the Camarillo Premium Outlets, and Kraken Coffee launched a nationwide drive-thru franchise program to bring its signature Hawaiian beverages across the country.
On the full-service and bakery side, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery earned a spot among the top ten full-service concepts in Entrepreneur’s latest industry rankings as it prepares to roll out a fast-casual model. Paris Baguette welcomed guests to its newest Central Valley bakery café in Clovis, and The Peach Cobbler Factory expanded its Southern treats into Boston’s Downtown Cr
ossing neighborhood.
Fast-casual concept growth remains active across several regions, with Maui Poke launching a nationwide franchise initiative built around made-to-order poke bowls. Rock N Roll Sushi opened its 13th Tennessee location in Mt. Juliet, while The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill marked its Louisiana debut in Monroe, and Nick the Greek expanded its footprint into Tyler, Texas.
Finally, local ownership changes and regional expansions round out recent developments, as a local franchisee took over operations at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Riverview, Florida. Cheba Hut added a second Baton Rouge location in Long Farm Village, Del Taco opened its newest Central Valley site in Turlock, Angry Chickz introduced its Nashville hot chicken to Sacramento’s Natomas area, and Starbird Chicken inked a 15-unit agreement to enter Washington state.
PJ’s Coffee Comes Home to Maple Street This Fall
PJ’s Coffee is returning to the neighborhood where it all started with a brand-new Maple Street location just blocks from its original 1978 footprint. The fresh New Orleans coffeehouse pairs a updated modern design and outdoor patio with signature items like Original Cold Brew, classic beignets, and hot breakfast pastries.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Announces New Café Opening in Camarillo, California
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf expanded its California presence with a new café inside the Camarillo Premium Outlets, led by multi-unit franchisee Tae H. Kim. Situated just miles from the brand’s local roasting facility, the spot serves signature handcrafted coffees, specialty teas, famous Ice Blended beverages, and everyday food items.
Kraken Coffee Brings the Spirit of Maui Throughout the U.S. With New Franchise Opportunity
Kraken Coffee launched a nationwide franchise program to bring its Maui-inspired drive-thru experience and signature island flavors to new markets. Known for handcrafted beverages, housemade coffee ice cubes, and tropical tastes, the Hawaii-born concept is targeting initial expansion across select western and southwestern states while continuing to grow its presence on the islands.
Perkins Named to Inaugural Top 10 Franchise Brands in Full-Service Restaurants by Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur named Perkins Restaurant & Bakery one of the nation’s premier full-service concepts in its latest industry rankings, landing the iconic chain at number ten. The honor highlights the family favorite’s impressive 65-year legacy, recent brand refresh, and strong growth momentum as it prepares to roll out a new fast-casual format.
Paris Baguette Expands Their Footprint With a New Café in Clovis, California
Paris Baguette welcomed guests to its newest Central Valley bakery café through local franchise partners Anvar and Nikki Tulyag. The fresh spot serves up the brand’s signature French-inspired pastries, custom cakes, artisan breads, and handcrafted espresso drinks.
The Peach Cobbler Factory Arrives in Boston, Massachusetts
The Peach Cobbler Factory is expanding into Boston’s Downtown Crossing neighborhood through local owners Victoria and Walter Greer. The new spot features Southern-style treats like signature peach cobblers, banana puddings, cinnamon rolls, milkshakes, brownies, churro sticks, and cheesecakes.
Hawaii-Based Maui Poke Launches Franchise Opportunity Across the U.S.
Maui Poke is launching a nationwide franchise program to bring its customizable, Hawaii-born dining concept to new markets across the country. Unlike traditional models that pre-mix fish in large batches, the brand builds every bowl to order with fresh ingredients, balanced sauces, and tailored dietary options.
Rock N Roll Sushi Takes the Stage in Mt. Juliet
Rock N Roll Sushi opened its 13th Tennessee location in Mt. Juliet, brought to the community by local owners Eric and Jenn Covell. Guests can pair music-inspired vibes with American-style sushi lineup staples like Headbanger Shrimp, the VIP Roll, hibachi entrées, and Hall of Fame Brownies.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Opens Its First Louisiana Restaurant in Monroe
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill marked its first Louisiana location in Monroe, brought to the market by local owner Ankur Patel. Guests can enjoy scratch-made Mediterranean favorites like customizable rice bowls, gyros, pitas, Feta Fries, and baklava ice cream.
Nick the Greek Proudly Brings Authentic Greek Street Food to East Texas
Nick the Greek is expanding its footprint to East Texas with a new location in Tyler, headed by local franchisees Ricky and Lindsey Holt. The upcoming restaurant will serve up the chain’s signature Greek street food favorites, including vertical-rotisserie gyros, charbroiled souvlaki skewers, fresh pitas, and baklava.
After 10 Years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Riverview Begins a New Chapter Under Local Ownership
Local franchise owner Rakesh Patel has taken over the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Riverview, bringing renewed energy and operational upgrades to the 10-year-old spot. Guests can enjoy slow-smoked Texas brisket, pulled pork, and classic sides, along with a limited-time $6.85 pit-smoked ham sandwich celebrating the brand’s 85th anniversary.
Cheba Hut Doubles Down on Baton Rouge With Second Toasted Joint
Cheba Hut is expanding its Baton Rouge presence by opening a second location, this time in Long Farm Village with local franchisees Meredith Beck-Wiggins and Tommy Wiggins. The new spot pairs a full-service bar with over 30 signature toasted subs like the White Widow, Kali Mist, and Dank, alongside local artwork featuring a custom “Bayou of Misfits” swamp mural.
Del Taco Expands Central Valley Presence With New Turlock Location
Del Taco opened its newest Central Valley location in Turlock under the direction of multi-unit franchise partners, the Sagars. Visitors can order made-to-order menu items like signature tacos, burritos, quesadillas, burgers, and crinkle-cut fries prepared with fresh ingredients like house-grated cheddar and scratch-made beans.
Angry Chickz Brings Nashville Hot Chicken to Sacramento
Angry Chickz expanded into Sacramento’s Natomas neighborhood, bringing its signature Nashville hot chicken menu to the area. Diners can customize their heat levels from mild to intense on hand-breaded tenders, sliders, and bowls alongside side dishes like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and fries.
Starbird Chicken Expands Into Washington With 15 New Restaurant Locations Planned Through Partnership With Mehta Investment Group
Starbird Chicken is set to enter Washington state through a new 15-unit franchise agreement with Mehta Investment Group. Led by father-and-son duo Vin and Rohit Mehta, the expansion brings the brand’s signature crispy chicken tenders, sandwiches, wings, and salads to communities across the Pacific Northwest.