11) Voodoo Brewing Co. Announces Erik Ivey as New COO; Bringing Decades of Experience from Quiznos, Noodles and Company, Chipotle and Yum! Brands
Voodoo Brewing Co., the pro-fun, anti-corporate franchise with 18 brewpubs open across the U.S., has named Erik Ivey its new Chief Operating Officer. Ivey has over two decades of experience in the restaurant space, having worked at multiple major brands including Quiznos, Chipotle and Yum! Brands. Now, as he steps into leadership with Voodoo Brewing Co., Ivey says he looks forward to supporting local owners as the growing brand continues to expand across the U.S., contributing to an unbreakable culture of connection and collaboration that propels franchisees forward.
12) PJ’s Coffee Celebrates Franchise Triumphs of 2023, Sets Aspirations for 2024
In 2023, PJ’s Coffee awarded 30 franchises, totaling 77 licenses. The brand now boasts 214 franchisees, with 49% operating multiple units or committing to developing several locations. With 28 new store openings across various states – Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Iowa, Florida and New Jersey – in the past year, PJ’s Coffee achieved 100% growth over the course of five and a half years when it reached its 175th location.
13) Cupbop’s Vice President of Franchise Development Becomes Brand’s First Single-Unit Franchisee
Cupbop, the nation’s first fast-casual Korean Barbeque in a cup concept, is excited to announce their Vice President of Franchise Development, Mike Penn, has opened his own Cupbop store in Cedar City. Prior to this partnership, the brand has only partnered with development groups and multi-unit operators to bring their delicious food to new communities, making Penn the brand’s first individual franchisee.
14) Teriyaki Madness Takes a Texas-Sized Leap into the Lone Star State
Teriyaki Madness (TMAD), the sizzling, Seattle-style teriyaki shop franchise, is ready to lasso the hearts (and stomachs) of Texans far and wide. This ain’t the brand’s first rodeo in the Lone Star State, but this time it’s got big plans and it’s coming in hotter than a jalapeño in July!
15) Carolina Reaper Tacos With Legendary Heat and Fire-Breathing Flavor
Texans have loved the crispy goodness of the Texas T-Brand Tacos at DQ restaurants in the Lone Star state for decades as a beloved culinary tradition. And, while DQ restaurants in Texas will continue to serve up the classic-style tacos, they’ve upped the ante for those who savor a little more fire. Introducing the Carolina Reaper Taco, available only at DQ restaurants in Texas.
16) Bigger is Always Better with the Return of Golden Chick’s Butterfly Shrimp
Shrimp lovers can rejoice as Texas-based Golden Chick is bringing its beloved Butterfly Shrimp back to menus across its over 220 restaurants, available now through April 14. Not only is the seasonal offering making a return, but the brand’s operations and purchasing teams worked in tandem to bring a product to consumers at a reduced, competitive price that is also 30% larger than previous iterations.
17) Cookie Co. Opens in Harrisburg, NC March 2nd!
Cookie Co. is opening a new store in Harrisburg, NC on March 2, 2024. Cookie Co.’s menu includes a variety of freshly baked cookies and twisted sodas. The grand opening event will include a special gift for the first 50 customers. This event will also have special promotions during different parts of the day such as “Free Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies” They are also giving away free cookies for a year to one lucky guest through a raffle on their grand opening day in store.
18) It’s Always Fish Fry Friday at Soulman’s Bar-B-Que!
While the Soulman’s signature Friday Fish Fry is popular all year long, it is especially appreciated during Lent, the 40-day holy period before Easter. On Lenten Fridays, Christians may abstain from meat, opting for fish-based or meatless meals, and Soulman’s serves it up the right way to satisfy North Texans’ hunger.
19) Mellow Mushroom Elevates Guest Experience with Tattle CX & Feedback Platform
Tattle, the AI-driven guest survey and CX platform providing the restaurant industry with actionable, data-driven insights into guest sentiment, announced that Mellow Mushroom will utilize Tattle to measure omni-channel guest sentiment and operational performance.
20) BIGGBY COFFEE Ranked in 2024 Franchise 500
BIGGBY COFFEE, the high-energy coffee franchise with 385 units nationwide, has secured a spot on Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500. The ranking is highly competitive, serving as a primary resource for franchisees to research opportunities and franchisors to celebrate their successes. Ranked No. 243 this year, BIGGBY COFFEE has climbed 29 spots from its 2023 ranking of No. 272.