Matthew Liedke

Since acquiring the dog care concept Camp Bow Wow in 2024, Propelled Brands has been working to build a more efficient opportunity for franchisees looking to sign deals. The result is a lower initial investment, made possible with a smaller footprint and other cost saving steps.

After building a portfolio with Marco's Pizza and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the franchisee group Rise Harvest is adding breakfast to its lineup. Led by Jacob Webb, Rise Harvest signed a deal to open seven Jeff's Bagel Run locations in Utah, with more expected in the future.

Patrick Greco, a chiropractor, and Michael Fluegge are well established in the franchise world, having owned and operated several locations with Massage Envy and The Joint Chiropractic in the Southeast. Now, they're branching out into dog care with Sparkle Grooming Co. via a deal for nearly 30 locations.

Estepp Energy operates convenience stores in Kentucky that incorporate Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Hot Head Burritos and Little Caesars.

Club Pilates added dozens of locations to its development pipeline along the East Coast thanks to a new agreement.

Houston TX Hot Chicken, a Las Vegas-based fast-casual concept launched in 2021, is headed overseas. The brand, now in eight states, signed its first international agreement with PizzaExpress, a company with more than 470 locations across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Kyle Wiborg first learned about Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard while stopping at an airport and became an instant fan.

After signing on for three of six available central Ohio territories with Mold Medics in March, entrepreneur Michael Creatore noticed his ad dollars were crossing borders into other regions nearby. The solution was buying the rest of the territories with the Threshold Brands concept in Columbus.

The American Franchise Act garnered support across the political spectrum, according to a poll conducted by Morning Consultant. In partnership with the International Franchise Association, the survey found 61 percent of Americans backed legislation to codify joint employer rules nationwide.

Restaurant365, a management software developer for the food and beverage industry, surveyed more than 400 operators on challenges and solutions in the first half of 2026. Labor and increased costs were common challenges, and operators are turning to everything from better training to higher menu prices to meet needs.