Scott Morris

Bakers Acres & Cattle Company (BACC), a seasoned franchise operator, signed a 50-unit exclusive area development agreement to develop Gong cha locations in Texas.

Franchisees Latrell Hayes, Kennon "Kip" Barber, and Randy Barnes have chosen the site for the first of three The Flying Biscuit Café locations in the St. Louis area. It will be located at 1016 S 5th St, St. Charles, Mo.

Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a private investment firm on a mission to create long-term partnerships with quality franchisees and franchisors, announced that its portfolio company, Velocity Auto Care, has reached a milestone of 50 Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers with the latest located at 2930 W Trenton Road in Edinburg, Texas.

Joey Eguia and Collins Orr, through their company 1836 Brands, have signed an exclusive area development agreement to spearhead Twisted Egg Shack's growth throughout Texas.

Multi-brand franchisee Laddi Singh, who currently operates more than 50 Popeyes, Burger King and Arby's restaurants across New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, plans to open his first Retro Fitness club this year.

Faber, Coe & Gregg of Florida, an experienced operator group that owns restaurants, bars and retail businesses across more than 60 locations, has signed an agreement with Bojangles to bring two restaurants to Norfolk, Virginia, as part of a four-location nontraditional development deal planned over the next six years.

Par Technology Corporation's "2026 Industry Report: AI on the Diner's Terms" analyzes findings from 1,000 surveyed consumers on AI's expanding role in the restaurant experience, revealing a meaningful shift from 2025.

Peaks and Pints LLC, an affiliate of InnJoy Hospitality, signed an area development agreement to expand Twin Peaks Restaurants into Cameron and Webb counties in South Texas. Potential sites include Brownsville, South Padre Island, and Laredo.

Established franchisees Art and Nick Depole signed an additional six-unit deal to grow their Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes portfolio with locations in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties, along with St. George, Utah, in Washington County. The next location is projected to open by summer 2027.

Longtime franchisees, Shelly and Tyson Robinson, opened their third Pancheros Mexican Grill in Waukee, Iowa.