Company Overview - Pretzelmaker, owned by FAT Brands Inc., is known for its innovative Pretzel Bites and has been in operation since 1991, starting as a single pretzel stand [3][6] - The company has grown to over 280 locations worldwide and continues to innovate with various menu offerings [6] New Product Launch - Pretzelmaker has introduced a new menu item, Cheetos Flamin' Hot Pretzel Bites, available until July 13, 2025, following the success of last year's Cheetos Pretzel Bites [2][3] - The new product features a dusting of Cheetos' Flamin' Hot Dust and is freshly baked and hand-rolled daily, providing a spicy flavor that pairs well with the chain's all-natural Lemonade [2][3] Marketing Strategy - The Vice President of Marketing at Pretzelmaker, Katie Thoms, emphasized the company's commitment to customer feedback and the desire to enhance flavor offerings, indicating a strong focus on customer engagement [3] - The collaboration with Cheetos aims to maintain excitement and attract customers through innovative flavor combinations [3] Parent Company Information - FAT Brands is a global franchising company that owns 18 restaurant brands and operates over 2,300 units worldwide, indicating a robust presence in the fast-casual dining sector [5] - The company strategically acquires and develops various dining concepts, showcasing its diverse portfolio [5]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed its first franchise agreement in Atlantic Canada for the province of Prince Edward Island, marking Heal Wellness's 51st franchise agreement and the fourth operating province for the brand [1][3] - The company aims to accelerate growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions, with a focus on expanding its franchise agreements and securing premium real estate across Canada [5] Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada, currently operating under the Heal Wellness brand, which specializes in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies [1][9] - The company has a total of 531 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its emerging brands, which are either in development, under construction, or already operating [5] Strategic Goals - The signing of the franchise agreement is part of a broader national expansion strategy, with expectations to announce additional projects throughout 2025 as the company continues to secure new franchise agreements [3][5] - The company emphasizes its mission to become a predictable and disciplined growth company, focusing on selecting the right franchise partners and optimal real estate to achieve development goals [5]

Core Insights - Casino Group and H&S Invest Holding have signed a strategic partnership to open over 210 Franprix and Monoprix stores in Morocco by 2035, marking a significant step in Casino Group's international expansion strategy through franchising [2][5] - The partnership aims to enhance Morocco's convenience retail landscape by introducing innovative retail concepts that combine quality food products, fast food, everyday services, and a digitalized customer experience [3][4] - The first stores are set to open in 2026, focusing on quality, convenience, and a high proportion of local products [4] Company Overview - Casino Group is a leader in the French retail market, operating approximately 7,500 convenience stores and generating a gross merchandise volume of €12.4 billion in 2024 [7] - The Group has a presence in over 30 countries with 472 franchised stores outside Metropolitan France, contributing to 3.5% of its net sales in 2024 [2] - H&S Invest Holding, established in 2005, operates in essential sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail, aiming to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in Morocco by 2030 through this partnership [6]

Core Insights - The Joint Corp. reported a 7% increase in revenue from continuing operations, reaching $13.1 million in Q1 2025 compared to $12.2 million in Q1 2024, driven by a greater number of franchised clinics [7][8] - System-wide sales increased by 5% to $132.6 million, indicating economic resilience [8] - The company experienced a net loss from continuing operations of $506,000, compared to a loss of $399,000 in the same quarter of the previous year [11] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for continuing operations was $46,394, down from $424,708 in Q1 2024 [12][37] - Selling and marketing expenses rose to $3.5 million from $2.2 million in Q1 2024, reflecting the costs associated with transitioning to a new marketing team [8][10] - The cost of revenue increased to $3.0 million from $2.7 million, attributed to higher regional developer royalties and commissions [7] Operational Highlights - The company sold 9 franchise licenses in Q1 2025, a decrease from 15 in Q1 2024, due to the refranchising process [9] - Five new franchised clinics were opened, while two corporate clinics were refranchised and one was closed, bringing the total clinic count to 969 [9] - The company aims to enhance its digital marketing and patient experience to drive growth in new clinic openings and system-wide sales [5] Guidance and Future Outlook - The company expects system-wide sales to be between $550 million and $570 million for 2025, compared to $530.3 million in 2024 [19] - Comp sales for clinics open for 13 months or more are projected to be in the mid-single digits, up from 4% in 2024 [19] - Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be between $10.0 million and $11.5 million, compared to $11.4 million in 2024 [19]

Core Insights - FAT Brands reported a total revenue of $142.0 million for the fiscal first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $9.9 million or 6.5% compared to $152.0 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower same-store sales and the closure of one Smokey Bones location [5][7] - The company opened 23 new locations in the first quarter, representing a 37% increase from the previous year, and is on track to open over 100 new restaurants in 2025 [2][7] - The net loss for the first quarter was $46.0 million, or $2.73 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $38.3 million, or $2.37 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2024 [7][9] Financial Performance - System-wide sales declined by 1.8%, and same-store sales decreased by 3.4% in the first quarter of 2025 [7] - EBITDA for the quarter was $2.1 million, down from $9.4 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2024, while adjusted EBITDA was $11.1 million compared to $18.2 million in the prior year [7][26] - General and administrative expenses increased by $3.0 million, or 10.1%, to $33.0 million, primarily due to increased professional fees related to pending litigation [8] Strategic Developments - The successful spin-off of Twin Hospitality Group Inc. resulted in a $50 million dividend to shareholders, while the company retains ownership of remaining shares [2] - The company is advancing its strategy to return to a nearly 100% franchised model, with plans to refranchise 57 company-operated Fazoli's restaurants [2] - FAT Brands is expanding internationally, having secured agreements to open 40 locations in France, including Fatburger and Buffalo's Cafe concepts [2]

Company Overview - Pretzelmaker is a brand owned by FAT Brands Inc., known for its innovative Pretzel Bites and has been in operation since 1991 [5][6] - The company operates nearly 200 locations worldwide and focuses on fresh, hand-rolled snacks and all-natural lemonade [6] National Pretzel Day Promotion - To celebrate National Pretzel Day on April 26, Pretzelmaker is offering a free order of Small Original Pretzel Bites, either salted or unsalted, at participating locations [1] - Additionally, Pretzelmaker is hosting a "National Pretzel Day After Party," where customers who sign up for the Rewards App by April 26 will receive $5 off orders of $20 or more starting April 27, valid for 14 days [2] Marketing Strategy - The Vice President of Marketing for Pretzelmaker, Katie Thoms, emphasized the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and joy through their products [3] - The promotional offers aim to enhance customer engagement and loyalty, encouraging repeat visits and app sign-ups [2][3]

Core Insights - FAT Brands Inc. has achieved a significant growth milestone with the opening of the 80th location for its sister concepts, Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery, in the Houston area [1][2] - The recent openings include two co-branded stores in Houston and Magnolia, Texas, highlighting Houston as a key expansion hub for these brands [1][2] Company Overview - FAT Brands is a leading global franchising company that owns and operates 18 restaurant brands, including Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery, with over 2,300 units worldwide [4] - Great American Cookies, founded in 1977, is known for its Original Cookie Cake and a variety of baked goods, with more than 400 locations domestically and internationally [5] - Marble Slab Creamery has been innovating in the ice cream sector since 1983, offering homemade, small-batch ice cream with a unique frozen slab technique and a variety of mix-ins [6]

Core Insights - Days Inns - Canada has received the Franchisees' Choice designation for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting its strong franchise relations and support [1][2] - The Franchisees' Choice program, now in its 15th year, evaluates franchisors based on franchisee satisfaction across various critical business relationship aspects [2][3] Company Overview - Days Inns - Canada operates over 105 independently owned and operated hotels, offering more than 8,385 rooms across urban, airport, and resort properties in Canada [5] - The brand is part of Realstar Hospitality and is associated with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which is the largest hotel franchising company globally, with approximately 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries [5] Industry Context - The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) represents over 600 corporate members and more than 40,000 franchisees, advocating for the franchise industry in Canada [6] - Franchising is the 12th largest industry in Canada, contributing over $133 billion annually to the economy and creating jobs for nearly two million Canadians [6]

Core Points - Potbelly Corporation has launched the Potbelly 50/50 Large Area Developer Incentive Program to reward franchisees for efficient shop development timelines, supporting long-term growth plans [1][2] - The program offers financial benefits such as reduced initial franchise fees, reduced deposit fees, and a 50% discount on royalty fees for franchisees who open at least 15 shops within eight years [2][3] - The company aims to attract existing franchisees from non-competing brands with strong financial backgrounds to help scale the Potbelly brand across various U.S. markets [3] Company Overview - Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been operating for over 40 years, known for its warm sandwiches, salads, and shakes [5] - The company has more than 440 shops in the U.S., including over 90 franchised locations, and emphasizes fresh, fast, and friendly service [5]