Iconic Pizza Franchise Opens New Location to Meet Growing Demand in the Valley LOS ANGELES, Oct. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Round Table Pizza and 17 other restaurant concepts, has announced the opening of a new Round Table Pizza location in Las Vegas, NV. This expansion marks another step in the brand’s continued growth across Nevada and the western U.S. “The demand for quality, quick-service dining options continues to rise in Las Vegas,” said ...

You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. If founders, chefs and other creatives are the beating heart of the restaurant industry, then franchisees are the veins delivering their ideas to all corners of the globe. Franchising is critical to the success of the industry, allowing brands to quickly scale their big ideas using other people’s capital. And whether it’s a mom-and-pop restaurant owner with one or two franchised restaurants or a seasoned veteran whose inf ...

Core Insights - The decision to invest in IMAGE Studios was influenced by the company's strong corporate support and the founder's personal connection to its origin during the housing crisis [1][4] - The franchise model offers a flexible work-life balance compared to previous corporate roles, allowing for reduced working hours and increased personal time [6][9] - IMAGE Studios has a focus on community impact and relationship-centered leadership, which has contributed to a high retention rate of beauty professionals [12] Company Background - IMAGE Studios is recognized as a leading franchise brand in modern and luxurious salon suites, appealing to beauty professionals [4][5] - The franchise was established during the pandemic, indicating resilience and adaptability in challenging economic conditions [1] Investment and Funding - Initial funding for the franchise was challenging, with a total investment of $1.2 million required to start the business [7] - The founder leveraged personal storytelling to secure funding from investors, emphasizing the importance of sharing one's journey [7][8] Lifestyle Changes - Transitioning from a corporate role to franchise ownership resulted in a significant reduction in working hours, from 70-80 hours a week to 5-10 hours [6][9] - Improved health and well-being were noted as benefits of the new lifestyle, along with the ability to support other entrepreneurs [10] Business Strategies - The franchise employs innovative recruiting practices, community philanthropy, and a focus on empowering entrepreneurs [11] - Relationship-centered leadership is emphasized, with a commitment to understanding and supporting beauty professionals, leading to a 65% retention rate [12][11] Philanthropic Efforts - IMAGE Studios engages in community service, such as providing free makeovers to women at shelters, enhancing their confidence and well-being [13]

Group 1 - Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchisee of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, with plans to expand from 50 to 200 locations in the next five years [8] - 7 Brew has seen significant growth, increasing its store count from 14 in 2021 to over 460 in 2023, primarily driven by franchisees [8] - The deal highlights a trend in the restaurant sector where private equity is increasingly involved in mergers and acquisitions, with several notable transactions occurring this year [6][7] Group 2 - 7 Brew's mature franchised units have an average unit volume of approximately $2 million, indicating strong unit economics [5] - The franchisee operates in key states including Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, leveraging scale and prime territory for growth [3] - The investment by FEP is seen as a potential signal for increased investor interest in high-growth franchise operators with strong economic fundamentals [7]

Core Insights - Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is launching its first franchising program, expanding its business model beyond company-operated stores [1][2] - The brand has established significant market presence through partnerships with major retailers, which may benefit potential franchisees [2] - Jeni's aims to maintain a collaborative approach with franchisees, leveraging supplier relationships and offering a diverse range of flavors to attract customers [3] Financial Performance - The average net sales for Jeni's corporate units are approximately $1 million, outperforming competitors like Häagen-Dazs and Baskin-Robbins, which have average unit volumes (AUV) of $700,000 and $530,000 respectively [4] - The total investment required for franchising ranges from $696,000 to $1,265,750, with a minimum net worth requirement of $1.5 million for potential franchisees [7] Expansion Strategy - Jeni's is targeting franchise development in 29 states, focusing on regions with strong demand, particularly in the Sunbelt and Midwest [5] - The company plans to open seven new company-owned units this year, despite having closed four units last year, indicating a strategic approach to growth [6]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has announced a franchise agreement for its Heal Wellness brand in the Collingwood area of Ontario, focusing on fresh smoothie bowls and smoothies [1][3] - The company aims for organic growth and to become the leading smoothie bowl chain in North America, with 27 Heal locations currently open and 168 more in the development pipeline [3][5] - Happy Belly has a total of 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio, with plans to significantly expand this pipeline in the latter half of 2025 and 2026 [5][10] Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada [10] - Heal Wellness specializes in providing quick, fresh wellness foods, including a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies made with superfood ingredients [7]

Company Leadership Changes - Andrew Wiederhorn has returned as Chief Executive Officer of FAT Brands, while continuing as Chairman of the Board [1][2] - Ken Kuick will focus solely on his role as Chief Financial Officer, and Taylor Wiederhorn will remain as Chief Development Officer [1] Strategic Focus - The company aims to build on its momentum through organic expansion, targeted acquisitions, increasing manufacturing capacity, and focusing on its balance sheet [2] - FAT Brands is positioned as a global leader in the restaurant industry [2] Company Overview - FAT Brands is a leading global franchising company that owns and operates 18 restaurant brands, including Fatburger and Johnny Rockets, with over 2,300 units worldwide [3]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed its first franchise agreement for Heal Wellness in Quebec, marking a significant step in the brand's national expansion [1][3] - The agreement is part of a broader 40-unit area development plan for Quebec, highlighting the company's strategy to scale emerging food brands across Canada [1][4] - Heal Wellness specializes in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, catering to the growing demand for wellness-focused food options [1][9] Company Expansion - The signing of the franchise agreement signifies Heal Wellness's entry into its ninth province, demonstrating Happy Belly's capability to grow and strengthen its brands nationally [3][4] - The company has a robust franchise pipeline with 616 retail locations under contract, indicating strong momentum in its expansion efforts [6] Market Opportunity - There is a significant market opportunity in Quebec due to the absence of a clear category leader, allowing Happy Belly to capitalize on its first mover advantage [4] - The demand for Heal Wellness's offerings, such as clean smoothies and açaí bowls, is rising, which is expected to drive brand growth in the new market [4][6] Strategic Partnerships - Happy Belly has partnered with experienced Quebec-based area developers to support the rollout of Heal Wellness and Yolks Breakfast brands, enhancing its operational capabilities in the province [4][6] - The expertise of the partners, who have over 22 years of experience in launching and supporting both corporate and franchised operations, is crucial for ensuring Heal's success in Quebec [4]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has announced the expansion of an existing franchisee's portfolio with a new Franchise Agreement for Rosie's Burgers, marking a significant step in their growth strategy [1][5] - The new location in Abbotsford, British Columbia, is strategically chosen due to the city's strong population growth and diverse demographics, which are expected to drive consumer demand [3][5] - Happy Belly's overall strategy includes securing high-quality real estate and aligning with experienced partners to support rapid expansion across Canada [7] Company Expansion - The company currently has 115 Rosie's locations secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements across various provinces, indicating a robust growth trajectory [5] - Happy Belly's portfolio has expanded to 616 retail locations across Canada, which includes stores in development, under construction, and already operating [7] - The dual expansion strategy combines franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforcing the company's commitment to scaling Rosie's Burgers [5][7] Market Positioning - Rosie's Burgers is positioned as a differentiated player in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape, focusing on a compelling guest experience and high product quality [5] - The brand aims to become Canada's leading smash burger brand, leveraging its proven track record and strong franchise system [5][7] - The evolving food scene in Abbotsford, supported by a community that values quality and local offerings, is seen as a fertile ground for Rosie's Burgers to thrive [3]

Company Overview - FAT Brands Inc. is the parent company of popular wing brands including Hurricane Grill & Wings, Native Grill & Wings, and Buffalo's Cafe, and it operates over 2,300 units worldwide [6][5] - The company has a diverse portfolio of 18 restaurant brands, including Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Twin Peaks, focusing on fast casual and casual dining concepts [6] National Chicken Wing Day Promotions - Hurricane Grill & Wings will offer wings for $0.99 each on July 29, with a minimum purchase of five wings, available for both dine-in and carry-out orders [2] - Native Grill & Wings will provide wings for $0.49 each with the purchase of a drink, applicable for dine-in guests and orders through their app [3] - Buffalo's Cafe will feature wings at $0.75 each, available for dine-in and carry-out, with a selection of signature sauces [4] New Menu Offerings - Hurricane Grill & Wings is introducing a new Spicy Peach Wing Sauce to celebrate its 30th anniversary, alongside its extensive lineup of over 35 sauces [2] - Native Grill & Wings is launching a limited-time summer menu that includes new Medium and Hot Lemon Pepper Wing Sauces [3] - Buffalo's Cafe will highlight a new summer menu featuring grilled classics and chilled cocktails [4] Marketing and Brand Strategy - The company emphasizes customer loyalty and engagement through special promotions on National Chicken Wing Day, aiming to attract wing lovers and enhance brand visibility [5] - FAT Brands has been strategically acquiring and developing restaurant concepts since its inception in 2017, focusing on popular wing brands to draw devoted fans [5]