Mexican fast-casual concept Qdoba signed an agreement for 20 restaurants in New Hampshire and Rhode Island. It marks the second deal for the brand with APR Island Management/Cafua Management, led by Mark, David and Greg Cafua, alongside Ricardo Gonzalez. Cafua Management, the largest Dunkin’ franchisee in the United States, signed on in 2024 to open five Qdobas in Pennsylvania. Established in 1995, Qdoba has 800 locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
Mini-burger concept Smalls Sliders inked a pair of multi-unit deals to expand in Kentucky and Georgia. Entrepreneur and restaurant industry veteran Bradley Scott and his team signed a deal to open four Smalls Sliders in Lexington, Kentucky. Scott brings nearly 30 years of experience running local full-service restaurants, but this will be his first foray into the quick-service space. Real estate group PAR Concepts, meanwhile, signed a deal for three Smalls locations in central Georgia cities Macon and Warner Robins. It marks the second venture between PAR Concepts and Smalls. Smalls Sliders has 22 restaurants open, with the majority located in Louisiana.
Five Iron Golf signed its largest multi-unit agreement to date with a deal for 12 locations. Existing franchisees Peter McCormick and Alex Zega, who operate five units in Louisville, Kentucky, will open the 12 new locations in Florida. The virtual golf brand, which began franchising in 2023, has more than 20 locations.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers signed a trio of agreements to develop restaurants in three states. For Nebraska, TR Hospitality signed a deal to open three Freddy’s units in Omaha. In North Dakota, experienced franchisees Kyle and Vicki Sedivec agreed to open seven locations. The third deal was for five stores in Maryland and was signed by a new franchisee organization, A2SI Group.
Read more: How Franchisee Profitability Is Driving the Evolution at Freddy’s
Daddy’s Chicken Shack inked a 10-unit agreement to build its southern California presence with franchisee group Zone 10 Partners. The operators behind the group include Mohammed Haq, Aman Lehal and Kam Dhillon, who all bring multi-brand experience. Founded in 2018, Daddy’s Chicken Shack is owned by Area 15 Ventures and has six locations.
Husband-and-wife team Cory and Kelly Hess signed a deal with Perspire Sauna Studio to develop eight locations in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area. The Hesses have experience in franchising and healthcare. Kelly Hess has spent the last eight years managing seven European Wax Centers, while Cory Hess worked as president of a Raleigh-based health system. Founded in 2010, Perspire Sauna Studio has 70 locations in the U.S.
Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual brand, is expanding into Michigan by way of two multi-unit agreements. One is for three units with husband-and-wife duo Keith and Sarah McKae who plan to open their first location in fall 2025. Keith McKae is a firefighter and paramedic, while Sarah McKae is a pediatric nurse anesthetist.
The other Chicken Salad Chick agreement is for six locations and was signed by Chuck McAbee, an experienced franchisee who’s worked with KFC and Culver’s. McAbee’s first location is slated to open in 2026. Founded in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has more than 270 units in 19 states.
Japanese fast-casual concept Pepper Lunch is set to enter Oregon with a five-unit signing. The agreement is with local developer Peter T. Ng, who will open restaurants in the Portland metro area. Established in Japan in 1994, Pepper Lunch has grown to more than 500 units across 15 countries.
Salata Salad Kitchen will expand its presence in Texas with the signing of a two-unit deal. The restaurants will be developed by the mother-daughter team Patricia and Barbara Pequeño, who both bring experience in the real estate sector. The two plan to open their first restaurant in early 2025. Established in 2005 and franchising since 2006, Salata Salad Kitchen has more than 100 locations across five states.
International Development News
TCBY, a frozen yogurt concept, is continuing its international expansion efforts with a multi-unit agreement for Qatar. The deal, for 10 locations, is with the group Sterling Restaurants, a subsidiary of Al Muftah Group, which has partnered with TCBY in the past. TCBY and its sister brand, Mrs. Fields Cookies, has more than 360 locations worldwide.