Barrio BurritoBar, the American counterpart to Canada’s BarBurrito, inked a master franchise agreement to develop the state of Georgia. The deal, which targets the opening of 110 locations, was signed with a franchisee group including Madhu Sundara, Sai Bandaru, Srinivas Madhamshetti and Radhika Mukka. The four bring experience in foodservice and franchising. BarBurrito launched in 2005 and has more than 360 locations across Canada. Barrio BurritoBar, meanwhile, launched in the U.S. in 2020.
Pickleball concept Dill Dinkers inked a deal for 20 locations in Florida’s Tampa metro area. Behind the agreement is Martina Kochli, Dill Dinkers’ global brand ambassador and a former professional pickleball player who’s opening the units with her husband Andrew, a U.S. Army veteran. Established in 2022, Maryland-based Dill Dinkers has five company-owned locations.
Smalls Sliders, an Atlanta-based QSR brand, signed a deal to enter Indiana with 15 locations. The agreement is with Indy Craves, helmed by entrepreneurs Ellen Broyles and Justin Ruetz. The duo, who bring experience in financial services and insurance, are partnering with consultant Alex Yeater. Founded in 2019, Smalls Sliders has 24 locations open, with the majority in Louisiana.
Perspire Sauna Studio inked several deals to expand its footprint in California. The wellness concept signed a pair of agreements for the San Diego market. One is with Jing He, who has a background in accounting and plans to open three locations. The other is with Kiki Barnes, a former Perspire employee, who signed on for five locations.
In Los Angeles, franchisee group Daughters del Fuego inked a deal to open three Perspire units. The new locations will add to the 17 existing units in California for the brand, founded in 2010. Today the concept has more than 75 studios open nationwide.
Electronics retail concept PayMore signed multi-unit agreements to grow in Illinois and Florida. In Chicago, former medical sales professional Brian Penar signed a deal to open five stores, while experienced retail strategist George Nahra agreed to open three in Fort Myers, Florida. Joe and Christy Rivera, entrepreneurs with Amazon Delivery Service Partners, signed another Chicago deal, with an agreement for two stores. Founded in 2011, PayMore has nearly 60 locations open nationwide and is expanding internationally.
Re-Bath, a bathroom remodeling brand, signed an agreement for three territories in the Chicago area. Partnering with Re-Bath is the husband-and-wife duo Brian and Anna Soik, who bring healthcare industry and technology management experience, respectively. The duo has also worked as landlords. Founded in 1978 and franchising since 1991, Re-Bath has more than 100 units across the country.
Staffing brand AtWork signed an agreement for two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. The deal is with Jason Grant, a former human resources executive who also brings experience in manufacturing. The first office is set to open in Greenville in April, followed by the second at a later date. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, AtWork has more than 100 units worldwide.
The Swing Bays, a golf and fitness concept based in Colorado, will expand into North Carolina with a five-unit agreement. The deal is with the husband-and-wife team Phil and Nancy Gugliotta. The two owned a staffing and recruiting firm a few years ago before becoming franchise brokers in fall 2024, launching Pivot Franchise Advisors. Founded in 2022, The Swing Bays started franchising last year and has one flagship location in Parker, Colorado.
Pita Pit is expanding its presence in Alaska with a two-unit agreement. The deal, with entrepreneur Kaleb Crawford, will bring the restaurants to the cities of Wasilla and Palmer. Crawford brings experience to the development from a career in healthcare foodservice management. Founded in 1995, Pita Pit has 68 locations across the country.