Dave’s Hot Chicken is entering the Pittsburgh market with an experienced operating group. Danny Costa, Michael Costa, Jonathan Wise and Raj Patel will develop Dave’s over the next five years, adding to their franchise portfolios. Patel, an existing Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee with seven units, also has more than 100 McAlister’s Deli and Dunkin’ stores. The Costas and Wise are likewise large Dunkin’ franchisees, with 75 units in Pennsylvania and Maine. Established in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken has more than 200 locations.
The Red Chickz inked a 10-unit deal to develop stores in North Carolina. The agreement is with Kamran Awan, the founder, president and CEO of Greensboro-based Mega Hotel Management. Along with hotels, he owns five restaurants, two real estate offices, a jewelry business and a Vitamin Shoppe store. Established in 2018, The Red Chickz has four locations open in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles-based The Red Chickz is heading east.
BurritoBar, a fast-casual Mexican brand with a counterpart in Canada, signed a master franchise agreement for the state of Virginia. The 18-unit deal is with franchisee WV ADYK, LLC. BarBurrito got its start in Canada in 2005, and in 2020 introduced a U.S. version, BurritoBar. In Canada, BarBurrito has more than 330 locations.
Pepper Lunch, a fast-casual brand originating in Japan, signed a five-unit agreement for the San Diego market. The agreement is with ownership group TD Family Ventures, led by Bao Doan, co-founder of San Diego-based bubble tea café Urban Bubble. Founded in 1994, Pepper Lunch has more than 500 locations across 15 countries.
Chicken Salad Chick signed a four-unit agreement to expand its Louisiana footprint. A pair of couples, Bill and Anne DiPaola, as well as Tiffany and Paul Spring, partnered to open the locations in New Orleans. Bill DiPaola brings experience as the CEO of franchise ownership holding company NHG, already a Chicken Salad Chick operator. Anne DiPaola has a background in communications, and the Springs work in healthcare. Founded in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has more than 270 locations in 19 states.
Tex-Mex brand Sucheros is set to enter Tennessee with a seven-unit deal for the Nashville market. The partner for the expansion is franchisee WilCo Fresh Mex, which is set to open its first location in October. Founded in 2007, Sucheros has 30 locations, mainly in Florida and Georgia.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii inked a three-unit deal to bolster its Colorado presence. Denver entrepreneur Bill Leary signed on to open a location in his own city and two more in the northern Colorado region. Leary comes to Bad Ass Coffee with experience as the owner of beverage brand Jackson Hole Soda. Originating in 1989, Bad Ass Coffee has more than 30 U.S. locations.
Retailer Buddy’s Home Furnishings is set to enter the Miami market with the signing of a three-unit deal. Signing the agreement is entrepreneur Brian Landau, the owner of a sports cards collectable business and three ice cream stores. A subsidiary of Franchise Group Inc., Buddy’s Home Furnishings has more than 335 stores in the U.S. and Guam.
International News
More international growth is on tap for Blaze Pizza.
Blaze Pizza is continuing its international push with a six-unit agreement for the United Arab Emirates. The deal is with NAD Holding, led by CEO Nabeel Dabwan, which last year acquired a Blaze Pizza location in Manama, Bahrain. Founded in 2011, Blaze Pizza has about 300 locations across 38 states and three countries.
Pizza Inn signed a master franchise agreement with Al Ruwad Hospitality Services & Restaurants Management Group to develop markets in Egypt. The group, led by CEO Magdy Al Khazrjy, plans to open the first of seven locations in Cairo later this year. Founded in 1958, Pizza Inn is part of the Rave Restaurant Group portfolio and has 112 U.S. units and 18 international locations.