Slim Chickens signed a 25-unit agreement with an existing franchisee group to expand across Ohio. Big Star Chicken, led by Dan McGrath, owns locations in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. With its new deal, the group will open units in Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus. Founded in 2003, Slim Chickens has more than 250 locations.
Jack in the Box signed a pair of multi-unit agreements to expand in Florida and Michigan. The brand signed a 10-unit agreement for the Orlando area with Ed Zausch, who brings experience as a Vitamin Shoppe franchisee and is also developing Daddy’s Chicken Shack. In Michigan, Niraj Patel, the owner of a dozen hotels through his Twins Hospitality Group, signed a five-unit agreement.
Breakfast brand Eggs Up Grill signed a pair of four-unit agreements to expand in Austin, Texas. One deal is with husband-and-wife team Michael and Rana Boselah, who are franchisees of Hurricane Grill & Wings and Levant Café & Grill. The other deal is with Megan Hood, an emergency room physician, and Omar Thompson, a life coach and mentor. Eggs Up Grill was founded in 1997 and has 73 units.
Scooter’s Coffee inked a deal with a pair of real estate developers to open locations in Louisiana and Texas. John Rennie and Brad Barre will develop units in Ruston, Minden, Blanchard and Benton, Louisiana, as well as Marshall, Texas. Founded in 1998, Scooter’s Coffee has nearly 750 locations across 30 states.
Vicious Biscuit, a fast-casual breakfast and brunch concept, signed a five-unit deal for Utah. The agreement is with Eric Price, a professionally trained chef with more than 20 years of experience, and his business partner Andy Barron. Founded in 2018, Vicious Biscuit has six company-owned locations open.
Related: Vicious Biscuit Attracts First Franchisees to Propel Expansion
Smalls Sliders, an emerging QSR burger brand, signed a five-unit agreement for the Houston market with experienced franchisees Lisa Albert and Steve Cavaliere. Albert is the previous owner of 41 Pizza Hut restaurants and 67 Hardee’s units. Cavaliere, meanwhile, operates 14 Pizza Hut locations. Smalls Sliders was founded in 2019 and has 12 locations open.
Perspire Sauna Studio signed a three-unit deal with a pair of entrepreneurs to develop in Fairfax County, Virginia. The agreement is with Michael Sobhi and Michael Baffa, who have 20 years of experience working together in real estate and construction. Established in 2010, Perspire Sauna Studio has 49 locations open.
Juice concept Sip Fresh signed a three-unit agreement for Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota, Florida, with Marine Corps veteran Ryan McGrail. In addition to his military experience, McGrail has a background in enterprise software sales. Launched in 2017, Sip Fresh has four locations open.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii inked a three-unit agreement for the Las Vegas market. The deal is with local entrepreneur Umang Patel. Originally founded in 1989, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has more than 30 U.S. franchised locations.
Zaxby’s is expanding in the Dallas market with a three-unit deal. The agreement is with the Sigwell Group, a family business led by Jade Sigler and her brother Derald Powell, who have experience with learning centers and real estate. Established in 1990, Zaxby’s has more than 940 locations across 17 states.
International Development News
Marble Slab Creamery signed a 40-unit agreement to develop throughout Canada. The deal is with the brand’s master franchise partner, Canadian Ice Cream Co. Founded in 1983, Marble Slab Creamery is part of the FAT Brands portfolio, which has 16 other food concepts.
Fast-casual brand Wayback Burgers signed a master franchise agreement for the United Arab Emirates. The deal is with Stellar International LLC, which is set to open a minimum of six units in the country, with the first set to open in early 2024. Founded in 1991, Wayback Burgers is a Connecticut-based brand with 170 locations globally.
Hair styling brand Drybar signed a 26-unit agreement for Qatar, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. The deal is with master franchisee Lekhraib Rose LLC, with a plan to open six units in Qatar, eight in Kuwait and 12 in UAE. Drybar is a concept in the WellBiz Brands portfolio.