Good News! - October 2018

In these first days of autumn, as the days are getting shorter, activity continues apace in franchising, both domestically and internationally. Consolidation continues, new brands are emerging, emerging brands are growing, and the regulations just keep on coming - and the midterm elections are coming your way at a polling booth near you. So we've added a new section we're calling "Regulation, Legislation, Politics, Etc." And while it's not always "good" news, it's good to know about. It's hard keeping up with all the growth and changes, which is why we provide our "Good News!" monthly digest of selected news items on unit growth, investment and financial developments, international expansion, people, and milestones. Here's your chance to follow the leaders, every third Tuesday of the month.

So if you're not doing it already, send us your good news here.

New Units/Growth/Expansion

Curry Up Now Signs 20-Unit Deal for Colorado, Utah

Nékter Juice Bar Inks 30-Unit AD Deal for FL, MD, TN, and D.C.

Financial, M&A, Incentives

Chinese Hot-Pot Chain Haidilao Raises $963 Million

La Boulangerie/Garbanzo Owners Buy 6-Unit Loving Cup Dessert Brand

Elite Restaurant Group Buys 17-Unit Patxi's Pizza, Plans To Franchise

Bojangles' Stock Rises 14% in Late September on Rumors of Sale Talks

Carlisle Corp. (152 Wendy's) Sells 3-Unit Lyfe Kitchen to L3 Hospitality Group

Shari's Management Corp. Revealed as Buyer of Coco's and Carrows

Regulation, Legislation, Politics, Etc.

Wendy's Sued in Illinois for Unlawfully Collecting Employee Fingerprints

EU Regulators Clear McDonald's in Luxembourg Tax Deal Probe

Repeal of D.C.'s Initiative 77 To Raise Tipped Wages Moves Ahead

Big Plans, Big Ideas, Big Picture

Salsa Fresca Mexican Targets 100 Units in 5 Years on the East Coast

29-Unit Modern Acupuncture Launches National Campaign to Double Size

International

Africa's First Curio Collection by Hilton Opens at Lagos Airport, Nigeria

U.K.'s Crêpeaffaire Launches U.S. Expansion

Russo's New York Pizzeria To Open 7th Dubai Location in October

Pokéworks Signs 1st International Master Deal with New Group in Mexico

Choice Hotels Inks Mexico Deal for 20 Sleep Inn Hotels by 2023

Canada's 30-Unit Copper Branch To Open in NYC in November

New and Emerging Brands

I ♥ Mac & Cheese Inks 3-Unit Deal for North Carolina

Monster Tree Service Awards 3 New Territories in Charlotte, NC

Sirius Day Spa Reaches 8 Units with 5 Additional Deals

People, Awards, Milestones

Mod Pizza Hires Former Friendly's/Johnny Rockets CEO John Maguire as COO

Friendly's and Johnny Rockets Name Separate New CEOs

Mountain Mike's Names Jim Metevier President and COO

Rave Restaurant Group (Pizza Inn, Pie Five) Names Bob Bafundo CEO

Buffalo Wild Wings Names Lyle Tick New President

Tijuana Flats Names 10-Year Veteran Rick Van Warner CEO

Brightway Insurance Named a "Top 20 Agency" by Insurance Journal for 5th Year

The Patch Boys Names Former Franchisee Adam Maher as CDO