Below are some of the hottest sit-down restaurant chains that are expanding throughout the country, especially through franchise growth. Many of these chains are looking to enter new markets this year, as well as test out new unit types and menu items.
Arkansas Snags Fondue Franchise
Fondue chain The Melting Pot signs its first Arkansas franchise agreement bringing a location to Bentonville. The chain is on a larger-scale effort to drive franchise expansion and bring the total locations to 125 nationwide by 2026. The Melting Pot aims to develop its presence in key states including Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas and Kentucky by awarding nine new franchises in key markets and opening another four. Also, watch for a new unit coming to Des Moines, Iowa.
In recent years, the brand has been evolving through redesigning, remodeling and re-openings of every restaurant throughout the system. After a strong 2023, with over 20% of restaurants re-opening after a push to remodel, the brand is on track to see a total of 37 remodeled re-openings in 2024. The Bentonville location, along with all new developments, will also embrace the new prototype. Downtown, street-front, shopping center and lifestyle center locations are desired. Units are typically 4,000 to 6,000 s.f.
Twin Peaks Sees Strong Start to 2024
Twin Peaks Restaurants boasted three new restaurant openings, two franchise area development agreements and new food and beverage offerings all during the first quarter of the year. The three new lodges opened in Boardman, Ohio, in January; Guadalajara, Mexico, in February; and Doral, Fla., in March. The brand surpassed the 100-unit count milestone last year and is currently nearing 115 total locations. In January, veteran franchisee Joe Nolan signed an area development agreement to open 10 new franchised lodges across the Philadelphia area. Also early this year, investor and entrepreneur James Cha signed to open three new franchised lodges across the Denver area over the coming years.
A unit will also open this month in Fort Mill, S.C., which marks the brand’s fourth location in South Carolina. New restaurants are also under construction in Reno, Nev.; Terrell, Texas; McKinney, Texas; Lakeland, Fla.; and Cape Coral, Fla. The typical unit size is 6,000 to 10,000 s.f. and freestanding pad sites are desired.
Breakfast Chain Expands Its Presence in the Bluegrass State
The Louisville, Ky.,-based breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain Wild Eggs will bring new units to Lexington, Ky., with a recent four-store franchise deal. There are already two Wild Eggs locations in Lexington in the Palomar and Hamburg areas. The first of the four units will open by the fall. Also, keep an eye out for three new units coming to the Indianapolis MSA this year including Avon, Ind.
The chain currently has restaurants in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Last year, Wild Eggs announced that it was targeting eight states for franchising opportunities, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Downtown, street-front, shopping center and regional mall sites are targeted. The typical unit size is 4,200 to 4,500 s.f.
Growing Oregon Restaurant Signs New Franchisees
Oregon-based The Point Pub & Grill is due to open its first Denver location after signing two new franchisees earlier this year. These will also be the first units in Colorado and watch for more continued expansion throughout the state. The two existing locations are in Oregon and the company is working to strategically expand throughout the U.S. Also, watch for a new unit coming to Dallas this year.
Units are around 3,000 to 3,500 s.f. Downtown, street-front, shopping center and regional mall sites are targeted. The menu includes typical pub fare such as sandwiches, salads and burgers, as well as wine and a beer tap list.
