Epic Wings
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,200-2,800 s.f.
Anticipated Openings: 30 (over 3 years)
The San Diego-based wing brand plans continued expansion throughout California, and will enter the states of Florida and Texas, where recent multitenant agreements have been signed. The retailer does well in high-income suburban locations and lower-to-moderate urban sites. Shopping center, regional mall and grocery-anchor center sites are targeted.
MUTTS Canine Cantina
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,100 s.f.
Anticipated 12-Month Openings: 19
The pet entertainment restaurant chain partners with Fransmart to kick off franchising nationwide, including a recently signed multi-unit franchise deal to bring six units to Phoenix. The fast-growing chain has 19 locations in development and two existing restaurants in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Keep an eye out for new units to come to Austin, Allen, New Braunfels and El Paso, Texas, along with Denver and Tucson, Ariz. The brand also hopes to sign a franchise deal in South Florida this year. The dog-friendly restaurant has a private dog park and offers a full bar and menus for both humans and dogs.
Hoots Wings
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,500-2,800 s.f.
Anticipated 12-Month Openings: 17
The fast-casual rebrand of Hooters kicks off franchising expansion with 17 units planned this year and up to 50 new units planned for 2023. The chain seeks sites in the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast. Look for Hoots to pop up in street-front, strip mall and neighborhood center spaces in highly visible areas in urban residential and suburban markets. Inline and end cap spots in close proximity to colleges and mixed-use office and apartment developments will be sought after.
Million’s Crab
Preferred Sq. Footage: 4,500-6,000 s.f.
Anticipated 12-Month Openings: 5-10+
The Ohio-based Cajun seafood chain plans rapid expansion this year with new restaurants coming to Louisville, Ky., Ashwaubenon, Wis., Springfield, Ill., and two units in Chicago. Additional Ohio restaurants are also in the cards, including Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo. The chain will also enter Minnesota this year with five units planned including Minneapolis and St. Paul. Freestanding pad and grocery-anchored sites are targeted. Million’s Crab was created by the same company as Juicy Seafood and Naked Crab.
CAO Bakery & Café
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,500-4,500 s.f.
Anticipated 12-Month Openings: 10
The sandwich chain seeks new units in its home state of Florida, as well as Texas, Tennessee, New Jersey, North Carolina and Los Angeles. The retailer prefers locations in retail centers with high-traffic counts, within college towns, business communities and residential areas that have a large Hispanic population. Look for the chain’s first express drive-thru prototype to debut in Hallandale Beach, Fla. The brand is known for Cuban pastries, coffee and sandwiches.
Salsa Fresca
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,600-2,000 s.f.
Anticipated 12-Month Openings: 3+
The fast-casual Mexican chain plans to add units in New York and Connecticut through its new franchise growth strategy. The first franchise unit opened in West Hartford, Conn., and three corporate stores are also planned in the state. New restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are also in the cards. The brand currently seeks experienced multi-unit operators to develop additional franchise territories. Shopping center and regional mall sites are preferred.
