Pizzeria Halt
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,150-3,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 5-10
This Northern California-based pizza brand just began franchising in October, and franchise deals have already been signed for new units in Northern California, Illinois and Texas. Ideal real estate space would be within neighborhood regional grocery-anchored power centers. Pizzeria Halt is completely vegan, utilizing lactose-free cheese substitutes, plant-based meats and a proprietary oven technology that provides a finished crust in a Neapolitan-style manner. Pizzeria Halt also offers salads and appetizers, and the food features fusions that incorporate Indian, Mexican and American flavors.
Toasted Yolk
Preferred Sq. Footage: 4,000-5,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 6
The Texas-based breakfast chain has 16 units in operation, five in construction and four currently in site selection. The company is poised for rapid growth and is setting its sights on franchise opportunities in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Look for the first units to open outside its home state of Texas in Memphis, Tenn., and Dothan, Ala. A restaurant in West Palm Beach, Fla., is also in the cards. Downtown, regional mall, street-front and grocery-anchored sites will be sought after.
Big Salad, The
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,600-2,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 3
The Michigan-based fast-casual chain plans three new locations in its home state set to open by the fall. The first will be in Traverse City, opening in July. The second will be a corporate store located inside the University of Detroit Mercy Law School in Detroit by August. The chain is also looking for a site in the Novi/Farmington, Mich., area. Shopping center sites are desired. The chain offers build-your-own salads with 40 toppings and 30 dressings, as well as sandwich, wrap and soup options.
Sedona Taphouse
Preferred Sq. Footage: 5,000-7,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 1+
The casual dining restaurant recently opened its 15th location in West Chester, Pa., with another restaurant set to open this year in Lexington, Ky. The chain is poised for growth and is currently accepting single and area development franchise applications in all states. Downtown, street-front and freestanding pad sites will be targeted. The menu features flavors of the Southwest and the bar has craft beers from around the world, including local and regional breweries.
Willie Jewell’s Bar-B-Q
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,000-2,800 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 1
The fast-casual Southern barbecue restaurant chain will open a new location in The Villages, Fla., and is actively looking for new franchisees. Sites can be flexible with an eye on downtown, street-front, freestanding pad, shopping center and grocery-anchored center locations. The chain is known for its generous barbecue platters and sandwiches, as well as sides and desserts.
Island Fin Poké
Preferred Sq. Footage: 900-1,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: Numerous
The Florida-based chain currently has 16 locations with several other restaurants in various stages of development across the county. Look for new units to open in Annapolis, Md., Peachtree City, Ga., The Woodlands, Texas, Summerlin, Nev., Illinois, North Carolina and Virginia. Also, keep an eye out for three restaurants coming to Salt Lake City. Development is on fire in Florida with restaurants planned in Tallahassee, Winter Garden, St. Petersburg, Panama City, Boca Raton and three units in Tampa. Regional mall, downtown and street-front sites are targeted. The restaurant is known for its Hawaiian style build-your-own poké bowls.
