Good News! - January 2019

Welcome to 2019! Are you ready for a new year of growth, domestically? What about internationally?

Changes in franchising in 2018 seemed to be turbo-charged. Mergers and acquisitions abounded last year in a wave of private equity-fueled investments and consolidation - accelerating the merry-go-round of C-suite changes. It's hard keeping up with all the changes - which is why we provide this monthly digest of selected news items on unit growth, investment and financial developments, international expansion, people, and milestones.

Last year we added a section called "Regulation, Legislation, Politics, Etc." - and while it's not always "good" news, it's good to know. We also added a section on Technology, recognizing its key role in achieving sales goals and system growth.

This year we've added two new sections: Leadership and Franchisor-Franchisee Relations. So 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 Del Taco Opens 3 New Stores in Greater Atlanta The Joint Chiropractic Signs Deal with Relax the Back Financial, M&A, Incentives NRN's 2018's Restaurant M&A Summary Lists More than 40 WellBiz Brands Sells Fit36 brand to Georgia-Based Investment Firm Home Franchise Concepts Buys AdvantaClean, Its 4th Brand Regulation, Legislation, Politics, Etc. 2019 Legislative Outlook for Franchising from Littler Mendelson Joint Employer: U.S.

Appeals Court Makes Business-Friendly Ruling Franchisor-Franchisee Relations Jack in the Box Franchisees Sue Over Marketing Funds and Remodels McDonald's New Owners Association Meeting Draws 75% of Franchisees Big Plans, Big Ideas, Big Picture Interim HealthCare Plans Expansion to 45 to 50 Units by Year-End Anytime Fitness Aims To Double Its Tennessee Gyms to 63 in Next 5 years Lift Brands Evolves Strategic Direction with New Leadership International Church's Chicken Unveils First-Ever Global Brand Positioning New and Emerging Brands Chop Stop Inks Deals for 16 New Restaurants in 3 States Main Squeeze Juice Co.