Good, Bad, and Other News! – January 2022

Omicron or no omicron, franchises are expanding and looking forward to opening a slew of new units in 2022. Here’s your chance to follow the leaders, every third Tuesday of the month! And if you’re not doing it already, send us your good (and other) news here!

POST-COVID – REOPENING & RECOVERY Restaurants Seek Federal Aid as Omicron Surge Threatens Another Tough Winter 7 Restaurant Experts Predict 2022 Trends Some Chipotle & Starbucks Sites Cut Hours, Limit Seating Over Omicron Omicron Threatens To Upend Gyms’ Fragile Recovery Omicron Surge Spurs New Covid-19 Relief Push in Congress from Gyms, Others How McDonald’s CEO Is Navigating Covid, Inflation, Labor Shortages, Etc. COMPANY NEWS Focus Brands Sells Record 561 Franchises, Opens 175+ Units in 2021 in U.S.

, Canada Roll-Em-Up Taquitos Announces 315-Unit Development Deal for Texas and Oklahoma Raising Cane’s Opens 600th Restaurant; Plans To Open 100 More by Year-End My Salon Suite Opens 40 Locations in 2021 Under New Owner, Propelled Brands American Family Care Closes 58 Deals in 2021 Massage Heights Reports Record 2021 Revenues Stretch Zone Ends 2021 with Highest Revenue Year Taiwanese Bubble Tea Concept Gong cha Eyes Aggressive U.S. Expansion KOA Reports Highest Revenue in Its 60-Year History, Adds New Campgrounds Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken Brand Reports Strong 2021, Opens 11 U.

S. Units HIRING & EMPLOYMENT U.S.

Hiring Hit Annual Record in 2021, Despite December Slowdown Poll Finds Optimistic Outlook Among Hiring Managers Quitting Is Just Half the Story: The Truth Behind the Great Resignation Top 5 Workplace Wellness Trends for 2022 Starbucks Imposes Covid-19 Vaccine, Testing Requirements for U.S. Workers FINANCE/M&A Planet Fitness To Buy 114-Unit Franchisee Sunshine Fitness for $800 Million LEADERSHIP Are You a Caring Leader?