TCBY, Mrs. Fields franchisee plans 15 new Southeast locations

Famous Brands International is expanding the footprint of TCBY and Mrs. Fields across the Southeast through an expanded development agreement with longtime franchisee Samuel Batt of Batt Enterprises.

According to a news release, the agreement adds Georgia to Batt's existing North Carolina and South Carolina territory and calls for 15 new locations across the three states.

Batt, a TCBY franchisee since 2010, currently operates 15 TCBY and two Mrs. Fields locations. Famous Brands said his TCBY business is having its strongest year since he became a franchisee, with year-to-date sales up double digits compared with the same period last year.

"I'm proud to continue reinvesting in TCBY and Mrs. Fields," Batt said in the release. "These are iconic brands that generations of customers have known and loved for decades, and we continue to see that connection translate into strong performance today."

Batt plans to build on the infrastructure his company has established in the greater Charlotte market while targeting additional growth across North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The development strategy will focus on suburban growth corridors and college-adjacent neighborhoods, as well as expansion into Georgia.

Batt also has played a role in TCBY's evolution, including piloting the brand's first self-serve concept in Charlotte, which helped inform its broader rollout.

Famous Brands is seeking experienced multi-unit operators for additional development opportunities in markets including Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; and Atlanta.