M. Scott Morris — page 5

Restaurant demand isn't disappearing in 2026, but it is evolving.

Nilesh Patel continues to grow his Buffalo Wild Wings footprint in the Chicago market with the opening of a new Go-format location in Lake Zurich.

Harris Mullis expands Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken in South Carolina with six locations.

It's easy to be dismayed at tax time when you see just how much of your income you lose.

Amy Mosley Earp has been with Waco, Texas-based DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen since 2001, overseeing franchise operations, marketing, technology, and business operations as chief operating officer.

Jeremy Music and Rob Bowers are expanding their multi-unit portfolio, signing a three-unit agreement with Pancheros Mexican Grill, and planning to open two locations in Illinois this year.

Jennifer Dodd is the CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co., a restaurant brand offering nutritionist-designed, superfood-centric menus featuring raw, cold-pressed juices, handcrafted smoothies, organic acai bowls, juice cleanses, shots, and more.

Harout Abgaryan is continuing to build his Wetzel's Pretzels portfolio, opening his fifth location at Gilroy Premium Outlets alongside his father, longtime operator Varuzh Abgaryan.

New Hampshire topped WalletHub's 2026 taxpayer ROI rankings, with several states with no income tax offering good-quality government services.

Name: Amanda Clark Title: CEO Company: WellBiz Brands Years in franchising: 12 Number of units: 240 Elements Massage, 206 Drybar, 168 Amazing Lash Studio, 82 Fitness Together, 58 Radiant Waxing

Name: Jane Campbell Title: VP of Marketing for Franchise Development Company: Empower Brands Years in franchising: 16 Number of units: 1,607

Mac Haik Restaurant Group is bringing Starbird to Texas in a 36-unit deal that marks the brand's largest franchise agreement to date with development planned across Houston, Austin, and San Antonio beginning in 2027.

Alchemer recently released its "2026 Quick-Service Restaurant Study: Winning the Cost-Conscious Diner." The report offers insights into how quick-service restaurants' (QSRs) customer loyalty programs influence purchasing decisions, engagement frequency, perceived…

A veteran multi-unit franchisee family is adding a new concept to its portfolio, signing a five-unit development deal with Feng Cha to bring the premium beverage brand to Central and North Texas.

Since then, Colette has continued to lead franchise development, growing the brand from 119 territories to nearly 400 across 48 states.

As the tax filing deadline approaches, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging consumers, especially last-minute filers, to stay alert.

For franchise leaders, the challenge isn’t whether change is coming but how to lead through it without creating confusion, resistance, or drift.

The Tomey Group, the largest Jimmy John's franchisee in Michigan, has opened a new location in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, continuing its expansion across the state.

Julie Hagovsky will open a new MilkShake Factory location in Florham Park, New Jersey, on March 21, bringing the dessert concept to Morris County as she begins building a multi-unit presence with the brand.

JRI Hospitality, the largest franchisee of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, has acquired the restaurant operations of HCI Hospitality, adding 43 Freddy's locations to its portfolio.

Restaurant operator Michael McGuire has signed a 15-unit franchise agreement with Mike's Red Tacos to develop the San Diego-born birria concept in Minnesota.

Longtime Juice It Up! franchisee Cem Yorulmaz is expanding into Texas with a four-unit development agreement covering Houston and Katy.

A Mother-son team is expanding Lapels Cleaners' presence across Union and Lee counties in Northeast Mississippi with three locations serving New Albany, Tupelo, and Saltillo.

KBP Brands has expanded its Sonic footprint to 164 locations across eight states with the acquisition of 78 drive-ins in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.