Snacks & dessert in Restaurants. Franchise restaurant news across QSR, fast casual, pizza, chicken, coffee and the rest of foodservice, with the original reporting linked.
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An important category for innovation and impulse purchases, candy growth is being driven by rising prices, tried-and-true favorites and trending products, with excitement brewing for the “changemakers.”
Franchisees Paul and Lisa Winslow are expanding the dessert brand's footprint into Texas with a new location featuring handspun shakes and premium chocolates.
MilkShake Factory opens in The Woodlands, TX on May 30, 2026.
The N.C.-based ice cream truck concept is offering a low-investment franchise model featuring a mix of gourmet sandwiches and nostalgic treats.
Known for its freshly baked pretzels, Wetzel’s Pretzels has opened a new bakery in Mishawaka, located inside the University Park Mall.
MilkShake Factory opens in Scottsdale, AZ on May 30, 2026.
Mobile food truck franchise Kona Ice has partnered with Panini America to launch a special-edition 'Color Blast' shaved ice flavor nationwide this summer.
“Our family’s history has always been tied to classic American treats, from root beer floats to chocolate malts served at our great-grandparents’ old-fashioned soda fountain in Pittsburgh,” said Dana Edwards Manatos, Founder & CEO of MilkShake Factory.
Stella’s Ice Cream was born from a simple idea: What if work could feel more like joy?
Wetzel’s Pretzels reaches a milestone with the opening of its 500th store in Porter Ranch, CA.
The parent of the 50-unit ramen chain is expanding its portfolio by acquiring a specialty café brand to scale through standalone sites and shop-in-shops.
Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery are accelerating their co-branding strategy with plans to open at least 17 joint units across multiple states in 2026.
Franchisee Manush Patel is bringing the dessert and chocolate concept to New Jersey with a grand opening event featuring product giveaways.
The Kahala Brands portfolio is expanding its national footprint by pairing the pretzel chain with the ice cream brand, with eight more units planned through 2026.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 13, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- Cold Stone Creamery presents a new ice cream flavor collaboration for the season.
“Bringing Wetzel’s Pretzels together with Cold Stone Creamery is a natural evolution of our brand as we continue to innovate within the franchise space,” said Eric Weigel, Brand Leader of Wetzel’s Pretzels.
Convenience store operators are seeing a shift toward protein-rich snacks as GLP-1 medications influence consumer purchasing habits and reduce impulse buying.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is introducing Sour Blue Pucker Italian Ice.
Casey’s General Stores has launched a seasonal lineup of more than 300 private-label snack items featuring limited-edition summer flavors and patriotic packaging.
Rita's Italian Ice offers $1 Italian Ice on Mother's Day.
Krispy Kreme reported a slight increase in systemwide sales as the brand focuses on a turnaround strategy involving refranchising and expanded points of access for its products.
“Our growth is strategic and intentional,” said Dinah Bengur, CEO of Pitango Gelato.
MilkShake Factory opens in Darien, CT on May 9, 2026.
Springfield, MO — Andy’s Frozen Custard® is celebrating 40 years of operation.