Pei Wei Asian Kitchen Turns Up the Heat in Lake Nona

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen is planting roots in Lake Nona, bringing bold, wok-fired flavor to one of Orlando's fastest-growing communities. Built to match the neighborhood's vibrant energy, the new restaurant delivers fresh, made-to-order dishes, signature sauces, and fast, approachable dining designed for guests on the go.

The Lake Nona restaurant reflects Pei Wei's modern design direction, blending warm textures, contemporary lighting, and standout details that create a lively, welcoming dining space.

The opening also highlights Pei Wei's continued focus on...

Melting Pot Announces Strategic Expansion Across Canada, Targets Major Hubs for New Growth

Melting Pot, the 94-unit experiential fondue franchise, is launching a strategic push to expand its footprint across Canada. Following a surge in inquiries from Canada, specifically, and strong growth in 2025, including four new restaurants opened and three additional franchises awarded, Melting Pot is looking to build on that momentum. With an Edmonton location, which has been operating for over 15 years, the brand already has a flagship spot and has identified a key opportunity to build on that...

Burger King China Embarks on Strategic Growth with RBI and CPE Partnership

Restaurant Brands International, Inc. (RBI) and CPE recently announced the completion of their previously unveiled joint venture, marking a significant milestone in Burger King China's next phase of growth.

This deal is the epitome of strategic growth planning, with the beloved brand joining forces with the local market expertise of CPE.

Upon finalizing the deal, CPE's $350 million investment of new primary capital into the joint venture will secure approximately 83% of the business, while RBI retains a 17% minority interest and...

Strategic Growth and Innovation Propel WOWorks into a Promising Future

WOWorks, the parent company of several "better-for-you" restaurants, concluded 2025 with significant growth and innovation.

Home to establishments like Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos, and Zoup! Eatery, the WOWorks umbrella maintained a steady stream of new franchise agreements, opened multiple new restaurants, and launched enhanced co-branding initiatives that are driving momentum across its fast-casual dining platform.

Notably, the WOWorks platform has demonstrated substantial growth by integrating Frutta Bowls into select Saladworks and Barberitos locations, resulting in 10...

Jersey Mike's Launches New Chapter of Growth with International Expansion into the UK and Ireland

Jersey Mike's Subs, a leading franchisor of over 3,200 fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, today announced it has signed a franchise agreement with JM Submarines UK LTD, led by Jersey Mike's founder and Chairman of the Board, Peter Cancro, to open 400 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cancro founded Jersey Mike's more than 50 years ago and remains a significant shareholder following the Company's sale to Blackstone last year...

Captain D's Moves into NYC Market with Grand Opening in the Bronx 

With more than 530 restaurants across 23 states, Captain D’s, a leading casual seafood restaurant brand is bringing its iconic concept to the New York City market for the first time.

On December 8, Shahid Raza, in partnership with FSR Group, celebrated the grand opening of Captain D’s at its 763 E. Gunhill Road location in the Bronx while developing three additional locations in New York City.

Earlier in the year, Expana reported the team planned on opening five other locations in the Baltimore metro...

RBI and CPE Announce $350 Million Joint Venture to Expand Burger King in China

Restaurant Brands International (RBI) and CPE, a leading Chinese alternative asset manager, have announced a joint venture to drive the next phase of Burger King’s growth in China.

The partnership aims to expand Burger King’s presence in the Chinese market to 4,000 restaurants by 2035, up from the 1,250 locations currently operating.

Upon completion of the agreement, CPE will invest $350 million in new primary capital to support restaurant expansion, marketing, menu innovation, and...

TGI Fridays® Doubles Down on Global Expansion

Sugarloaf TGIF Management, LLC ("Sugarloaf"), a privately held company and manager of the global TGI Fridays® brand, announced today the extension of franchise development and master franchise agreements with long-standing franchise partners Franquicias Alimentarias S.A. and Watami Co., Ltd., to expand TGI Fridays® presence throughout Peru and Japan. With agreements in place to develop over 50 new restaurants, these partnerships underscore Sugarloaf's commitment to TGI Fridays' global growth and confidence in the strength of the brand's international business.

Building on a legacy of over 60 years...

Dave's Hot Chicken Entering Next Phase of Growth & Innovation with Roark

From a parking lot in 2017, to a global sensation which expects to end the year with more than 400 restaurants across the globe; Dave's Hot Chicken has chosen an investment from Roark, entering its next phase of growth and innovation.

Dave's Hot Chicken has had years of incredible unit and sales growth and leading guest satisfaction metrics. The company remains committed to delivering an exceptional experience for its guests, team members and its franchise partners around the globe...

Firehouse Subs Accelerates Global Growth with Entry into Mexico

Firehouse Subs has signed a significant development agreement with Foodplay to open 100 restaurants across Mexico over the next five years, marking its latest strategic move in international expansion. This initiative is expected to generate hundreds of jobs locally while strengthening brand presence across Latin America.

"We believe Firehouse Subs has tremendous potential in Mexico's growing sandwich market," said Duncan Montero, LAC President of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), parent company of Firehouse Subs. "We're excited to bring Firehouse premium subs, heartfelt service...

Layne's Chicken Fingers Celebrates Multiple Six-Figure Opening Weeks

Layne's Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise, continues to see remarkable results at the restaurant level as it expands nationwide. With growing brand awareness, unbeatable brand loyalty and streamlined operations to ensure a smooth opening period, Layne's restaurants are far exceeding expectations.

"We continue to be blown away by the numbers our franchisees are reaching in their first days and weeks of operations," said Samir Wattar, chief operating officer. "We used to be ecstatic when a franchisee had a six-figure opening...