Industry Updates
What changed, and what it means if you run more than one location. Every update links to the original source.
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Papa Murphy’s pairs with Pinkberry in three co-brand franchise deals
Three agreements for stores carrying both brands, built around shared real estate, labor and operational efficiencies.
Source: PR Newswire
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Toast launches an AI scheduling agent for restaurants
Toast IQ Team builds a schedule from availability, expected sales and overtime risk. The agent is in beta.
Source: Toast
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McDonald’s NEXT strategy puts human hospitality back at the center
Make It Golden runs alongside a GenAI rollout and a 250 basis point efficiency target, with technology moved behind the counter rather than in front of it.
Source: McDonald’s Corporation
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Five Iron Golf shrinks its franchise model to reach more markets
Five Iron Studio runs 3,000 to 5,000 square feet with three to five simulator rooms, against 10 to 15 bays in a flagship. First locations in 2027.
Source: GlobeNewswire
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My Salon Suite turns its directory into a booking matchmaker
Client Connect Matchmaker pairs clients with professionals on service needs, budget, style and personality, then hands them to the pro’s own booking software.
Source: Franchising.com
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A 23-unit Taco Bell operator is bringing store data into one place
O&M Restaurant Group is using AI across sales, labor, inventory, scheduling and financial data to help leaders identify store-level issues faster.
Source: QSR Magazine
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WOWorks is rewarding operators willing to commit to more units
Its new franchise incentive program offers greater benefits as development commitments increase, including support for multi-brand growth.
Source: Nation’s Restaurant News
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Wes Snyder built a 17-location portfolio across three franchise brands
The newly named IFA Franchisee of the Year has spent more than 25 years in franchising and has built his portfolio across PIRTEK, FASTSIGNS and My Salon Suite.
Source: International Franchise Association
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Batteries Plus is putting three AI tools across more than 700 stores
Three tools across all locations by the end of September: one for franchise development inquiries, one for unanswered store calls, and one for product search.
Source: PR Newswire
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A 98-unit Crunch franchisee is adding 25 Yoga Joint studios
CR Fitness Holdings is making its first franchise investment outside Crunch Fitness, and staying inside fitness while it does it.
Source: FranchiseWire
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Roto-Rooter bought its largest independent franchise for $60.6 million
What happens when a franchise territory becomes large enough to be a major standalone business.
Source: Chemed Corporation