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QDOBA Signs 17-Unit Deal to Grow Across San Diego County

QDOBA’s California ambitions just got bigger. The Mexican fast-casual chain signed a 17-unit deal in San Diego County, handing an experienced local operator the keys as it chases a path to 2,000 restaurants.

TGI Fridays Enters the Balkans in Landmark 10-Restaurant Deal

The world’s first casual bar and grill is heading somewhere new. TGI Fridays is entering the Balkans with a 10-restaurant deal, part of a franchise-first march toward 1,000 locations worldwide by 2030.

Data with a Heartbeat: 5 Questions with Kristen Pechacek

As the President and CEO of MassageLuXe, Kristen Pechacek has built a reputation as one of the franchise industry’s most forward-thinking leaders. With roots in digital marketing and a proven record of scaling brands through both strategy and empathy, she’s redefining what leadership looks like in the wellness space. Under her guidance, MassageLuXe continues to grow rapidly — not just in numbers, but in culture, innovation, and purpose. Franchise Marketing News sat down with Kristen to discuss how her digital foundation fuels her leadership today, what it means to lead with both data and heart, and how she’s shaping the next era of franchise growth.

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QDOBA Signs 17-Unit Fast-Casual Franchise Deal in San Diego

TGI Fridays’ Global Franchise Expansion Hits the Balkans

i9 Sports Signs Its 300th Youth Sports Franchise

i9 Sports just signed its 300th franchise, and the buyer is telling. A family that spent eight seasons in the program became the milestone owner, the kind of participant-to-operator pipeline fueling the brand’s growth.

Popeyes Campaign and $6 Big Box Aim to Revive Value

After six straight quarters of falling sales, Popeyes is fighting back with a new ad campaign, a fresh agency and the return of its $6 Big Box.

QSR Veteran Signs Multi-Unit Retro Fitness Franchise Deal

Fitness franchising’s newest recruit runs more than 50 burger and chicken restaurants. A veteran QSR operator just signed a multi-unit deal with Retro Fitness, betting his development chops translate from the drive-thru to the gym floor.

Spice & Tea Exchange Bets on Southeast Franchise Growth

Franchising’s center of gravity keeps drifting south. The Spice & Tea Exchange just signed five new deals across the Southeast, betting on the region the IFA ranks as the country’s hottest for franchise growth.

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