FROM THE WOLF DEN

1) Several Kansas City Applebee’s Restaurants Close as Operator Files for Bankruptcy

Eight Applebee’s restaurants in the Kansas City metro area closed as the owner filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

On October 30, franchisee Apple Central KC, which owned 10 units on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state border, filed its bankruptcy petition in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas. With eight of its Applebee’s locations closed, only two remain in the market.

In its court filing, Apple Central noted its non-contingent liquidated debts were less than $3.02 million. Bankruptcy documents showed the number of creditors between 200 and 999 and its estimated asset worth between $1 million and $10 million. Additionally, the estimated liabilities were between $10 million and $50 million.

2) PopUp Bagels Now Franchising With New CEO

In just a few years, PopUp Bagels grew from founder Adam Goldberg’s pandemic hobby to eight company-owned locations.

The brand is now franchising under a new CEO, Tory Bartlett, the former chief brand officer of Moe’s Southwest Grill. PopUp’s new hire and the closure of its Series B fund make for the right time for the company to start franchising.

“Tory has a proven track record doing this for many years,” Goldberg said. “Once we met him, we knew that this was a perfect match for us to be the person that leads us through that transition.”

3) K9 Resorts Takes Flight with 11-Unit Agreement in Los Angeles

The franchise brand inked a multi-unit agreement to bring 11 locations to Los Angeles County. The first resort will be located at 11121 Hindry Avenue in Los Angeles.

Behind the Franchise Agreement: Lia Moncholi is the Chief Operating Officer of Luxury Pet Hotel Investments, LLC (LPHI), a group of franchisees – formerly known as Partners Pacific Resorts, LLC. After spending more than two decades in the banking industry where she specialized in bringing brands to new markets and enhancing the customer and employee experience, Moncholi retired for a couple of years and then joined LPHI.

Zack Nisbet is a Regional Operator of LPHI and will be overseeing the operations of all the LA resorts, as well as eight locations coming to the Greater Chicago area. Prior to becoming a franchisee, he earned an undergraduate degree in computer science and worked in the semiconductor manufacturing industry for a few years. Nisbet then returned to school to earn a master’s degree in business and raised money to invest in a business, which ultimately ended up being K9 Resorts.

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EXTRA SAUCE 💥

Museum of Illusions Franchisee Signs Multi-Market Deal With Sandbox VR: Rob Cooper and his team at LOL Entertainment are not intimidated taking on technology-driven brands that create fun and immersive virtual reality experiences. In fact, they embrace them.

LOL Entertainment, one of the largest Museum of Illusions operators in North America with a fifth location scheduled to open in November next to Boston’s iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, signed a multi-unit agreement with virtual reality brand Sandbox VR. The group plans to open four locations, in Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., with the option of expanding development in those markets.

Eagle Merchant Beats Out Competition to Buy Sam the Concrete Man: When Sam the Concrete Man went to market about nine months ago, the interest from investors in acquiring the Denver-based home services brand was overwhelming. 

“There were over 120 interested parties in our business and out of that 120 I would say we ended up having about a dozen or so of them come into town and sit down with us,” said CEO Todd Stewart. “In the end, we ended up going with Eagle Merchant because they understand franchising and they’ve had a lot of success scaling brands.”

Eagle Merchant Partners’ acquisition of Sam the Concrete Man for an undisclosed amount sets up the residential concrete services company to pursue a new growth path. Founded by Sam Wilkins in 1989 and billing itself as “the nation’s largest residential concrete services franchisor,” it has more than 80 units in 30 states.

The Casual Pint announces addition of David Hinkle as Strategic Advisor: The Casual Pint is thrilled to announce the addition of David Hinkle as Strategic Advisor. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in retail, real estate, and business strategy, Hinkle brings a wealth of experience that will be instrumental in scaling The Casual Pint’s franchise operations.

Hinkle’s extensive background in retail and outlet growth includes notable expertise in site acquisition, feasibility analysis, strategic planning, operational budgeting and financial structuring. Known for his forward-thinking approach and results-driven leadership, Hinkle has successfully guided private equity groups, start-ups, and mature companies through various stages of growth, positioning them for capital raisings, public offerings, and strategic exit strategies.

Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery Debut Co-Branded App and Loyalty Program: FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. announces the launch of a brand new app experience and loyalty program for sister brands Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery – the Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery Rewards App.

The Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery Rewards app creates an engaging digital journey to earn points and rewards for fan-favorite treats from the chains, all in one place. From birthday rewards to discounts for point redemption and more, the app is full of sweet surprises for users. The new launch comes on the heels of Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery’s co-branded online experience debut, further underscoring the commitment of the brands in providing a seamless, integrated experience for its fans.

The Joint Chiropractic is Named the Official Chiropractor of Grand Canyon University Athletics: The Joint Corp. (NASDAQ: JYNT), the nation’s largest franchisor of chiropractic care through The Joint Chiropractic® network, announces its newest sponsorship agreement with Grand Canyon University Athletics. The brand has been named the Official Chiropractor of Grand Canyon University Athletics for a two-year term through 2026.

“We are honored to join Lope Country and support the student athletes of Grand Canyon University through our partnership,” said Sanjiv Razdan, president and CEO of The Joint Corp. “This sponsorship demonstrates The Joint’s commitment to our hometown market as well as championing chiropractic care and the preventative benefits that are vital to keeping the body balanced, flexible and functioning at its best – especially for collegiate athletes. We wish the Lopes a very successful sports season!”

World Gym International Acquired by World Gym Taiwan: World Gym International has been acquired by World Fitness Services, Ltd (“WFS”), the parent company of World Gym Taiwan. WFS owns and operates World Gym fitness centers in Taiwan, demonstrating its deep understanding of the brand and commitment to fitness excellence.

John Caraccio, Chairman of WFS, will serve as interim CEO of World Gym International, while Michael Sanciprian, former CEO of WFS, shall serve as Executive Director.

This acquisition by WFS infuses the brand with new energy and resources and enhance the fitness experience for members worldwide. Under the leadership of Caraccio and Sanciprian, The company maintains sales and marketing, personal training, and IT systems, providing a blueprint for success that will be leveraged to benefit World Gym franchisees around the globe. 

Dawn Weiss Joins Serotonin Anti-Aging Centers as Chief Marketing Officer: Serotonin Anti-Aging Centers (Serotonin} announced today the appointment of Dawn Weiss as the brand’s first Chief Marketing Officer. 

Weiss is a proven leader with a wealth of success in building and driving the rapid, sustainable growth of disruptive franchise brands. With nearly two decades of experience, she was part of the founding and early-stage teams of health, wellness, and beauty brands, including Amazing Lash Studio, The Joint Chiropractic, and Massage Envy Spa. These brands redefined how consumers accessed these services, much like Serotonin is doing today.