FROM THE WOLF DEN

1) Daisy Closes $7M Funding Round, Acquires Fellow Smart Home Franchise SaaviHome

Daisy, a smart space installation and services company, is making moves to grow its unit count and invest in the support infrastructure for its franchise system.

The Costa Mesa, California-based brand closed a $7 million Series B funding round September 5, with Goldcrest Capital and Bungalow Capital as lead investors, along with Bullish, marking the second investment in the business for each. This follows Daisy’s Series A funding in June that raised $11 million from venture capital firms and angel investors.

Money raised, said Kappler, helped Daisy acquire and rebrand independent AV and integration businesses to corporate Daisy locations, and will help the company support its first franchisees. It’s completed eight acquisitions in seven months, including its most recent deal to buy SaaviHome, a Denver-based smart home technology integration service company.

2) EverLine Coatings and Services Opens 100th Location

EverLine Coatings and Services has integrated new technologies and creative applications into its business model as it has become the fastest-growing line striping and pavement maintenance franchise in North America, says founder and CEO John Evans. But even with the success of these innovations, the company hasn’t lost sight of its “bread and butter,” as Evans calls the primary services of painting stripes in parking lots and repairing asphalt.

He started the company in Canada in 2012 and began expanding into the U.S. in 2022. In less than two years, EverLine Coatings opened its 100th location with a franchise in Cleveland, Ohio. The company’s achievements were recently recognized when it debuted on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for its exceptional performance in areas such as unit growth, financial strength and stability. It was also named by Franchise Business Review as a Top 200 Franchise based on criteria including core values, training and support and overall satisfaction.

3) Freddy’s Continues National Expansion With 4 New Franchise Deals

With four franchise agreements signed for 21 locations in five states and another dozen or so restaurants in the final stages of construction, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is closing in on another big growth year.

Chief Development Officer Andrew Thengvall is not ready to celebrate just yet. He and his team at Freddy’s are focused on signing more franchise agreements and opening more restaurants to hit 800 units in the next few years. The Wichita, Kansas-based company has 537 locations in 36 states.

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EXTRA SAUCE 💥

HVAC Franchisors See Growth Potential As Temperatures Rise: The global stock of air conditioners in buildings is expected to grow to 5.6 billion in 2050, up from 1.6 billion today, according to the International Energy Agency.

That increase coincides with expected rising temperatures and for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning service industry, it means potential for a boost in service calls.

Warmer temperatures have already been recorded in the last several years, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finding 2023 to be the world’s hottest year on record. Aire Serv’s systemwide sales have steadily increased as well, increasing from $164 million in 2018 to $186 million in 2020 and to $262 million in 2022.

PureGym Signs Asset Purchase Agreement With Equinox Subsidiary Blink Fitness: United Kingdom-based PureGym signed an asset purchase agreement with Blink Fitness, following the New York-based franchise’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in August.

The companies announced September 10 the agreement for PureGym to buy Blink’s corporate operations and “a substantial portion” of Blink’s gyms in New York and New Jersey for $105 million cash.

Blink Fitness, owned by luxury fitness brand Equinox Group, has more than 80 locations nationwide, about 10 percent of which will be closed. Equinox also owns Soul Cycle and other concepts.

Buddy’s Home Furnishings Operating Group Grows Through Acquisition: Buddy’s Home Furnishings has announced that Hodge RTO Group, Inc. has acquired six locations from WRE, LLC.

William and Stacy Hodge currently own and operate three locations in Lexington, Asheboro and Sanford, North Carolina. Through the acquisition of these six stores, they will expand their operations into Central and Southern Virginia.

“It’s an honor to assume ownership of these six locations from the team at WRE as they transition into retirement,” said William. “We’ve successfully established a strong presence and network in North Carolina, and we look forward to continuing that momentum into Virginia. Through Buddy’s support, we’re confident that it will be a seamless transition.”

Maggiano’s Taps Michelin-starred Chef to Elevate Menu With Inspiring New Dishes and Flavors: Maggiano’s Little Italy takes a bold step in its culinary evolution by appointing Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Amoroso as its first-ever Vice President of Innovation and Growth. With his seasoned expertise and visionary leadership, Maggiano’s unveils eight new Italian-American classics, including appetizers, entrées and desserts, designed to captivate both longtime guests and newcomers alike. This all layers into Maggiano’s commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences while blending tradition with fresh, innovative flavors.

“At Maggiano’s, we’re committed to elevating the experience while still paying homage to Italian-American dining,” said Dominique Bertolone, President of Maggiano’s. “Welcoming Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Amoroso as our Vice President of Innovation and Growth, along with our exciting new menu additions, represents a pivotal moment in our journey. Chef Amoroso’s Michelin distinction is more than just an accolade – it embodies his extraordinary creativity, meticulous precision, and unwavering passion for culinary excellence. With his leadership, we’re poised to push the boundaries of flavor and innovation, delivering a dining experience unlike any other that will delight and inspire our guests.”

We Sell Restaurants Named One of the Most Innovative and Profitable Franchises of 2024: We Sell Restaurants was recently identified by Franchise Business Review as one of the Most Innovative and Profitable Franchises in its 2024 reports.

We Sell Restaurants was founded by Robin and Eric Gagnon, who have decades of experience selling restaurants. With deep financial, branding, and marketing experience in the restaurant industry, We Sell Restaurants leadership was able to take the fragmented brokerage market and build a specialized practice for selling only restaurants.

P.F. Chang’s® Expansion Includes New Airport Locations in Seattle, Salt Lake City, Washington D.C., Bengaluru, and Guadalajara: P.F. Chang’s® continues with the addition of five new franchise locations in major airports. Following openings in Washington D.C. (DCA), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Bengaluru (BLR) in 2023, then Seattle (SEA) in June 2024, P.F. Chang’s in partnership with Alsea, has opened another location at the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) just this month. 

The brand delivers quick, efficient service, for travelers on tight schedules while maintaining a superior dining experience with fresh, hand-crafted dishes. This efficient operational model not only ensures cost-effective airport dining but also upholds the brand’s high standards of taste and service across all locations. Most P.F. Chang’s airport locations also feature breakfast options for early morning travelers, and the Grab n Go component offers convenient options for those on the move. 

Toastique to Expand in the Tri-state Area With Three New Locations: Toastique has its first two outposts coming to New York and a fourth location opening in New Jersey. Since its inception in 2018, Toastique has garnered acclaim for its gourmet toast creations, smoothie bowls, nutrient-rich cold-pressed juices, espresso and coffee, and other convenient grab-and-go options. 

Planned for late 2024, Toastique’s location in New Jersey will open in the town of Ridgewood at 2-4 Garber Square. Neighboring New York will get its first location in New Rochelle at 604 North Ave, followed by a Manhattan location to open in 2025. 

Founded in 2018 in Washington, D.C. by former D1 collegiate cheerleader, Brianna Keefe, Toastique is known for its fresh and artistic approach to crafting exquisite food grounded in paying homage to the natural beauty and simplicity found in responsibly sourced ingredients. From a young age, Brianna’s passion for food, nutrition, and fitness fueled her endeavors from pursuing sports to making homemade smoothies and juices to power through the day. With a degree in hospitality management and a drive to start something on her own, she found an open storefront, typed up a 27-page business plan, and in just 36 days, the first Toastique was up and running. 

Happy Joe’s is expanding it’s footprint with signing of 10-unit franchise deal: Happy Joe’s is expanding its footprint with the signing of a 10-unit franchise deal, and two single unit franchises on Monday, August 26th, 2024.

The area development agreement for Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, covers Cochise, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal and Yuma counties in Arizona; the counties of Clark, Washoe, Lyon and Carson City in Nevada; and the counties of Bernalillo, Dona Ana and Santa Fe in New Mexico. The first franchise location will be opening in Surprise, located outside the Phoenix area, while the second is slated for Oro Valley, part of the greater Tucson area

The Red Chickz Heats Up the Garden State with New 3-Unit Franchise Deal in New Jersey: The Red Chickz is spreading its wings. The brand is thrilled to announce the signing of a 3-unit development deal that will introduce its famous hot chicken to New Jersey, with new locations planned for Mantua Township, Washington Township, and Gloucester Township.

Serving Fried Chicken in an Untraditional Way. Fried chicken has been around for centuries, but The Red Chickz is serving up classic Nashville Hot flavors with a California twist. Whether you crave the fiery Nashville hot kick or prefer the tender crunch of the brand’s country chicken, The Red Chickz has something for everyone.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Colorado Springs Welcomes New Designer Russ Saylor to the Team: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Colorado Springs is excited to announce the addition of Russ Saylor as the new designer to join their team. Russ brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for design, coupled with a unique blend of experience that perfectly complements the company’s commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.

Russ Saylor is an accomplished designer with a strong foundation in both practical knowledge and academic excellence. Born in Colorado and raised in Florida, Russ possesses a diverse background that influences his approach to creating beautiful and functional spaces. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of client needs and a collaborative approach that ensures every project reflects the client’s personality and style.

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux® Names Chris Porcelli Chief Executive Officer: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux announced today the promotion of Chris Porcelli to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Previously serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Porcelli was responsible for directing strategic planning, supply chain management, and human resources. Now Porcelli will lead Walk-On’s as it introduces an innovative, new prototype designed to accelerate expansion.

Brandon Landry, Co-founder and Chairman of Walk-On’s, shared his enthusiasm for the leadership transition: “We’re entering a pivotal new chapter with our upcoming prototype, and there’s no one better suited to lead us through it than Chris.  Since joining Walk-On’s, he has brought a dynamic energy and passion, driving franchisee success while strengthening our connections within the communities we serve.”