FROM THE WOLF DEN

1) Dogtopia Launches Virtual World for Pet Parents

Dogtopia, the largest and fastest-growing dog wellness franchise in the U.S., is taking pet care to the next level with exciting new technology. By launching an interactive virtual world, Dogtopia now offers pet parents a cutting-edge way to explore its daycare, boarding, and spa services, making it easier and more fun to choose the best care for their furry family members.

The company recently debuted the Dogtopia virtual world, an interactive tool that allows pet owners to learn more about Dogtopia’s daycare, boarding and spa services. 

2) PayMore Enters Chicago Market with Multi-Unit Deal

PayMore Stores is thrilled to announce a three-unit franchise agreement in Illinois with seasoned entrepreneurs Joe and Christy Rivera.

The Riveras, who have successfully scaled their Amazon Delivery Service Partner from just five delivery vans to a fleet of over 60, are excited to apply their operational expertise to a new venture. With their logistics business seeing massive success, the duo is ready to take on a new challenge with PayMore. They were drawn to the franchise for its simplicity, passion for technology, and unique supply chain model—elements that align with their business acumen and aspirations for growth.

3) Rusty Taco Announces New Director of Marketing and Operational Support

Rusty Taco has announced the expansion of its corporate team with three new hires, including the appointment of the brand’s Director of Marketing, Natalie Johnson. As part of Rusty Taco’s commitment to providing franchisees with top-tier corporate support and maintaining high operational standards systemwide, Roland Wayment and Dustin Drago have also been onboarded as Franchise Business Consultants.

Prior to joining Rusty Taco, Johnson held a senior marketing role with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, where she helped drive business growth through national marketing campaigns, leading brand launches and ensuring consistency systemwide to boost brand awareness. Now serving as the Director of Marketing for Rusty Taco, Johnson’s main focus is refreshing the brand’s identity and strengthening connections with loyal guests while also attracting new ones through innovative marketing efforts.

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EXTRA SAUCE 💥

Chipotle makes its debut in the United Arab Emirates: Chipotle has opened its first restaurant in Dubai in partnership with the Alshaya Group, marking the chain’s debut in the United Arab Emirates. The 6,000-plus-square-foot restaurant is at “The Beach,” at Jumeirah Beach Residence, and is open from 10 a.m. to midnight during the week and until 1 a.m. on the weekends. A second Chipotle is planned to open in the Dubai Hills Mall in the coming months.

Chipotle signed a franchise agreement – its first ever – with Alshaya Group in July 2023 with plans to expand in Dubai and Kuwait, as well as additional markets across the region. Alshaya Group opened the company’s first restaurant in the Middle East – in Kuwait City, Kuwait – in April, which marked the first time Chipotle entered a new country in more than 10 years. A second restaurant opened in Kuwait last month.

Subway outlines unit commitments and entry into Paraguay and Mongolia: Quick-service brand Subway is working to turn around closures of the past few years. On Tuesday, the company said that, over the past three years, it has signed more than 20 master franchise agreements with 10,000 future restaurant commitments.

The company, which divides headquarters between Miami and Shelton, Conn., said it took steps in 2024 to expand its footprint, especially globally.

“Seven of the 20 master franchise agreements have been signed in 2024, marking its entry into Paraguay and Mongolia and significantly expanding its presence across France, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Brazil, El Salvador and Guatemala,” the company said. “In total, these agreements will result in 2,000 future restaurant commitments.”

Daddy’s Chicken Shack Names Todd Haavind as Vice President of Franchise Development: Daddy’s Chicken Shack, the fast-casual restaurant chain known for its crave-worthy chicken sandwiches, today announced the appointment of Todd Haavind as Vice President of Franchise Development. Haavind brings more than two decades of experience in business development, sales, and franchising, making him a key addition to Daddy’s Chicken Shack’s leadership team as the brand continues its aggressive national expansion.

Haavind previously served as Vice President of Development for Camp Bow Wow, where he led a successful franchise development program for one of the nation’s largest pet care franchises. He has also held Vice President of Development  roles at Quiznos, TCBY, Mrs. Fields, Beeline Bikes, Dickeys BBQ, and Title Boxing, where he played instrumental roles in driving franchise growth and delivering operational excellence.

The Pickle Pad Serves Up a Seven Park Deal: The Pickle Pad, a brand-new franchise concept under the Indoor Active Brands portfolio is multiplying its footprint on the East Coast. The indoor pickleball playground that features Crave Social Eatery, a chef-inspired restaurant, and over 30 gaming options including social and yard games, announced today that they signed a seven-unit franchise deal to bring The Pickle Pad to Richmond, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Roanoke, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Newport News, VA, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Hilton Head, SC.

Avid pickleball player and ambitious entrepreneur, Vikas Kapila, is betting big on the unique offerings of The Pickle Pad. As a seasoned franchisee and longtime consultant, Kapila is combining his background in business development and team leadership with his passion for the sport to embark on a new journey to bring this “eatertainment” arena to communities across the nation.

Scenthound Appoints Industry Pro, Tony Nicholson, as VP of Franchise Development: Scenthound recently appointed Tony Nicholson as Vice President of Franchise Development. With more than two decades of experience in franchising, Nicholson has established a strong track record in the industry.

Through his experience in the franchise industry and guidance from various mentors, Nicholson was introduced to Scenthound and immediately recognized the growth potential of a category leader in the pet health and wellness space. As he steps into his new role, he is focused on interacting with candidates on a daily basis and guiding them through the franchise process, introducing them to the brand culture, and ensuring they understand the unique value proposition that Scenthound offers. Additionally, his multi-unit franchisee experience gives Nicholson a well-rounded perspective on the franchise business model, allowing him to connect with prospective franchisees on a more meaningful and insightful level.

FiiZ Drinks Appoints Scott Ball as President: FiiZ Drinks has announced the appointment of Scott Ball as company president, effective immediately. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and franchising industries, Ball brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the role that will steward the FiiZ brand into its second decade of innovation. As president, he will oversee all aspects of the company operations and strategic initiatives.

“We are thrilled to have the caliber of industry experience and expertise at the helm of FiiZ,” said Hal Halladay, Director of FiiZ Drinks. “Scott brings a keen focus and ability to coach and nurture that will continue to develop FiiZ Drinks, energize the culture for our employees and loyal FiiZ Fans, and bolster franchisee confidence and profitability.”

D1 Training Announces Shad Meier as Vice President of Construction Management: D1 Training announces the appointment of Shad Meier as Vice President of Construction Management.

A former NFL player for the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints, Meier brings together his passion for sports and expertise in the construction management space to D1 Training. Since his time with the league, Meier has built a strong resume of experience in real estate, property rehabilitation, land development, and construction management. He comes from the Robins & Morton firm, where he helped lead complex healthcare projects at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

As the Vice President of Construction Management, Meier will be responsible for overseeing franchisee buildouts, aimed at facilitating the establishment and operation of franchisees’ businesses to maximize their positive impact on the communities they serve.

Jersey Mike’s Subs Raises $4.4 Million To Support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Jersey Mike’s Subs and customers across the country raised $4.4 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the highest-rated breast cancer research organization in the U.S.

Fundraising took place on Saturday, Sept. 28, and Sunday, Sept. 29, when Jersey Mike’s donated 20 percent of sales at nearly 3,000 locations nationwide to help BCRF continue to push their mission forward. 

“With the help of our generous customers, we raised $4.4 million in support of lifesaving science to prevent and cure breast cancer,” said Peter Cancro, Founder and CEO, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Thanks to all of you—you truly make a difference.”

Wendy’s Celebrates 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” with “Krabby Patty Kollab” Menu Items: Ahoy! In celebration of the 25th anniversary of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Wendy’s® and Paramount are partnering to launch Wendy’s Krabby Patty Kollab,* which includes a Krabby Patty Kollab Burger and Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty®. Available in the U.S., Canada and Guam beginning Tuesday, October 8, the Krabby Patty Kollab menu items are worth the wait for both “SpongeBob SquarePants” fans and Wendy’s customers alike.

Fans have eagerly speculated and imagined how this iconic patty might taste, and Wendy’s is bringing its Krabby Patty Kollab Burger to land for a limited time, best paired with a first-of-its-kind Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty. The Krabby Patty Kollab Burger is Wendy’s take on the most coveted recipe in all of Bikini Bottom, available starting October 8 in restaurants nationwide and on the Wendy’s app.

Batteries Plus Strengthens Leadership with New Appointments and Focus on Diversity: Batteries Plus is emphasizing leadership, diversity, and opportunities for underrepresented communities. As part of this strategy, the brand is announcing two key leadership appointments that will play a pivotal role.

Victor Daher, a seasoned franchise development expert with extensive experience in diverse markets, has been named the Global Vice President of Franchise Development after four successful years with Batteries Plus. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, Daher’s multicultural perspective and commitment to diversity align with the brand’s mission to foster entrepreneurial growth and community support through franchising. His unique background as the son of a franchisor in Recife, Brazil, further underscores Batteries Plus’ focus on diversity as a core pillar of its long-term strategy.

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse Announces Doug Willmarth as CEO: Beans & Brews Coffeehouse is excited to announce Doug Willmarth as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Willmarth, a seasoned executive, will take over leadership as of October 1, 2024. 

Willmarth brings leadership experience, with his most recent position as President of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. Prior to MOOYAH, Willmarth held leadership roles at Wingstop, Pizza Hut, Chili’s, as well as marketing and growth roles at packaged goods companies Pepsico and Kraft Foods. He credits his collaborative leadership philosophy to his nine years of service as a Naval Officer and Aviator.