1) Takeaways From the IFA Convention

Leaders in franchising touted a promising outlook to kick off the general session at the 2025 IFA Convention in Las Vegas. Speakers highlighted global impacts on franchising and advised franchisors, franchisees and suppliers to strengthen industry relationships over the three-day conference and beyond.

“We are poised to make 2025 the year of franchising,” IFA President and CEO Matt Haller said.

Haller called attention to an anticipated surge in franchising, referencing the newest IFA Franchising Economic Outlook report. The annual report predicts a 20,000-unit increase and more than 210,000 jobs in 2025, with total franchise output exceeding $936.4 billion.

2) Penn Station East Coast Subs Welcomes New Senior Vice President of Sales and Development 

Penn Station East Coast Subs, the fast-casual sandwich franchise known for its craveable variety of made-to-order hot and cold subs, fresh-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Don Champion as the new Senior Vice President of Sales and Development. Champion brings more than 25 years of experience in the franchise industry, both as a franchisor and a multi-unit franchisee, to this pivotal role.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Penn Station East Coast Subs, a brand with a rich history and immense potential for growth,” said Champion. “My goal is to build on the company’s strong foundation by expanding our footprint while maintaining the incredible culture and franchisee relationships that have made Penn Station such a trusted name.

3) Barrio Burrito Bar Expands in Georgia With 110-unit Master Franchise Agreement

BurritoBar USA Inc. is pleased to announce that it has awarded the Master Franchise rights for the state of Georgia. This agreement will see the opening of 110 new franchised Barrio Burrito Bar restaurants. Barrio Burrito Bar is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, daily-prepared meats, homemade salsas, and unique menu offerings such as Bang-Bang Shrimp, Crunchy Chicken, and “Extreme Fries,” providing options the whole family can enjoy.

The brand initially entered the U.S. market in 2020 under the name BURRITOBAR. In mid-2024, it rebranded to Barrio Burrito Bar to create a name that is both memorable and easy to pronounce.

EXTRA SAUCE 💥

Thryv and 1-800Accountant Announce New Partnership Designed to Optimize Small Business Growth: Thryv® (NASDAQ: THRY), the leading do-it-all small business software platform, announced a partnership with 1-800Accountant, America’s largest virtual accounting firm. This collaboration brings together two of the nation’s top resources for business and accounting support, both equally dedicated to optimizing small business growth.

This agreement entitles Thryv clients to receive a free Tax Savings Consultation, a timely offering as businesses prepare for annual tax filings. This 30-minute call with a small business tax expert, a $199 value, includes a business needs analysis and covers the benefits and financial savings of embracing a proactive tax strategy. 1-800Accountant’s experts identify over $12,000 in annual tax savings on average¹.

Cousins Subs Announces Promotion of Joe Ferguson to Executive Vice President: Cousins Subs® is proud to announce the promotion of Joe Ferguson to executive vice president. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate and franchise sales—including 20 years with Cousins Subs—Ferguson has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.

Ferguson joined the Cousins Subs leadership team in 2011 and was elevated to executive vice president in late 2024. In this expanded role, he oversees IT and purchasing while leading franchise and corporate growth initiatives. He plays a key role in identifying new sites, negotiating deals and guiding the development team to drive growth. Ferguson also manages franchise sales, real estate, design and construction, ensuring brand consistency and long-term success for Cousins Subs.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Bolsters Leadership Team: Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is strengthening its leadership team with the addition of two seasoned industry veterans.

Lawrence Brown joins as Chief Development Officer, bringing a proven track record in franchising, business development and real estate strategy. Carmela Hughley steps in as Senior Vice President of Marketing Insights and Innovation, bringing deep expertise in brand growth, operations and customer engagement. Together with CEO Linda Chadwick, they will shape the next phase of expansion for the iconic frozen treat brand.

Slim Chickens Names Greg Vojnovic as Chief Development Officer: Slim Chickens has named Greg Vojnovic as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO). With over three decades of experience in restaurant development, franchise growth, and strategic real estate planning, Vojnovic will play an essential role in driving Slim Chickens’ growth.

Vojnovic previously served as CDO for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for eight years and Arby’s Restaurant Group for three, and continued as CDO for Inspire Brands where he led transformational growth initiatives for some of the industry’s most well-known brands, including Buffalo Wild Wings. Most recently, Vojnovic was CEO of a 40+ unit restaurant franchise group with locations in several states across the U.S.

Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Names Chris Nichols, Senior Vice President Of Franchise Sales: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, a leading lifestyle brand, today announced the appointment of Chris Nichols as Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales.

In his new role, Nichols will focus on expanding the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand into new markets and supporting its affiliates in achieving their growth objectives.

Since 2015, Nichols has served as Managing Regional VP of Franchise Sales, where he played an instrumental role in the brand’s growth through affiliations, mergers, and acquisitions. His deep market understanding and financial expertise have been essential in helping guide affiliated brokers to evaluate their current positions and future goals.

Hyatt Announces Plans to Acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V., Enhancing Hyatt’s All-Inclusive Platform: Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that Hyatt has entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA, Playa) for $13.50 per share, or approximately $2.6 billion, including approximately $900 million of debt, net of cash. Playa is a leading owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica and Hyatt is currently the beneficial owner of 9.4% of Playa’s outstanding shares.

“Hyatt has firmly established itself as a leader in the all-inclusive space, a journey that began in 2013 through an investment in Playa Hotels & Resorts that launched the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara brands,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt. “We have respected and benefitted from Playa’s operating expertise and outstanding guest experience delivery for years through their ownership and management of eight of our Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara hotels. This pending transaction allows us to broaden our portfolio while providing more value to all of our stakeholders through an expanded management platform for all-inclusive resorts.”