1) WellBiz’s Newest Exec Brings Growth Strategies to Beauty and Wellness Brands

James Franks has learned a thing or two in his franchise career, which spans more than a quarter century. He looks to put those lessons to work in his newest venture: senior vice president of franchise growth for beauty and wellness platform WellBiz Brands.

“I get to help people achieve their lifelong dreams, goals and desires by the franchise system I represent and be the vehicle for them to achieve those goals,” Franks said. “Whether it’s the most sophisticated franchisee that owns 200 locations under multiple brands or a first-time entrepreneur that used their life savings opening their first location, it’s very important we handle it correctly and with class.”

Franks joined WellBiz in early March, noting he felt inspired to learn more about the beauty, health and wellness categories after seeing their rise in demand since the pandemic. The platform is home to five beauty and wellness concepts: Amazing Lash Studio, Drybar, Elements Massage, Fitness Together and Radiant Waxing.

2) Hooters Founders Seek Revival as Debt, ‘Industry Headwinds’ Push Chain Into Bankruptcy

A pair of franchisees want to buy more than 100 corporate-owned Hooters restaurants as the franchisor works through the bankruptcy process. Hooters of America declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy March 31 in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Texas.  

Hooters Inc., the multi-unit group run by the original Hooters founders, and fellow franchisee Hoot Owl Restaurants, reached an agreement in principle with HOA they say will put units “in the hands of the best possible operators.” They plan to run the brand as a fully franchised system.

3) Re-Bath Strengthens Presence in Washington, D.C. Metro Area with Three-Territory Agreement

Former Amazon Executive, Kourtnie Perry-Calhoun Expands Footprint of One of America’s Largest Bathroom Remodelers in the Nation’s Capital.

The bathroom remodeling industry is booming in 2025, and Re-Bath is capitalizing on this growth with a new three-territory agreement to bring its high-quality, convenient services to the Washington, D.C. metro area. With Virginia and Maryland ranked among the nation’s fastest-growing states for franchise unit growth, new franchisee Kourtnie Perry-Calhoun sees this market as a prime opportunity to leverage her decades of marketing and management experience and introduce one of America’s largest bathroom remodelers to new customers.

EXTRA SAUCE 💥

Large QSR Franchisee Signs 50-Unit Agreement With Tide Laundromat: Dallas-based CMG Companies believes the market is ripe for a national laundromat brand with a well-known name and backed by one of the largest retail companies in the world. 

CMG signed a 50-unit development agreement in the Southwest with Tide Laundromat, which is a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble.

The deal comes on the heels of two large development deals Tide inked last year: a 51-unit agreement with the former chief strategy officer at KBP Brands last fall and a 14-unit agreement with Consolidated Cleaners & Consolidated Laundromats in Florida last summer that will bring the group’s unit count of Tide Laundromats and Tide Cleaners to 47.

Bar Louie Files Bankruptcy Again to Restructure, Reduce Debt: For the second time in less than five years, Bar Louie filed for bankruptcy.The casual dining franchise filed in early 2020 and again last week, stating Bar Louie reached a deal with a lender to reduce debt and restructure the business.

The latest Chapter 11 filing for Texas-based Bar Louie came March 26 in Delaware. In its filing, Bar Louie listed assets between $1 million and $10 million and its liabilities from $50 million to $100 million. It claimed between 5,001 and 10,000 creditors.

The brand’s biggest debt is to U.S. Foods Dallas, a broadline food distributor, for $1.8 million. That’s followed by a $590,639 debt to Edward Don & Company, a food equipment and supply company; $148,182 owed to Produce Alliance, a food vendor; and $133,813 to SCP Northfield for rent.

A proposed purchase price was not disclosed, and any deal must be approved by a U.S. bankruptcy judge before it becomes final.

Batteries Plus Launches Buy One, Plant One Campaign to Celebrate Earth Month: Batteries Plus is proud to work with Energizer and the Arbor Day Foundation to launch its inaugural Buy One, Plant One promotion in celebration of April’s Earth Month. The campaign marks the debut of Batteries Plus’s Power with Purpose charitable platform, created to unify and amplify the brand’s philanthropic initiatives executed throughout the year.

As part of the Buy One, Plant One promotion, Batteries Plus promises to plant one tree through the Arbor Day Foundation for every 24-pack of Energizer MAX® AA or AAA batteries sold in new, plastic-free packaging at Batteries Plus. Batteries Plus is additionally offering a $5 off discount for the Energizer batteries sold in 100% recyclable packaging* to further support this initiative. The Buy One, Plant One promotion runs from April 1 through May 31.

Scenthound Responds to Demand for Pet Care in Southwest Region with Multi-Unit Expansion: Scenthound announces development deals for 11 locations. Scenthound will be debuting in Arizona and New Mexico while expanding in Utah. The development furthers its mission of making routine hygiene services accessible to pet parents and their canine family members.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these passionate and driven entrepreneurs into the Scenthound family,” says Tim Vogel, Co-Founder and CEO of Scenthound. “We will continue to change the way people think about caring for their dogs by emphasizing the importance of practicing proactive wellness.”

Big Chicken Partners with Figure 8 to Accelerate Digital Growth: Big Chicken is taking its full court press to the digital space. Through a strategic partnership with Figure 8, Big Chicken is doubling down on its commitment to franchisee success, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence. This partnership represents another step toward building a legacy rooted in BIG Flavor, BIG Fun and BIG Smiles, pillars inspired by Shaquille O’Neal’s vision for the brand – translating these values to the digital experience.

Figure 8 has overhauled Big Chicken’s onboarding process for digital channels at all existing locations and now every new restaurant location will launch with a fully-realized digital activation. 

“Figure 8 expertise ensures that we’re delivering BIG Smiles for all our guests right from the start,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken. “Together, we’re building a more adaptable digital strategy that positions Big Chicken for long-term success.”

School of Rock Expands with Master Franchise Agreement in Germany: School of Rock newly signed master franchise agreement for Germany. The deal will bring a minimum of 35 new School of Rock locations to communities across Germany over the next 12 years.

The agreement has been awarded to Dominik Ueblacker and Bill Cole, shareholders of Stein & Semmel GmbH – a name that fittingly translates to “Rock and Roll” in German. Their company plans to open the first school by the end of 2025 in Munich, with long-term plans to establish a presence in every major German market.

“Germany is a natural next step, not only because of its deep cultural ties to music, including the Beatles’ early performances in Hamburg, but because we see international demand for our transformative music education program,” said Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock. “Dominik and Bill bring a powerful combination of entrepreneurial drive, local insight, and a genuine passion for our mission, and we are thrilled to partner with them to introduce School of Rock to students and families across Germany.”

McDonald’s opens a global capacity center in India: McDonald’s plans to establish its largest global capacity center (GCC) outside of the United States in Hyderabad, India. The Times of India first reported the chain’s partnership with the Telangana state government in India to establish the space, which is about 200,000 square feet and situated in the city’s information technology hub.

The GCC is expected to be operational by April, with plans to recruit more than 2,000 employees in the next few years.

McDonald’s chief executive officer Chris Kempczinski, Global Business Services president Skye Anderson, chief global impact officer Jon Banner, and India GBS head Deshant Kaila recently met with Telangana chief minister Anumula Revanth Reddy to outline the company’s plans, including sourcing from Telangana farmers for national and international markets and establishing a training hub. Reddy posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the partnership would create thousands of jobs and indirect business opportunities.