HTeaO Opens Nine Shops in Q3
HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise, opened nine new stores across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the third quarter of 2026, building on the brand’s presence in markets where it continues to see strong guest and franchisee demand. The quarter also marked a new chapter for HTeaO with the appointment of Brian Wise as […]
Bubbakoo’s Burritos Opens in Olney, Maryland
Bubbakoo’s Burritos, the award-winning Mexican-fusion concept, announces the opening of its newest location in Olney, Maryland, on Friday, Oct. 2. Located at 16822 Georgia Ave., just steps from Roots Market, the new restaurant is locally owned and operated by Amarvir Brar and brings Bubbakoo’s signature customizable menu and bold flavors to the Olney community. To […]
Paul Tran
Director of Franchising and Franchisee, Hot Palette America/Pepper Lunch RestaurantsPaul Tran is an entrepreneur and advisor in the franchise and restaurant space.
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Kajal Patel
CEO, Hena Group (Buffalo Wild Wings and Dunkin’ franchisee)The Hena Group serves customers at Dunkin’ locations in the Chicago area and Kentucky, impressing guests with high-level customer service.
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Mandy Ristic
Franchisee, Operating Partner, OM Group (Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, QDOBA, Smoothie King, Jimmy John’s)Mandy is a multi-unit franchisee with over 30 years experience. Currently overseeing 7 brands throughout Detroit and Lansing, Michigan, and Toledo, and Cleveland, Ohio.
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Ryan O’Malley
Franchisee, Wendy’s of Bowling Green, Inc.Ryan O’Malley’s restaurant career began in 2007 at Wendy’s of Bowling Green, where he held roles from GM to district manager to director of operations.
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Ryan Feghali
Managing Partner, Cedars Group (Little Caesars and Jersey Mike’s), and cofounder, CoCo Playa Coffee & CookiesHe currently owns and operates both Little Caesars Pizza and Jersey Mike’s Subs franchises in Arizona and California.
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Ben Little
Zaxby’s and Sweathouz franchisee, and podcasterBen Little runs the No. 1 Zaxby’s franchise in the U.S. His company owns 14 locations, employs over 800 people, and generates more than $50 million in annual revenue.
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Lela Dinakaran
Second-Generation Bojangles Franchise, Georgia FoodsAs a second-generation Bojangles franchisee, Lela oversees all the marketing strategies for her family’s 46 franchise stores in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
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Oliver Hurd
Managing Partner of 61 Holdings (Popeyes and Del Taco franchisee)Oliver began his career at Restaurant Brands International, where he held cross-functional roles spanning finance, marketing, development, and operations across all RBI brands in North and South America.
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