The Contenders

Coffee lovers on-the-go will be treated to a new brand of specialty-grade coffee, Bright Energy, real-fruit smoothies, whole-leaf teas, and good eats from The Human Bean starting the fall of 2025.   The drive-thru stand located at 271 North Tyndall Parkway is locally owned and operated by Shannon & Chase Maddox, who also own and operate […]

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has announced the launch of a new $100,000 initiative—The Flourish Fund, created in partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs to further expand resources for people and families with autism. The Flourish Fund provides financial support to families caring for a loved one with autism to cover essential autism-related items and services […]

Randy’s Donuts, the iconic Southern California donut brand known for its giant rooftop donut and delicious hand-made treats, is continuing its global expansion with new international franchise partnerships in Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.  In Mexico, Randy’s Donuts has entered a landmark agreement to open 25 stores, with two locations already open in Mexico […]

Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading açai bowl, handcrafted smoothie and raw juice chains for 30 years, is entering Nevada through a newly signed development agreement. The deal was inked by local franchisee and Marine Corps officer Sukhbir Toor, who will open the brand’s first Silver State location in Gardnerville by late summer. […]

California Tortilla, the unique fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its bold “California-style” Mexican food, is turning 30 this year and is celebrating by turning back time to 1995. On Wednesday June 18, fans can head to any California Tortilla location and score $5 burritos and bowls all day long. “We’ve been proudly serving our guests […]

Cheba Hut, the “Toasted” sub shop known for laid-back vibes, next-level sandwiches and the sweet taste of childhood in a cold cup of Kool-Aid, is rolling up another joint in the DFW area. Opening soon at 2301 E. Broad St., Bldg. 100, Suite 141, the shop is just down the road from Methodist Mansfield Medical […]

Smoothie King has set its sights on expansion in Arizona and announced the grand opening of a new store in Phoenix, located at 4757 Greenway Rd, Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ. As part of Smoothie King’s strategic plan to grow its footprint in the Southwest, the brand plans to open two more Arizona locations soon: one in […]

CityBird, a premium chicken tender restaurant focused on unmatched quality, announces goals for further expansion in Cincinnati and entrance into Dayton. As chicken continues to “rule the roost ” with both consumers and operators, CityBird looks to meet this growing demand by bringing its cage-free, all-natural tenders to more communities across Ohio. With six thriving locations already operating across Cincinnati, the […]