Fast-Casual Chain Cava Targets 1,000 Locations by 2032
After opening 58 new locations in 2024, the company plans to top that number this year with more than 60 new restaurants planned. The fast-casual Mediterranean chain currently operates 367 restaurants across 26 states and Washington, DC, with a bold goal of reaching 1,000 locations by 2032.
Qdoba Mexican Eats Expands with 500 New Locations on the Way
Qdoba Mexican Eats is speeding up its growth across the nation, adding 33 new locations to its plans and bringing total restaurant commitments to more than 500 across the United States. The fast-casual Mexican chain is growing through key franchise partnerships in many regions. In the Northeast, PFGS, LLC will build 15 locations across Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. Meanwhile, Empire Inc. has agreed to open 10 restaurants in the Columbus, Ohio area, using their experience running over 100 restaurants including Subway and Dunkin' stores.
University Dining Gets an Upgrade with Experiential Brands
Fast casual restaurants are opening in an unlikely new location: college campuses. Experiential Brands, which owns popular concepts like The Original Hot Chicken, Flametown Burgers, INKED Tacos, and Pinsa Roman Pizza, is seeing on-campus dining as the next frontier for growth. The company just opened its first university locations at Auburn University, East Carolina University and the University of Tennessee.
"Aloha Spirit" Spreads as Hawaiian Bros Sign New Franchise Deals
Hawaiian Bros, the fast-casual restaurant chain dishing up island-inspired eats, has signed three major multi-unit franchise deals to open more restaurants. The new agreements will add lots of new Hawaiian Bros locations in markets like Portland, Nashville, and Las Vegas over the coming years. With its tropical style, tasty food, and growing number of locations, Hawaiian Bros is heating things up as it brings island flavors to mainland markets. The recent multi-unit franchise agreements mark a major wave of expansion for the on-the-rise brand.
