Franchising News - 
- Jenny Craig (USA) Launches French & European Development
10 Mar 2010 - Nestlé today announced the launch of its Jenny Craig weight management programme in France. Credit: Jenny Craig
- Fatburger (USA) Announces 2nd Dubai Location & Beijing Opening
10 Mar 2010 - Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.'s (OTCBB: FCCG) Fatburger restaurant unit this week announced its latest Middle East launch scheduled for mid-March in Dubai, marking the second location in the city. Credit: QSR Magazine
- India, Vietnam, Cuba Named Top Emerging Destinations in Virtuoso Survey
10 Mar 2010 - Asia and Latin America locations rose to the top of the list as up-and-coming destinations in the newly released 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report. Credit: Hotels
- Subway (USA) Targets 500 Stores in China
09 Mar 2010 - Subway aims to have 500 stores in mainland China within five years and will start by adding 35 to 50 stores this year, Reuters reported yesterday. Credit: Reuters
- Marriott International (USA) Plans to Double Europe Hotels
09 Mar 2010 - Marriott International plans to more than double the number of its properties in Europe in the next few years. Credit: Wall Street Journal
- McDonald's Global Comparable Sales Increase 4.8%
09 Mar 2010 - McDonald's Corporation today announced global comparable sales growth of 4.8% in February. Credit: McDonald's Corporation
- Tim Horton's (Canada) Plans 900 Store Development
08 Mar 2010 - Tim Horton’s is preparing to test drive a new upscale restaurant format in the United States and broaden its North American product line as part of a three-year expansion plan that will include the opening of about 900 new stores. Credit: TheStar
- NexCen Brands (USA) to Expand Its Franchised Brands in the Middle East
08 Mar 2010 - Great American Cookies Stores to Open in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Credit: NexCen Brands
- Richoux (UK) Announces Dubai Franchise Agreement
08 Mar 2010 - Richoux, the London-based restaurant chain, has announced the first franchise in Dubai will open in early 2011. Credit: Arabian Business
- House of Fraser (UK) Targets Middle East Franchise Expansion
07 Mar 2010 - House of Fraser is set to announce plans to expand into the Middle East, as the department store chain aims to expand its customer base by taking advantage of demand for designer brands in the region. Credit: Financial Times
- Food Franchise Sector Sees Middle East Expansion
07 Mar 2010 - Investors in the food business sector, attending the Franchising Middle East (FME) have expressed their plans of expanding their local brands and international names, organisers said. Credit: AMEinfo
- Carmen Steffens (Brazil) to Franchise in Australia
05 Mar 2010 - Carmen Steffens is a Brazilian-based franchise that sells high-fashion shoes and handbags and has over 150 franchises around the world, with plans to boost its Australian presence over the next few years. Credit: Carmen Steffens
- Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries (USA) Signs 50 Unit Middle East Agreement
04 Mar 2010 - Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries, known for its fresh, made to order hand pattied burgers and fresh cut fries, has signed a multi-unit franchising deal with Future Kid Entertainment Company for 50+ units throughout the Middle East region. Credit: Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries
- TNT (Netherlands) Opens Franchise in Kenya
03 Mar 2010 - TNT Express, the world’s leading provider of express delivery services has advanced its expansion plans in the Eastern Africa region with the inauguration of its newest Express Centre. Credit: Capital Business
- 7-Eleven (USA) Plans Shanghai Expansion
03 Mar 2010 - Convenience store chain 7-Eleven plans to open 50 new stores in Shanghai this year, and aims to expand to 165 stores in the city within three years and 300 stores within five years. Credit: JLM Pacific Epoch
- Marriott (USA) Awards Jordan Franchise
03 Mar 2010 - Marriott International, Inc. will open its first luxury JW Marriott hotel and fourth branded hotel in Jordan in 2013 in Aqaba under a recently-concluded agreement with Beaches for Hotels & Spas P.S.C. Credit: AMEinfo
- Cold Stone Creamery (USA) Signs Thailand Franchise
03 Mar 2010 - Cold Stone Creamery has announced it has signed a Master Franchise agreement for Thailand. Credit: Cold Stone Creamery
- Middle East Posts Best 2009 Regional Hotel Results
02 Mar 2010 - Deloitte, the business advisory firm, has confirmed that hotels in the Middle East achieved the highest occupancy, average room rates and revPAR globally in 2009. Credit: Hotels
- Harvey Nichols (UK) Signs Franchises for Turkey, Brazil & Russia
02 Mar 2010 - Department store Harvey Nichols is looking further afield to boost sales. Credit: Vogue
- Realty Executives (USA) Awards Franchise Rights in G.C.C.
02 Mar 2010 - Realty Executives International, Inc. announced franchising rights to six countries of the Middle East’s Gulf Region: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Credit: RIS Media
- Gulfood Awards 2010 - the Winners and Finalists
28 Feb 2010 - At a spectacular gala dinner at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 22 February, attended by more than 750 industry representatives, the finalists and winners in the 2010 Gulfood Awards were announced. Credit: FoodBev
- Swensen's (Canada) Develops India Market
28 Feb 2010 - Swensen's, a Canada based chain of ice-cream restaurants is planning to foray in the Indian market through their Asian License Minor International, supported by Franchise India International. Credit: ImagesFood
- Gap (USA) Targets Italy Franchisees
28 Feb 2010 - Building off its strong financial performance in 2009, Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today announced that it would enter the Italian market in 2010 as one of its long term growth investments. Credit: Gap
- Medicine Shoppe (UA) Awards MidEast Franchise
28 Feb 2010 - Lifeline Group LLC of Abu Dhabi has acquired the master franchise rights for The Medicine Shoppe pharmacy chain for the Middle East. Credit: EveryFranchise
- Mo'men Group (Egypt) Signs 20 Unit UAE Franchise
28 Feb 2010 - Following the signing of master franchisee agreement with the Mo'men Group, an Egypt based fast food giant, Al Islami today launched the Mo'men chain of restaurant in the UAE. Credit: MeatTradeNews
- House of Fraser (UK) Awards MidEast Franchise
28 Feb 2010 - UK department store group House of Fraser has signed a franchise agreement with the aim of expanding into the Middle East market. Credit: Arabian Business
- Froots (USA) Awards UAE & Oman Franchise
28 Feb 2010 - FROOTS, a rapidly growing quick service food and smoothies franchise, has added David Rodgers of Gourmet Food General Trading LLC as their Master Franchisee for the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Credit: Froots
- Cafe Ceramique (UAE) Opens in Bahrain
28 Feb 2010 - The award-winning family restaurant adds another feather on its cap as it opens its first outlet in Bahrain. Credit: AMEinfo
- Hamleys (UK) to Expand Further into Middle East
28 Feb 2010 - Hamleys' productive run extended to the Middle East, where its franchise store in Dubai (at The Dubai Mall) run by partner Retail Arabia International reported a festive-season LFL sales increase of 54 per cent. Credit: Evan Carmichael
- Rezidor Hotels (Sweden) Plans Big for the UAE
25 Feb 2010 - After a bumper year in 2009, with 36 hotel openings across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Rezidor Hotel Group plans to keep up the pace of expansion despite tough market conditions. Credit: KhaleejTimes
- Haldiram's (India) Targets UK
23 Feb 2010 - Indian snacks and fast food player Haldiram's on Sunday said it will take its restaurant business overseas, starting with UK this year. Credit: Chain Leader
- Debenhams (UK) Awards Franchise Rights for 11 Countries in Eastern Europe
23 Feb 2010 - Debenhams has recently agreed with RTC group to grant the company franchise rights to open stores in another 11 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Credit: Property Express
- New York Brands Go for Middle East Market
22 Feb 2010 - New Yorkers, self-defined as global trendsetters, continue to pave the way in Kuwait and Dubai but this time it's with classic Americana staples: frozen low-calorie dessert, burgers and cupcakes. Credit: Independent on Sunday
- American Eagle Outfitters Signs Middle East Agreement
22 Feb 2010 - American Eagle Outfitters is taking its first overseas flight to the Middle East. Credit: Franchise Talk
- Turkey's Secondary Cities Poised for Development
22 Feb 2010 - The HTLroundtable was created as a forum for hotel and real estate professionals to discuss trends in the hotel, tourism and leisure sector. Credit: Hotels
- UAE's Futtaim to Open Carrefour (France) Branch in Iraq
19 Feb 2010 - Majid Al-Futtaim (MAF) Retail manages a joint venture in the Middle East with France's Carrefour, the world's second-biggest retailer by revenue after Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Credit: Arab News
- T Magazine (US) to Franchise in the Gulf
19 Feb 2010 - First there were the Abu Dhabi campuses of NYU and the Guggenheim. Credit: The National Mixed Media
- Koutons Retail (India) to Franchise in the Middle East
19 Feb 2010 - Koutons Retail looks beyond India Credit: FashionUnited
- Club Med (France) to Open in China
19 Feb 2010 - Melco China Resorts (Holding) Limited (TSXV: MCG) ("Melco China Resorts" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into definitive management agreements (the "Agreements") with Club Med Asie S.A. ("Club Med"). Credit: Club Med
- Fatburger (US) Opens in Beijing
18 Feb 2010 - Fatburger this week announced its latest Asia Pacific launch scheduled for late February in Beijing, shortly after the weeklong Chinese New Year festivities. Credit: Fatburger
- U Hotels & Resorts (US) Expands in India
18 Feb 2010 - Jonathan Wigley, Chairman of Absolute KBJ Hotel Services India and CEO of Absolute Hotel Services Thailand announces four more new hotels in India as members of U Hotels & Resorts. Credit: Hotels
- Smoothie Factory (US) Awards China & Vietnam Markets
17 Feb 2010 - Smoothie Factory has recently executed a master franchise agreement in China and a multiple unit development agreement in Vietnam taking a significant step forward towards achieving plans for international expansion. Credit: Smoothie Factory
- Kwik-Fit (UK) Establishes Russian Tyre Retail Franchise Partnership
17 Feb 2010 - On 10 February Kwik-Fit Group announced that is has entered into a Frachise agreement with the ROLF Group, one of Russia’s leading automotive businesses. Credit: Tyrepress
- P.F. Chang's (US) Signs Philippines Franchise Agreement
17 Feb 2010 - P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. today announced a development and license agreement with Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc., a leading casual dining operator in the Philippines, to develop eight restaurants over the next five years. Credit: P.F. Chang's
- Chiquita (USA) Signs Middle East Master
16 Feb 2010 - Chiquita Brands International, Inc. today announced the signing of an international master franchise agreement in the Middle East for the operation of Chiquita Fruit Juice Bars, as part of its global innovation strategy. Credit: Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
- Gourmet Gulf (UAE) Targets 100 Units by 2014
15 Feb 2010 - Gourmet Gulf Company, a pioneering food and beverage retail company operating top-tier brands in the Gulf region, has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for the Middle East and India, with its franchise-driven strategy targeting 100 units by 2014. Credit: AMEinfo
- Maggie Moo's (USA) [NexCen] Opens in Singapore
15 Feb 2010 - NexCen Brands, Inc. today announced the opening of the first MaggieMoo's(r) franchised store in Asia. Credit: Chain Leader
- Gloria Jean's (Australia) Awards Lebanon Franchise
15 Feb 2010 - International Franchisor of the Year for 2009, Gloria Jean's Coffees, has continued its expansion and opened its first coffee house in Lebanon. Credit: Franchising Australia
- Burger Fuel (New Zealand) Opens Saudi Franchise
15 Feb 2010 - New Zealand gourmet burger chain Burger Fuel Worldwide Ltd has opened its first store in Saudi Arabia. Credit: NZ Herald
- Chipotle Mexican Grill (USA) Targets France & Germany
13 Feb 2010 - “Thoughtful expansion” will continue this year with a big focus on international development. Credit: Fast Food Maven
- Middle East & China Focus for Hotel Development in 2010
13 Feb 2010 - Although the global economy remains shaky, hotel companies are building a slew of new hotels in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Credit: Wall Street Journal
- Best Western (USA) Opens First Hotel in Ukraine
13 Feb 2010 - Best Western International has expanded its portfolio in Eastern Europe with its first hotel in the Ukraine, the Best Western Sevastopol Hotel in Sevastopol, located in one of the largest sea ports and cultural-historical centers. Credit: Hotels
- General Nutrition Centers (USA) Enters China Market
13 Feb 2010 - GNC a leading global retailer of nutritional products, announced today that it, together with its parent company, has entered into a memorandum of understanding to form a strategic partnership with Bright Food (Group) Co., LTD (Bright Food). Credit: GNC
- Golden Tulip (USA) Expands in Thailand
11 Feb 2010 - Global hospitality management conglomerate Golden Tulip has continued its strategic expansion into South-east Asia with the recent signing of two hotels in Thailand's popular resort destination of Pattaya. Credit: Hotels
- Landmark Group (MidEast) Unveils ICONIC, Trailblazing Retail Concept
11 Feb 2010 - Landmark Group, one of the largest retail conglomerates in the Middle East and India, announced the imminent launch of a brand new fashion concept that is poised to revolutionize the retail landscape in the region. Credit: AMEinfo
- Dairy Queen (USA) to Open in Egypt & Macau
11 Feb 2010 - Dairy Queen (DQ), an international chain of soft serve and fast food restaurants, is planning to open its first stores in Macau and Egypt this year, Reuters reported yesterday. Credit: Macau Times
- Building For International Retail Expansion
11 Feb 2010 - Building For International Retail Expansion Credit: FreshBusinessThinkingcom
- International Sales Drive McDonald's and Coca-Cola Upbeat Numbers
10 Feb 2010 - Two of the world’s largest food and beverage companies – McDonald’s Corp. and the Coca-Cola Co. – said Tuesday that they have countries other than the U.S. to thank for their recent strong performance. Credit: LA Times
- Russia's Fast Food Market Booms
09 Feb 2010 - Russia’s Fast Food Market Booms as Fewer Gourmands Are Able to Afford Restaurant Dishes Credit: RussiaProfile org
- Omani & British Firms to Develop $1.1b Resort in Bulgaria
09 Feb 2010 - Oman's government investment arm, State General Reserve Fund (SGRF), has joined hands with a unit of Britain's Equest Investment Balkans to set up a $1.1 billion ski resort in Bulgaria, Reuters reported. Credit: Hotels
- Elevation Burger (USA) Awards Franchise for Kuwait
09 Feb 2010 - Elevation Burger, the five-unit chain specializing in organic burgers and fries cooked in olive oil, signed its first international franchise deal and plans to expand into the Middle East later this year. Credit: Nation’s Restaurant News
- Orkin (USA) Establishes First Franchise in Ireland
08 Feb 2010 - Rollins Inc., a nationwide consumer services company, announced today that the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Orkin, has established a new international franchise in Ireland. Credit: Orkin
- NexCen Brands (USA) Opens First MaggieMoo's Store in Asia
08 Feb 2010 - NexCen Brands, Inc. today announced the opening of the first MaggieMoo's(R) franchised store in Asia. Credit: NexCen
- IKEA (Sweden) Plans Largest ME Store in Abu Dhabi
08 Feb 2010 - IKEA UAE, an affiliate of the Al-Futtaim Group, broke ground in the capital for the biggest IKEA store in the Middle East on Wednesday, and said it will seek further expansion in other untapped Gulf markets such as Qatar and Oman. Credit: MENAFN
- Energie Fitness Club (UK) Launches in the Middle East
06 Feb 2010 - Located in Doha, Qatar the fitness franchise’s first centre is a £2m facility boasting state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance equipment. Credit: Énergie Fitness Club
- Fish and Chips Chain Launched in Russia
05 Feb 2010 - They succumbed eagerly to Ronald McDonald. Mikhail Gorbachev once advertised pizza. Credit: TimesOnline
- Medicine Shoppe (USA) Awards Franchise Rights in Middle East
05 Feb 2010 - Lifeline Group LLC of Abu Dhabi has acquired the master franchise rights for The Medicine Shoppe pharmacy chain for the Middle East. Credit: AMEinfo
- C House Italia Signs Middle East Agreement
05 Feb 2010 - Italian restaurant and lounge franchise C House Italia has signed an agreement with Nicolas Jebran Houte Couture (NJHC) to expand the brand across the Middle East. Credit: Franchise International
- WSI (Canada) Launches UAE Master Franchise
05 Feb 2010 - A Master Franchise operations have been launched today in the UAE by WSI, the world’s #1 Internet services franchise, according to industry leading Entrepreneur Magazine. Located at Dubai Media City, this new office is operated by Husam Jandal. Credit: PC Mag MidEast
- Hamleys (UK) to Expand Further into Middle East
05 Feb 2010 - Hamleys, the world-famous toy retailer, intends to broaden its reach into the Middle Eastern markets to sustain a record year-end festive-season performance which saw the company increase its like-for-like (LFL) sales by 11.6% over 2008 within the si Credit: AMEInfo
- Choice Hotels (USA-Europe) Expands into Poland
05 Feb 2010 - Silver Spring-based hotel franchisor Choice Hotels announced its first foray into Poland Monday, with plans to franchise six hotels in the country. Credit: Washington Business Post
- McDonald's Plans $135 million Investment in Russia Market
03 Feb 2010 - McDonald's will expand by 45 outlets in Russia by the end of this year, CEO Jim Skinner said Monday as the company marked the 20th anniversary of the opening of the first landmark restaurant under Soviet rule in 1990. Credit: McDonald’s
- First Pizza Inn (USA) Restaurant Opens in Bangladesh
25 Jan 2010 - Pizza Inn has continued its worldwide franchise expansion with the opening of its first location in Bangladesh. Credit: Pizza Inn
- Baja Fresh (USA) Opens First Dubai Location
25 Jan 2010 - Baja Fresh Mexican Grill the quick-casual fresh Mexican chain, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first international location at the entrance of the world famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Credit: Baja Fresh
- Spur Steak (South Africa) Opens in Dubai
25 Jan 2010 - At last, the UAE will have the opportunity to experience 'the vibe' of South African's old and loved steakhouse, Spur Steak Ranches. Credit: AMEinfo
- Extreme Pizza (USA) Opens in Ireland
22 Jan 2010 - Extreme Pizza, the leading purveyor of innovative pizzas, monster subs and salads has officially opened its doors in Dublin, Ireland. Credit: Extreme Pizza
- Burger King (USA) Opens in Russia
22 Jan 2010 - Burger King, the U.S. chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, opened on Thursday its first outlet in Russia's capital to compete with its main rival, McDonald's, the country's media reported. Credit: RIA Novosti
- Dunkin' Donuts (USA) Plans Re-entry into Russia
21 Jan 2010 - Just as Burger King is opening its first store in Russia this week, Russian business daily Vedomosti has reported that Dunkin' Donuts plans to open dozens of stores in Moscow, according to news organization RIA Novosti. Credit: QSR Web
- Freshii (USA) Signs Multiunit Deal for Middle East
21 Jan 2010 - Entrepreneurs Michael Boocher and Jennifer Ridgway have signed a multi-unit franchise deal to open 5 Freshii restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Chain Leader
- Harry Ramsden's (UK) Poised for Asia Franchise Development
21 Jan 2010 - Mr Boparan is buying the 82-year-old business from SSP, the food franchise operator, for an undisclosed sum and plans to add 100 branches to Harry Ramsden's existing 35 shops in the UK over five years. Credit: The Telegraph
- Sbarro (USA) Signs Japan JV Agreement
20 Jan 2010 - Sbarro today announced its aggressive expansion into the Japanese market which will include the opening of 1,250 units. Credit: Sbarro
- Diyafa (Bahrain) Signs Franchise Agreement with Shakespeare and Co. (UAE)
19 Jan 2010 - Diyafa Holdings Co. W.L.L.; a subsidiary of Global Banking Corporation, has announced the signing of a new franchising agreement with leading regional restaurant chain Shakespeare & Co. Credit: AMEinfo
- The Little Gym (USA) Signs Master Franchise Agreement For Middle East
19 Jan 2010 - The Little Gym International has entered into a master franchise agreement with an existing franchise owner in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Credit: The Little Gym
- Carrefour (France) Targets India Franchise Development
19 Jan 2010 - Carrefour, Europe’s biggest retail chain, has agreed with Kishore Biyani of Pantaloon Retail to set up franchisee stores in India. Credit: The Economic Times
- Tim Horton's (Canada) Poised For Further International Growth
18 Jan 2010 - Tim Horton’s Inc. is lining up plans for further international growth after warming American coffee enthusiasts in the Big Apple to its fritters and Timbits. Credit: TheStar
- Fatburger (USA) Unveils Expansion Plan for Middle East, Asia Pacific
15 Jan 2010 - Fatburger this week unveiled an elaborate international expansion strategy for 2010 and beyond in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Credit: Fatburger
- Domino's Pizza (UK) Defies Recession
15 Jan 2010 - Domino's Pizza, the UK's biggest pizza delivery company, remains recession-proof as the company announces surging sales despite the continuing sluggish economy. Credit: Chain Leader
- Yogen Fruz (Canada) Signs UAE Franchise
15 Jan 2010 - Yogen Fruz has further expanded its world-wide franchise development and network of retail outlets now to the Middle East. Credit: AMEinfo
- Freshberry (USA) Opens in Middle East
14 Jan 2010 - Beautiful Brands International (BBI) announced today the opening of its first four locations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Beautiful Brands
- California Pizza Kitchen (USA) Expands MidEast Agreement
14 Jan 2010 - California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. today announced the expansion of their original agreement with Gourmet Gulf Company, an existing franchise partner. Credit: California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
- Bakeria/Fresh Plus (UAE) Expands in Gulf Region
13 Jan 2010 - Emirates General Petroleum Corporation 'Emarat' signed five agreements granting UAE investment firms the franchise of its brand 'Bakeria' and 'Fresh Plus'. Credit: AMEInfo
- 70% Saudi Teens Drive Demand for Western Food Chains
13 Jan 2010 - With about 70% of Saudis in their teens, and their preference for Western style foods over their parents generation, international and local fast food chains continue to expand and import a significant share of their required ingredients. Credit: AMEInfo
- Mamas & Papas (UK) Poised for International Development
12 Jan 2010 - Mamas & Papas, the fast-growing mother-and-baby retailer, has secured a new funding package from HSBC to support its expansion overseas. Credit: TimesOnline
- Cold Stone Creamery (USA) Signs 20 Store Thailand Agreement
11 Jan 2010 - Cold Stone Creamery has signed a 20-year agreement with Central Restaurants Group Co. Ltd. to introduce the ice cream stores in Thailand. Credit: BizJournals
- Bock Heads Up Pump It Up & BounceU (USA)
11 Jan 2010 - PIU Management, LLC, franchisor of the Pump It Up and BounceU brands, announced two new appointments to its senior management team, including Vice President of Operations Scott Keppel, and Vice President of Development and Real Estate Sean Bock. Credit: PIU Management
- Hell Pizza (New Zealand) Franchises in Canada
11 Jan 2010 - Hell Pizza has continued its global spread, opening its first Canadian store this month. Credit: New Zealand Herald
- Cookie Time (New Zealand) Signs US Franchise with GNC
11 Jan 2010 - Christchurch snack-food company Cookie Time will launch a new health bar in United States next year as part of its international expansion. Credit: Stuff NZ
- Orkin (USA) Establishes First Franchise in Lebanon
08 Jan 2010 - Rollins, Inc., a nationwide consumer services company announced today that the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Orkin, has established a new international franchise in Lebanon. Credit: Orkin
- UK Bin Cleaning Franchise Awards Franchise in Belgium
08 Jan 2010 - A Norfolk bin-cleaning company that already has a presence in the US, Australasia and South Africa has moved into mainland Europe for the first time. Credit: EDP 24
- Extreme Brandz (Canada) Plans Extreme International Growth
05 Jan 2010 - Ontario Canada - As restaurants continue to struggle with a recession that has put millions of people out of work and forced people to cut back on meals away from home, Extreme Brandz is experiencing “extreme” growth. Credit: Extreme Brandz
- Hard Rock (USA) CEO Sees Growth Opportunities in Asia
05 Jan 2010 - Hard Rock International Inc. CEO Hamish Dodds talks about the company's plan for expansion of its hotel business in Asia. Credit: Bloomberg
- Subway (USA) Japan Plans 80 Stores in 2010
05 Jan 2010 - Sandwich chain Subway Japan Inc., a subsidiary of Japan's Suntory Holdings Ltd., plans to open a record 80 outlets in 2010, boosting the total by 40 per cent to about 270. Credit: Nikkei
- Maggiano's (USA) Enters Saudi Arabia
31 Dec 2009 - Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) announced the opening of the first Maggiano's(r) location in Saudi Arabia, which also marks the only franchised Maggiano's restaurant outside of the United States. Credit: Brinker International
- 2009 The Year Vietnam Embraced Franchises
30 Dec 2009 - 2009 was a busy year for franchises with more and more well-known global brand names appearing in Vietnam's market as well as Vietnamese trademarks springing up in foreign markets. Credit: Asia Pulse
- Howard Storage World (Australia) Awards UK Master
30 Dec 2009 - An Austalian-based storage retail franchise has continued its international expansion with the opening of its latest outlet in the UK. Credit: HSW
- Russia's Far East Region Gets More than 8 BLN RBLS for Building Hotels
29 Dec 2009 - Russia's Far Eastern Primorsky territory has received 8.5 billion rubles for the construction of hotels and social infrastructure and it will get another 2.5 billion rubles for the same purposes at the beginning of next year, Prime Minister Vladimir Credit: Hotels
- Domino's (USA) India Franchisee Plans IPO
26 Dec 2009 - Domino's Pizza’s Indian franchise, a gym chain and a developer of games for Sony’s PlayStation plan to sell shares in India, riding a boom in spending in the world’s second-fastest growing major economy. Credit: The Economic Times
- 7-Eleven (USA) Targets 2,000 Stores for Malaysia
24 Dec 2009 - 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd plans to have 2,000 convenient stores nationwide in three years, boosted by its efficient franchise programme. Credit: The Star Online
- Hilton (USA) Signs Franchise in Montenegro
24 Dec 2009 - Domestic tourist company UTIP Crne Gore will soon sign a franchise contract with the world-famous Hilton hotel chain. Credit: Hotels
- Fitness Together (USA) Awards Brazil Franchise
23 Dec 2009 - Colorado's Fitness Together Franchise Corp. is expanding its franchise network to a sixth nation, Brazil. Credit: Denver Business Journal
- Vapiano (Germany) Expands into Australia
23 Dec 2009 - International dining chain, Vapiano, has opened its first Australian restaurant in Brisbane's CBD. Credit: Franchise Net
- Blimpie (USA) Awards Kuwait Franchise
21 Dec 2009 - Sub shop Blimpie announced plans for its first location in Kuwait. Credit: QSR Magazine
- Mars Venus Coaching (USA) Expands to China
21 Dec 2009 - Coach Ling Zhang and her business partner Feng Zhao have extended the Mars Venus Coaching brand to become the first coaches in China. Credit: PR.com
- KFC (USA) Nigeria Development
21 Dec 2009 - The presence of KFC in Nigeria is the result of a franchise agreement between Devyani International (Nigeria) Limited, RJ Corp of India and Chellarams Plc. Credit: Brille
- McDonald's (USA) to Target Stay-at-Home Russians
18 Dec 2009 - McDonald's still sees plenty of growth potential in Russia -- where more than two thirds of the population are yet to make a habit of eating out -- two decades after opening its first restaurant there. Credit: Reuters
- Jack Wolfskin (Germany) Continues East Europe Franchise Expansion
17 Dec 2009 - Jack Wolfskin, a retailer of outdoor clothing, opened up its first store in the Ukraine on 1st December 2007. Credit: Jack Wolfskin
- Hilton (USA) Signs First Hampton in Germany
17 Dec 2009 - Hilton Worldwide announces the signing of its first Hampton by Hilton hotel in the city of Berlin near the Kaiser Wilhem Church. Credit: Hilton
- Wendy's (USA) re-enters Singapore
17 Dec 2009 - Despite last week's announcement that Wendy's sole franchisee in Japan would be closing all of its stores, the Asian market still shows promise for the burger chain. Credit: QSR Web
- Costa Coffee (UK) Acquires East Europe Coffee Brand
16 Dec 2009 - Whitbread PLC coffee-shop subsidiary Costa Ltd. Tuesday said it had agreed to buy coffeeheaven international PLC, a deal that provides a Central and Eastern European platform for Costa's international expansion. Credit: The Wall Street Journal
- Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund Takes Stake in Hyatt Hotels (USA)
16 Dec 2009 - Abu Dhabi's biggest sovereign wealth fund has bought more than 10 percent of the Hyatt Hotels Corp. shares floated by the iconic hotelier last month. Credit: Hotels
- Krispy Kreme (USA) Franchisee Opens First Store in Shanghai, China
16 Dec 2009 - Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation today announced that its long-time franchise partner, KKD Lotte Holdings Company, Ltd., has opened the first Krispy Kreme doughnut shop in Shanghai, China. Credit: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
- Ukraine Developer Focuses on Spar (UK) Franchise
16 Dec 2009 - "KStrading", a well-known Ukrainian retail developer, is planning to focus on the development of one of the world's largest food retailers, Spar, in Ukraine. Credit: FoodBizDaily
- Auntie Anne's (USA) Bahrain Franchise Open For Business
16 Dec 2009 - Auntie Anne's, one of the largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchises in North America, announced that it is continuing its global expansion with the addition of stores in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Credit: AMEinfo.com
- Hamleys (UK) Set for India Debut in February 10
14 Dec 2009 - Famous British toy retailer Hamleys will make its India debut with a 22,000-square-feet store at the popular Phoenix Mills in Mumbai, by February 2010. Credit: Business Standard
- Century 21 (USA) Awards Master Franchise in Slovakia
14 Dec 2009 - Century 21 Real Estate LLC, franchisor of one of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, has announced its expansion in Europe with the signing of a master franchise agreement to license CENTURY 21 franchises in Slovakia. Credit: RISMedia
- Pizza Inn (USA) Opens First Restaurant in Bangladesh
14 Dec 2009 - Pizza Inn, Inc., an international pizza restaurant chain with more than 300 restaurants in 11 countries, announces the opening of its first location in the capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Credit: Fishman Public Relations
- Yum Brands (USA) Overseas Sales Driving Growth
14 Dec 2009 - Yum! Brands' growth plans rely heavily on international expansion and its value-focused Taco Bell outlets amid one of the fast-food business's most challenging environments, executives said Wednesday. Credit: The Courier-Journal
- McDonald's (USA) Global Same-Store Sales Up, Domestic Down
09 Dec 2009 - McDonald's Corporation announced today that global comparable sales increased 0.7% in November. Credit: McDonald's
- Holiday Inn Express (USA) to Start Saudi Roll-Out
09 Dec 2009 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Saudi-based investment holding company, Siraj Capital Ltd (Siraj), today announced the locations of the first three Holiday Inn Express hotels to become operational in the Kingdom. Credit: Travel Daily UK
- Ritz Carlton (USA) to Open Two Hotels in Turkey
08 Dec 2009 - President and CEO of the Ritz Carlton Hotels Company, Simon Cooper announces that the company plans to establish two more hotels in Istanbul and Bodrum. Credit: Hotels
- Leo Sterling (USA) Franchising in Middle East, CIS UK and Europe
07 Dec 2009 - Leo Sterling has announced that it has recently launched a new franchise program, offering a highly cost-effective start-up to individuals in the Middle East, UK and Europe who are looking to operate their own business. Credit: AME Info
- Kidville (USA) Signs 11 Store Franchise Agreement in UAE
07 Dec 2009 - Kidville, a US children's retail brand is open 11 stores in the UAE, the company has announced. Credit: ArabianBusiness.com
- Gucci (Italy) to Franchise in India
04 Dec 2009 - The government has cleared the proposal to allow Gucci Group NV, Netherlands, for foreign equity participation of 51% stake in its Indian franchisee, Luxury Goods Retail Private Ltd, with an investment of Rs 1.04 crore. Credit: The Financial Express
- Resort Maps (USA) Awards UK Franchise
03 Dec 2009 - Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently announced agreement for franchises in Windsor, England, Escazu and Santa Ana, Costa Rica and Old San Juan Puerto Rico. Credit: Resort Maps
- Payless ShoeSource (USA) Awards Philippines Franchise
02 Dec 2009 - Payless ShoeSource announced plans today for the continued international expansion of the Payless retail chain. Credit: Payless ShoeSource
- Starbucks (USA) Sees China as Next Key Market After U.S.
01 Dec 2009 - Starbucks will see China become the company's next major market after the United States in the near future, the firm's China chairman said on Wednesday. Credit: Reuters
- Five Guys (USA) Obama's Burger Brand of Choice Opens in Canada
01 Dec 2009 - Five Guys Burgers and Fries, a U.S. burger chain, will open its first international location in Medicine Hat, Alta., Canada, in January. Credit: National Post
- Jollibee (Philippines) Awards Franchises in Vietnam and India
30 Nov 2009 - Filipino fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. sees Vietnam and India as the next countries where it wants to aggressively expand after conquering the local industry and establishing a solid presence in China. Credit: Business World
- Thai Food Chain Franchises in India
30 Nov 2009 - Thailand-based Minor Food Group will enter the Indian market next year and plans to bring three of its major brands of ice-cream, pizza and cafe. Credit: Business Line
- Wagamama (UK) Opens in Malta
30 Nov 2009 - Former Rubino proprietor Julian Sammut has much on his plate these days as Kitchen Concepts, the restaurant development company he runs, inaugurates two projects in the next fortnight. Credit: Times of Malta
- Mars Venus Coaching (USA) Opens in Poland
30 Nov 2009 - Mars Venus Coaching recently opened offices in Poland. Grzegorz Kordek, in Czosnow, has joined Mars Venus Coaching and recently completed the Mars Venus Coaching Induction Training Program held in Las Vegas. Credit: Mars Venus Coaching
- CKE Restaurants (USA) Opens 1st Hardee's in Pakistan
26 Nov 2009 - CKE Restaurants Inc. said Tuesday that it opened its first Hardee's restaurant in Pakistan. Credit: Yahoo! News
- Caffe Nero (Italy) Targets 1,000 shops in five years
25 Nov 2009 - Business is steaming hot for Caffe Nero as founder Gerry Ford attempts to keep the coffee shop chain on an expansionary curve with a projected 1,000 outlets worldwide over the next five years. Credit: Emirates Business 24/7
- Tasti D-Lite (USA) Signs UAE Franchise
24 Nov 2009 - Tasti D-Lite has signed a master franchise agreement with Tasti D-Lite UAE - operated by brothers and joint managing directors Saeed Kalafchi and Masoud Kalafchi - to open 12 locations there in the coming years. Credit: Fast Casual
- Continent Hotels (Turkey) Plans East Europe Development
24 Nov 2009 - Continent Hotels & Resorts and MAYER GMBH today announced the formation of strategic brand development and management partnership. Credit: Continent Hotels
- Subway (USA) Targets 1,000 Outlets in Russia by 2015
24 Nov 2009 - Subway, the world's No. 2 fast food restaurant chain by sales, plans to expand its Russian network to 1,000 outlets by 2015 from 78 now and make Russia its fourth-biggest European market next year. Credit: Reuters
- Starbucks (USA) plans openings in Russia and Ukraine
23 Nov 2009 - According to Starbucks Deputy President of EMEA Operations, Rossann Williams, the company intends to further expand in Russia during the present year, starting with the opening of a new outlet in St Petersburg. Credit: Retail.ru
- Gap (USA) Expands Franchising in Europe and the Middle East
20 Nov 2009 - Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand names. Credit: Gap
- M&S (UK) CEO Bolland to Drive Overseas Growth
20 Nov 2009 - Marks & Spencer Group Plc's incoming Chief Executive Officer Marc Bolland will use his 30 years' experience selling beer at Heineken NV to speed international expansion of the U.K.'s largest clothing retailer, Executive Chairman Stuart Rose said. Credit: Bloomberg
- Marco's Pizza (USA) 31 Store Caribbean Development
19 Nov 2009 - Marco's Pizza, an Italian pizza company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, has 31 stores planned for a brand new territory: the Caribbean. Credit: QSR Magazine
- Burberry (UK) to Expand China with 100 Franchisees
19 Nov 2009 - The British luxury group Burberry is planning to further boost its presence in China by expanding the number of franchised stores to 100 in the country in the next couple years. Credit: China Daily
- Chipotle Mexican Grill (USA) to Open 1st UK Restaurant
18 Nov 2009 - Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. announced plans to open a London store, its first in the European Union. Credit: Denver Business Journal
- Ruby Tuesday (USA) Awards Saudi and UK Rights
17 Nov 2009 - Casual-dining restaurant leader Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has announced new international franchise agreements for the development of its flagship brand in the Middle East and the United Kingdom. Credit: Ruby Tuesday
- Hard Rock (USA) opens in Viet Thai International
17 Nov 2009 - Hard Rock Cafe will be opened next month in Kumho Asiana Plaza, HCM City, by Viet Thai International, which has been granted developer rights to four Hard Rock Cafes in the country. Credit: Hard Rock Cafe
- Vice Versa (UAE) Grows With Double-digit Percentages for First 9 Months of 2009
17 Nov 2009 - Vice Versa International FZ-LLC has teamed up with capital and franchise advisers to accelerate their continued growth. Credit: AMEinfo
- Burger King (USA) to Open in Moscow
16 Nov 2009 - Burger King , the world's second biggest hamburger chain, said on Friday it plans to open its first Russian restaurant in Moscow this year, lured by the potential of the country's 140 million population. Credit: Reuters
- Apple (USA) to Open 40-50 International Retail Stores in 2010
16 Nov 2009 - Talking about the Apple retail strategy of getting computer users to switch from PCs to Macs, Johnson said: "Our Apple stores are a magnet for switchers. About half the people who come into our retail locations are first-time Mac buyers." Credit: Vertsol
- Yum (India) Head Aims for $1 billion Sales by 2015
12 Nov 2009 - Yum Brands Inc, owner of the KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut fast-food chains, wants to have 1,000 restaurants in India generating sales of $1 billion by 2015, the head of its Indian operations said on Tuesday. Credit: Reuters
- Papa John's (USA) International Sales Up 11% at $63.3 Million
05 Nov 2009 - Papa John's announced its third quarter earnings yesterday, revealing ups and downs: For the period ending Sept. 27, quarter revenues were down, but net income for that period was way up. Same-store domestic sales were flat. Credit: Pızza Marketplace
- Starbucks (USA) Plans First Store in Sweden
04 Nov 2009 - Starbucks and business partner Scandinavian Service Partner (SSP) plan to open the coffee chain's first store in Sweden early next year, at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. Credit: The Seattle Times
- Destination Maternity (USA) Awards India Franchise
01 Nov 2009 - Destination Maternity Corporation, the world`s leading maternity apparel retailer, announced its planned expansion into India. Credit: Franchise India
- McDonald's (USA) CEO Discusses Recipe for Success
30 Oct 2009 - Improving service, innovating quickly and consistently, and staying "customer-centric" are the key priorities for McDonald's amid the recession, according to the fast-food giant's top executive. Credit: Boston Herald
- Freshii (USA) Signs Eastern Europe Master Franchise Agreement
26 Oct 2009 - The owners of Chicago-based Freshii have signed a master franchise agreement with Andreas Kotal, owner of Vienna, Austria's, Salad Room, to convert his existing restaurant into a Freshii location and expand the brand throughout Eastern Europe. Credit: Fast Casual
- P.F. Chang's (USA) Announces International Expansion in Middle East
26 Oct 2009 - P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. today announced a development and license agreement with M.H. Alshaya, the Middle East's leading retailer, to develop 34 restaurants throughout the Middle East over the next 10 years. Credit: P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.
- Pinkberry (USA) Awards Middle East Franchise to Alshaya
26 Oct 2009 - Pinkberry the frozen yogurt concept that launched amid a flurry of long lines, celebrity praise, and customers driving hours just to get a taste of the tangy yogurt at its original Los Angeles location when it opened in 2005. Credit: Franchise Update
- Krispy Kreme (USA) Awards Franchise Rights for the Dominican Republic
22 Oct 2009 - Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation announced today that it has entered into a franchise development agreement with Dominspec, S.A. for the development of 14 Krispy Kreme shops over the next five years in the Dominican Republic. Credit: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
- Marriott (USA) to Open Two More Hotels in Russia
22 Oct 2009 - Marriott International Inc. has signed two more hotel operating agreements in Eastern Europe, bringing the company's development pipeline in the region to 10 properties due to open through 2012. Credit: Washington Business Journal
- California Pizza Kitchen (USA) Opens First Restaurant In Mexico
22 Oct 2009 - California Pizza Kitchen has opened its seventh location in Mexico. The new restaurant opened by CPK franchise partner Grupo Calpik, S.A.P.I. de C.V., is the first to open in Cancun. Credit: Food Business Review
- Gulf Capital Investments (UAE) Targeting Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt
22 Oct 2009 - "With more than half of the assets under management in regional Private Equity companies still un-invested, a limited number of deal flows and an overly-cautious capital, post-crisis survival will be challenging to many". Dr Karim El Solh, CEO Credit: Al Bawaba
- Hilton Garden Inn (USA) Opens in Saudi Arabia
22 Oct 2009 - Hilton has entered the mid-market segment in the Middle East with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn in Riyadh. Credit: Zawya
- Pizza Inn (USA) Continues Expansion into Oman
19 Oct 2009 - Pizza Inn has opened its new restaurant in Muscat, Oman. The full-service buffet-style restaurant opens on the heels of the company's first location in Muscat, a delivery-carryout location, which opened in July 2009. Credit: Food Business Review
- Mo'men (Egypt) Launches Franchise in UAE
19 Oct 2009 - The first Mo'men outlet started operations at the launch ceremony held in Sharjah. With an initial investment of 50m into the Mo'men UAE franchise Al Islami plans to open 20 outlets of Mo'men across the UAE in the next three years. Credit: AMEinfo.com
- Mothercare (UK) to Step-up Expansion in India
19 Oct 2009 - British mother and baby products retailer Mothercare is accelerating its expansion in India with plans for 200 stores, double its original target. Credit: Yahoo! Asia News
- Orkin (USA) Establishes International Franchise in Cyprus
19 Oct 2009 - Rollins, Inc., a nationwide consumer services company announced today that the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Orkin, has established a new international franchise in Cyprus. Credit: Rollins, Inc.
- Laura Ashley (UK) Awards Middle East Franchise to Al Aqili
19 Oct 2009 - Al Aqili Group, a Dubai-based regional conglomerate, has bagged the Middle East master franchise for the United Kingdom-based fashion and lifestyle brand, Laura Ashley. Credit: Emirates Business
- Office Depot (USA) Signs GCC Agreement with Alshaya
14 Oct 2009 - Office Depot, a leading global provider of office products and services, together with M.H. Alshaya Co., an international retailer, have concluded an agreement to sell office products and services under the Office Depot name. Credit: Reuters
- Dunkin' Donuts (USA) Plans 480 stores for mainland China
13 Oct 2009 - Dunkin' Donuts has secured agreements to open 480 coffee and baked goods shops in mainland China. Credit: Food Business Review
- Yellow Chilli (India) Set to Open in Bahrain
12 Oct 2009 - Bahrain-based SunCity Ventures hosted popular Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor and signed a franchisee agreement to open The Yellow Chilli outlet in the kingdom. Credit: Trade Arabia
- Burger King's (USA) Schiphol Unit Generates $12.5M in Annual Sales
08 Oct 2009 - BKC strengthened the company's broad-based commitment to global restaurant growth and the continued delivery of a quality food experience that rivals casual dining at the official grand reopening of its new 20/20 restaurant design at Schiphol Airport Credit: Burger King Corporation
- Esquires (Canada) New Zealand Franchisee Secures China Development
08 Oct 2009 - The Chinese will be drinking New Zealand-roasted coffee following a deal done by the Kiwi owners of the Esquires coffee house franchise. Credit: The New Zealand Herald
- Dairy Queen (USA) Opens 200th China Location
08 Oct 2009 - Dairy Queen opened its 200th location in China, and expects to open 500 more in that country in the next five years. Credit: Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
- Fatburger (USA) to Open 8 Indonesian Units
05 Oct 2009 - Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.'s Fatburger unit opened its first Indonesia restaurant at Plaza Indonesia in Jakarta. Credit: QSR Magazine
- Edible Arrangements (USA) Signs Master Franchisee Agreement in Turkey
05 Oct 2009 - Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements, announced today the signing of a Master Franchisee agreement with Kemal and Emre Aydin.The brothers plan to develop 15 locations throughout Turkey. Credit: Edible Arrangements International, Inc.
- McDonald's (USA) Aims To Open 1,100 McCafes Across Europe
30 Sep 2009 - McDonald's (MCD) plans to open around 1,100 of McCafes across Europe. Credit: Drinks Business Review
- Mortimer English Club (Germany) Awards Rights for Czech Republic
30 Sep 2009 - Shortly after signing a master franchise agreement for Slovakia, Mortimer English Club has announced that it has now signed a further contract for the Czech Republic. Credit: Mortimer English Club
- Crate and Barrel (USA) Announces Dubai Expansion Agreement
30 Sep 2009 - Home furnishings retailer Crate and Barrel announced today that it has entered into a franchise agreement with noted franchise specialist Al Tayer Group LLC to open stores in the Middle East in 2010. Credit: Business Wire
- Middle East's Largest IKEA (Sweden) to Open in Abu Dhabi
28 Sep 2009 - Sweden's furniture giant is expanding in United Arab Emirates, with plans to open its biggest store in the Middle East on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, near emirate's Formula 1 racetrack. Credit: Ynetnews
- Mrs Fields (USA) New Stores to Open in Bahrain, Kuwait, Greece, Saudi Arabia
28 Sep 2009 - Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, includes franchisors Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY. It has revealed expansion plans both domestically and abroad. Credit: Food Business Review
- California Pizza Kitchen (USA) Awards Master for India
28 Sep 2009 - California Pizza Kitchen, a USA-based casual restaurant franchise, is set to expand into India. Credit: California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
- Hard Rock (USA) Announces Cafe Opening in Hyderabad
28 Sep 2009 - Hard Rock International is proud to announce the opening of the new Hard Rock Cafe Hyderabad on Monday, September 21, 2009. Credit: Hard Rock Cafe
- Nordsee (Germany) Opens in Dubai
25 Sep 2009 - Nordsee, Europe's largest fish restaurant chain based in Bremerhaven, Germany, with over 400 outlets across Europe, has begun implementing its ambitious expansion plan for the MENA region by opening its first outlet in the region at The Dubai Mall. Credit: Nordsee
- Maui Wowi (USA) Awards Saudi Arabia, Turkey & Mexico
23 Sep 2009 - Maui Wowi Hawaiian, the only destination for authentic Hawaiian coffee and fresh smoothies on the Mainland, has expanded its worldwide 'Ohana (family) with new locations in Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Turkey. Credit: Maui Wowi Hawaiian
- CKE Restaurants (USA) to Double International Presence in Next Five Years
22 Sep 2009 - CKE Restaurants, Inc. has announced the opening of its first Carl's Jr. restaurant in Shanghai, China. This marks the first of more than 100 Carl's Jr. units planned over the next eight years. Credit: CKE Restaurants, Inc.
- Silver Joe's Coffee (USA) Awards Tokyo Franchise
21 Sep 2009 - C3 Brandworks' founder and Brand Communications Director, Cameron Clement conceived, created, and developed the Silver Joe's Coffee brand from the grounds up. Credit: Silver Joe's Coffee Company
- Tony Roma's (USA) Awards Franchises in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia
21 Sep 2009 - Grandpolitan Sdn Bhd yesterday sealed an agreement with Romacorp Inc, the owner of Tony Roma's, the world's largest casual dining concept, to bring the famous American ribs to four countries in Asia. Credit: The Star Online
- Howards Storage (Australia) Awards UK Master Franchise
21 Sep 2009 - The Australia-based speciality home retailing company Howards Storage World is to open a chain of stores across Britain and has awarded the master franchisee rights to a Scottish businessman. Credit: Business.scotsman.com
- Sacoor (Portugal) and Bahrain Partner Target East Europe
18 Sep 2009 - When Portuguese lifestyle brand Sacoor Brothers set up shop in Dubai a little over three years ago, its promoters and owners knew it was not going to be an easy market to break. Credit: Sacoor Brothers
- Johnny Rockets (USA) Expands into Germany
15 Sep 2009 - International restaurant chain Johnny Rockets announces its newest overseas location in the airport of United States Air Force Base, Ramstein, in Southern Germany. Credit: The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc.
- Taco Bell (USA) Awards Franchise in Cyprus
15 Sep 2009 - The first Taco Bell restaurant will open in Cyprus at the end of the year, probably at the MyMall in Limassol's Zakaki, making this the second European market to develop the brand after Spain. Credit: FinancialMirror.com
- Burger King (USA) Denies Rumours of Russian Franchisee
14 Sep 2009 - Burger King on Friday categorically denied a report that it had signed a franchising deal in Russia. Credit: The St. Petersburg Times
- Jumping Beans (NZ) Awards Beijing Franchise
14 Sep 2009 - Kiwi baby gym business Jumping Beans is making the leap to Beijing on a one-year trial in a bid to hook an investor to help it expand. Credit: NZ Herald
- Stratus Building Solutions (USA) Awards Franchise in Lithuania
10 Sep 2009 - Stratus Building Solutions, the St. Louis-based franchisor of branded building service and maintenance operations, has expanded to Europe by awarding a franchise in Kaunas, Lithuania. Credit: St. Louis Business Journal
- Carl's Jr. (USA) Opens in Shanghai, China
07 Sep 2009 - CKE Restaurants Inc. today announced the opening of its first Carl's Jr. restaurant in Shanghai, China. Credit: QSR Magazine
- Payless ShoeSource (USA) Russia Development with Middle East Franchisee Alshaya
02 Sep 2009 - Collective Brands Inc. and its Payless ShoeSource unit announced plans today for additional international expansion for the Payless retail chain. Credit: Collective Brands, Inc.
- Starbucks (USA) Buys Out Partner in France
02 Sep 2009 - Starbucks said Tuesday that it would acquire the 50 percent of its French operations that it did not already own from its partner in the joint venture, Grupo Vips, which will get exclusive franchise rights for the coffee chain in Spain and Portugal. Credit: Dealbook
- Edible Arrangements (USA) Signs Rome & Hong Kong
01 Sep 2009 - Edible Arrangements, a USA-based company that sells hand-sculpted fresh fruit arrangements, has signed two Master Franchise agreements for Rome and Hong Kong. Credit: Edible Arrangements International, Inc.
- MGM Mirage (USA) Adopts Franchise Strategy for International Expansion
01 Sep 2009 - MGM Mirage has entered into 10 franchising agreements to manage hotels overseas to help expand its international footprint and build revenue. Credit: SmartBrief, Inc.
- Jamie Oliver (UK) Franchises Italian Restaurant in Asia
31 Aug 2009 - Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is planning to launch 30 Italian restaurants in Asia, with the first one set to open its doors in Hong Kong early next year. Credit: Adelaide Now
- Pho 24 (Vietnam) Franchises in the UK
31 Aug 2009 - Pho 24, a popular pho brand in Vietnam, will open its first restaurant in a shopping mall in London. Credit: VietNamNet
- Krispy Kreme's (USA) First Franchise in Turkey
27 Aug 2009 - Krispy Kreme's new store is on Istanbul's Bagdat Avenue. It is the first of 25 Krispy Kreme shops planned to open over the next five years in Turkey. Credit: Forbes.com
- Linguaphone Group/Pingu's English (UK) Announce New Masters in Asia
26 Aug 2009 - Linguaphone Group, global leaders in language training have signed two new Master Licensees in South-East Asia for the Group's character-based pre-school English language course, Pingu's English. Credit: Linguaphone Group
- Hilton (USA) Plans Hotels for Middle East & Africa
25 Aug 2009 - Hilton (USA) Plans Hotels for Middle East & Africa - interview with Hilton Hotels' President Jean Paul Herzog. Credit: Emirates Business
- Office Depot (USA) Opens in Kuwait
24 Aug 2009 - Office Depot has opened its first store in the Middle East, as part of a planned expansion across the region. Credit: ITP.net
- Brinker International (USA) Awards Franchise in Russia
19 Aug 2009 - Brinker International, Inc., has entered into a development agreement with developer Trio's Group Ltd. to establish Chili's(R) Grill & Bar in Russia. Credit: Brinker International, Inc.
- FROOTS (USA) Awards Franchise in the UAE and Oman
17 Aug 2009 - FROOTS, a rapidly growing quick service food and smoothies franchise, has added David Rodgers and Gourmet Food General Trading LLC as their Master Franchisee for the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Credit: ArabianBusiness.com
- CRO Inc. (USA) Signs 75 Restaurant Expansion in the Middle East
13 Aug 2009 - Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc.(Dallas, Texas), which operates and franchises 140 full-service and casual dining restaurants encompassing eight different brands, has executed a 75 restaurant franchise agreement spanning 13 countries. Credit: Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc.
- California Pizza Kitchen (USA) Signs Franchise Deal to Expand into India
10 Aug 2009 - California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. announced an agreement today with new franchise partners JSM Corporation Pvt. Ltd. (JSM) and Daud Arabian Trading to expand into India. Credit: California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
- Index (Thailand) Opens First Middle East Franchise
10 Aug 2009 - Index Living Mall, the leading manufacturer and exporter of furniture products in Thailand, has officially opened its first full-scale franchise in the Middle East in Dubai. Credit: Gulf News
- The Cereal Bowl (USA) Awards Middle East Franchise
07 Aug 2009 - The Cereal Bowl, a USA-based cafe franchise, has signed a franchise agreement that will see the brand expand into Qatar and other regions of the Middle East. Credit: The Cereal Bowl
- Ramada (USA) Awards Two Franchises in China
06 Aug 2009 - Wyndham Hotel Group's second largest brand in China, Ramada Worldwide, has announced plans to increase its presence in China with the development of two new hotels in Chongqing. Credit: Ramada Worldwide, Inc.
- Choice Hotels (USA) Expands in India
04 Aug 2009 - Choice Hotels India (CHI), which primarily works on the franchise model in India, is eyeing at balancing its portfolio in the country. Credit: Choice Hotels International
- Ben & Jerry's (USA) Heads Down Under
04 Aug 2009 - American ice cream chain Ben & Jerry's will begin operating in Australia in October when it opens a flagship outlet in Sydney. Credit: WAtoday
- Domino's (Australia Licensee) Doubles Profit Growth Forecast
03 Aug 2009 - Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd has doubled its forecast for annual profit growth, which it now expects to rise by as much as 30 per cent after strong sales. Credit: Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd
- Marble Slab (USA) Opens in Singapore
03 Aug 2009 - NexCen Brands, Inc. announced the opening of the first Marble Slab Creamery franchised store in Asia. Credit: NexCen Brands, Inc.
- Pizza Fusion Signs Master Franchisee for Saudi Arabia
31 Jul 2009 - Organic pizza franchise kicks off international expansion with development deal in Saudi Arabia. Credit: Pizza Fusion
- Carlson (USA) Signs 33 New Hotels in 13 Countries
30 Jul 2009 - Carlson Hotels Worldwide wasn't sitting on the sidelines in the second quarter. The Minneapolis, MN-based developer and franchise operator signed branding deals with 33 hotels in 13 countries. Credit: Carlson Hotels Worldwide, Inc.
- Williams-Sonoma (USA), Inc. Announces Middle East Franchise Agreement
30 Jul 2009 - Williams-Sonoma today announced that it has entered into a multi-year franchise agreement with M.H. Alshaya Co., W.L.L. to launch the company's portfolio of brands in the Middle East. Credit: Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
- RE/MAX (USA) Awards Franchises for Colombia and Morocco
29 Jul 2009 - RE/MAX International, Inc., recently welcomed the countries of Colombia and Morocco to its growing global franchise network which now boasts offices in more than 70 countries. Credit: RE/MAX International, Inc.
- Sotheby's International (UK) Awards Master Franchise for Rome
28 Jul 2009 - Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC announced the signing of an exclusive 25-year master franchise agreement covering Lazio, Rome, with St. Peter - Real Estate s.r.l. Credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
- Jan Pro (USA) Expands into Northern Ireland
22 Jul 2009 - Jan Pro, an international commercial cleaning franchise, is set to expand across Northern Ireland. Credit: Jan-Pro International Inc.
- Edible Arrangements (USA) Signs Masters in Italy & Hong Kong
20 Jul 2009 - Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements, announced today the signing of two Master Franchisee agreements in Rome, Italy and Hong Kong. Credit: Edible Arrangements International, Inc.
- Uniglobe Travel (Canada) Expands into Israel and Egypt
16 Jul 2009 - UNIGLOBE Travel International (Canada) is pleased to announce that B. D. Graiver Tourism Services Ltd of Haifa, Israel, and Egytrav of Cairo have joined the UNIGLOBE family as the newest Global Partner agencies, thereby strengthening its growing pres Credit: eTN
- Steak Escape (USA) Moves into the Middle East
13 Jul 2009 - Steak Escape opened its second Middle East location in May, in the island country of Bahrain. Credit: Steak Escape (USA)
- Gap (USA) Signs Franchise Rights for Thailand
10 Jul 2009 - Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), the San Francisco retailer has signed a franchise agreement with Armin Systems Ltd. to open Gap stores in Thailand. Credit: Gap (USA)
- Dollar Thrifty (USA) plans expansion in Middle East
07 Jul 2009 - Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTG), the US-based parent company of the Thrifty and Dollar Rent A Car brands, is expanding operations in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena). Credit: Emirates Business 24/7 2009
- Wendy's/Arby's (USA) Awards Middle East Franchise
25 Jun 2009 - Shared Wendy's and Arby's restaurants will soon be cropping up all over the Middle East thanks to an agreement the parent company of the restaurant chains reached with a Saudi franchisee. Credit: Wendy's/Arby's (USA)
- Candy Cakes (UK) First International Franchise in Saudi Arabia
08 Jun 2009 - Clementine Communications Candy Cakes, the London-based boutique cafe retreat specialising in bespoke and affordable cakes is to open its first international franchise in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the second half of 2009. Credit: Candy Cakes (UK)
- Ruby Tuesday (USA) To Open In Abu Dhabi
05 Jun 2009 - Casual-dining restaurant leader Ruby Tuesday, Inc. today announced that it is continuing its aggressive growth in the Middle East with the awarding of franchise development rights for restaurants in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Credit: Ruby Tuesday (USA)
- The Pizza Company (Thailand) expanding to Indian market
05 Jun 2009 - The Pizza Company, a part of Minor International's (MINT) Minor Food Group is set to enter the Indian market with their unique and exciting restaurant chain through the assistance of Franchise India International. Credit: The Pizza Company
- RE/MAX (USA) Adds Brazil to International Roster
03 Jun 2009 - RE/MAX International Inc., recently welcomed the Federative Republic of Brazil to its expanding list of international regions. Credit: RE/MAX International Inc.
- Smoothie King to Open in Egypt, Turkey
21 May 2009 - Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the originator of the nutritional, fruit-based smoothie, has signed an agreement with the Amer Group to open at least 20 Smoothie King locations in Egypt and Turkey in the next few years. Credit: Smoothie King
- Uhsna (India) opens its first franchised unit in Abu Dhabi
12 May 2009 - The new Ushna Indian Restaurant was recently opened with a vibrant VIP reception at the acclaimed Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Credit: Uhsna (India)
- Hard Rock Expands Hotels Across Asia
07 Apr 2009 - The head of Hard Rock International announced the leisure firm was looking to expand its rock-and-roll themed hotel franchise across Asia despite the financial crisis. Credit: Hard Rock International
- RE/MAX Awards Master for Singapore
07 Apr 2009 - The RE/MAX system continues to grow at a record pace, as Ken Lim, broker/owner of RE/MAX Real Centre in Singapore, becomes the new Master Franchise regional owner and director, the company announced. Credit:
- Japanese Restaurant Franchise Expands to Australia
07 Apr 2009 - Australians' taste for Asian cuisine has inspired an established restaurant franchise in Japan to explore the Australian market as part of its international expansion. Credit: Kazokutei
- Pizza Fusion (USA) Signs First international Deal with Saudi Franchisee
07 Apr 2009 - The Fort Lauderdale-based organic pizza maker said in a news release that its signed its first international franchise development agreement with Samir Food Co. Ltd. Credit: Pizza Fusion (USA)
- Sandler Training (USA) Expands Global Franchise Network
21 Mar 2009 - Sandler Training is pleased to announce the global expansion of its network into seven new regions: Central America, Germany, Singapore, Kenya, Romania, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Credit: Sandler Training
- Ruby Tuesday signs franchise agreement with Global Brands Qatar
19 Mar 2009 - Ruby Tuesday, a US-based restaurant chain, has signed a new franchise agreement with Global Brands Qatar. Credit: Ruby Tuesday
- UK Fast Food Firms Profiting Through Franchisees
15 Mar 2009 - One business sector is booming in the recession - and the driving force behind this success is an army of hard-working franchisees. Credit: WFA
- RedBrick Pizza Unveils Master Franchise Stimulus Package
15 Mar 2009 - RedBrick Pizza Worldwide, Inc. says today's soft economy is a great time to invest in a Master Developer Franchise. Credit: RedBrick Pizza
- First Doubletree in Eastern Europe Opens in Slovakia.
07 Mar 2009 - Hilton Hotels Corporation is proud to announce the opening of the Doubletree by Hilton Kosice, the first Doubletree by Hilton branded hotel in Eastern Europe. Credit: Doubletree
- Chili's Grill & Bar Opens First Location in Turkey
07 Mar 2009 - Istanbul location marks first in country for one of the world's largest casual dining brands. Credit: PRNewswire
- Gloria Jean's hits Czech Republic
02 Mar 2009 - Coffee Franchise Gloria Jean's is opening its first store in the Czech Republic. Credit: Gloria Jean's
- Gap announces franchise agreement with Elbit Trade & Retail
28 Feb 2009 - Gap, a retailer of apparel, accessories and personal care products, has announced a franchise agreement with Elbit Trade & Retail to bring Gap and Banana Republic stores to Israel. Credit: Gap
- Habitat to open stores in Middle East & Russia
28 Feb 2009 - UK-based global home furnishing retailer Habitat has planned to open stores in the Middle East and Russia this year. Credit: Retail News Update
- TaxAssist Accountants (UK) going international
27 Feb 2009 - TaxAssist Accountants have now sold the Master Franchise Licence for the Republic of Ireland. Credit: TaxAssist Accountants
- Krispy Kreme banking on international market
26 Feb 2009 - When Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. began thinking about selling its glazed doughnuts internationally in 2001, analysts questioned how well the delicacy would go over with foreign consumers. Credit: Krispy Kreme
- Uno Chicago Grill (USA) opens Kuwait City Restaurant
26 Feb 2009 - On the heels of a recent opening at the Mall of Dubai, the world's largest mall, Uno Chicago Grill(R) continues its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of its first unit in Kuwait. Credit: Uno Restaurant Holdings
- The Noodle House to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
25 Feb 2009 - The Taste Department has signed licensing agreements for The Noodle House brand in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Credit: PRWeb
- Franchise Entrepreneur Receives Business Integrity Award
22 Jan 2009 - Business integrity, community service and support for other women entrepreneurs has landed Sue Olson, executive director of Kidzart in Traverse City Michigan, the Salute! to Women in Business award. Credit: KidzArt
- Ruby Tuesday plans Hawaii expansion
23 Dec 2008 - The West Oahu restaurant, scheduled to open in Kapolei Commons in 2010, will be about 5,200 square feet, and the Hilo location at Prince Kuhio Plaza has a target opening date of 2012 Credit: Ruby Tuesday
- Teriyaki Experience Creating an Asian Sensation in Egypt
04 Dec 2008 - Teriyaki Experience, an international Asian-inspired quick-serve concept with over 120 restaurants, recognized for being the healthy alternative to traditional fast food, announces the opening of its newest Egypt location in Cairo. Credit: Teriyaki Experience
- Mamas & Papas to expand in Russia
23 Nov 2008 - UK based nursery retail franchise Mamas & Papas has signed a franchise agreement that will see 30 outlets open in Russia. Credit: PC
- Choice Hotels International Named Among Top 50 Franchises for Minorities
22 Nov 2008 - Choice Hotels is proud to announce that for the second time, it has been named by National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI) as one of the top 50 franchises for minorities. Credit: Choice Hotels International
- Beautiful Brands to Franchise Dixie Cream Donuts
18 Nov 2008 - Beautiful Brands International (BBI) announced today an agreement with Tulsa-based Daylight Donut Flour Company, parent company of Dixie Cream Donuts, to franchise and market the Dixie Cream Donuts brand. Credit: BBI
- NexCen Expands Franchised Stores Internationally
25 Oct 2008 - Multi-Year Agreements Include Opening of Minimum of 160 Stores Global Pipeline Increases to 394 Stores. Credit: NexCen Brands, Inc.
- Church's Chicken Opens First India Restaurant
17 Oct 2008 - Texas Chicken, the international brand of Atlanta-based Church?s Chicken, opened its first restaurant in India. Credit: IndUS Business Journal
- Debenhams opens seven new UK stores and 10 international franchise stores
12 Oct 2008 - Debenhams opens seven new stores in the UK, and 10 international franchise stores. Credit: Proactiveinvestors.co.uk
- McDonald's to speed up East, Central Europe expansion
30 Sep 2008 - The worldwide chain of McDonald's fast food restaurants plans to invest around US $1 bn into developing its franchises in Europe next year, the Reuters newswire reported. Credit: Reuters
- USA burger chain continues international expansion
22 Sep 2008 - Hardee's, a USA based burger restaurant chain, has signed franchise agreements to open 25 outlets in Pakistan over the next five years. Credit: n/a
- Quiznos Announces Significant International Expansion
18 Sep 2008 - Quiznos, one of the nation's fastest growing quick service restaurant chains, announced that it will significantly expand its international restaurant operations. Credit: DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)
- Sotheby's International Realty Network Welcomes New York Realty Firm
12 Sep 2008 - Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that C.S. McClellan Real Estate, in Pelham, N.Y., has joined its luxury real estate network. Credit: Sotheby's Realty
- International Franchising: Destination Australia And New Zealand
28 Aug 2008 - Researchers estimate Australia and New Zealand to have 700 and 300 franchise systems with 51,000 and 14,000 franchised units, respectively. Credit: Dr Callum Floyd
- Krispy Kreme quarterly gain ranks atop franchise index
26 Aug 2008 - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. gained the most market value during the second quarter among the 50 companies measured in the Rosenberg Center Franchise 50 Index. Credit: www.journalnow.com
- Another 300 Domino Pizza Outlets In India By 2011
25 Aug 2008 - Domino Pizza, the international fast food pizza delivery franchise is planning to add another 300 odd outlets in the country by end of 2010-11. Credit: Malaysia National News Agency
- Ecowash Mobile enters US Market
22 Aug 2008 - The United States arm of Australian franchise success story ecowash mobile predicts it will have 1000 cars on the road within two years. Credit: Franchising.com
- Ready-Steady-Move, Moves Into Hungary
20 Aug 2008 - Ready-Steady-Move is a fun, energetic, educational franchise for children that builds physical strength, flexibility and coordination while teaching vocabulary, sentence structure and pronunciation of Credit: London, UK (PRWEB)
- Cold Stone Creamery opens new stores throughout Asia
20 Aug 2008 - Nearly three years ago, Cold Stone Creamery initiated an international expansion, spreading the love of super-premium ice cream across oceans. Credit: Franchising.com
- Tasti D-Lite Banks on Its Fanatical Fans for Growth
29 Jul 2008 - Low-Calorie Dessert With New York Roots Is Going International. Credit: ELLEN BYRON
Feature Articles
World Franchise Associates bring you insightful articles about going International with your franchise.
- International Franchising Considerations
- There are many companies contemplating international expansion; however many companies fail in their first attempt because they neglect the dynamics of tropicalization and soulprinting. Read the full article
- Building For International Retail Expansion
- With a growing number of companies overseas now specialising in hosting franchise shops for retailers, the UK market has had an easy, low risk and immediately profitable route to new markets. Read the full article
