Planet Smoothie signs franchise agreement with Leonard, Renee Resetar

Subway, one of the largest restaurant brands globally, continues to progress in its international growth strategy, aiming to increase its footprint while enhancing guest experiences. Over the past three years, Subway has secured more than 20 master franchise agreements, leading to commitments for over 10,000 new restaurant locations. These agreements have contributed to more than 40 percent of Subway’s new restaurant openings this year, with the company seeing steady expansion in the retail and hospitality sectors across various countries, including India.

In 2024 alone, Subway has signed seven new master franchise agreements, marking its entry into Paraguay and Mongolia and expanding further into France, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Brazil, El Salvador, and Guatemala. These agreements are expected to result in 2,000 future restaurant commitments, with more deals anticipated by the end of the year.

Subway’s strategy to attract multi-unit operators, including national corporate partners, has been a significant factor in accelerating new restaurant openings. The brand is on track to more than double the number of new restaurant openings in 2024 compared to its pre-COVID levels in 2019.

Mike Kehoe, Global Chief Development Officer at Subway said, "Subway's global growth strategy of partnering with well-resourced, experienced multi-unit operators is proving to be successful. By working with the right partners, we are making significant strides in modernizing our brand image with both new and remodeled restaurants, improving our overall guest experience, and growing digital sales."

As part of its strategic approach, Subway is focused on strengthening its non-traditional business model, which currently accounts for about 25 percent of its global restaurant locations. This includes signing new development agreements with brands like Love's Travel Stops and maintaining strong retail relationships with companies such as Walmart and Aramark. Additionally, Subway is expanding its presence in airports through partnerships in Mexico and Spain, while also growing on college and hospital campuses.

"Subway's flexible format allows the brand to fit into various retail spaces with low investment requirements, making it an ideal opportunity for multi-unit franchisees or national partners looking to expand their portfolio," Kehoe added.

Subway's continued international expansion demonstrates its ability to adapt and thrive in diverse markets, including India, where the brand’s growth aligns with its commitment to improving customer experience and exploring new retail opportunities.

IHOP Restaurants, an arm of Dine Brands Global, Inc, has entered into a franchise development agreement with TravelCenters of America Inc. Both companies plan to launch up to 94 IHOP restaurants over the next five years in TA and Petro branded locations across the United States.

At present, there are four IHOP restaurants already in TA’s travel center network. TA Restaurant Group, a division of TravelCenters of America, will operate IHOP restaurants in the portfolio.

Jay Johns, President of IHOP, said, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with TravelCenters of America to open up to almost 100 new IHOP restaurants over the next five years in TA and Petro travel centers across the US.”

“The TA brand, a trusted hospitality leader in the industry and with consumers, shares the same values as IHOP when it comes to delivering an outstanding experience to guests on-the-go. We’re looking forward to serving the great-tasting, freshly made menu items we’re known for at breakfast, lunch and dinner, to the millions of guests who stop at TA and Petro locations each year,” he added.

Also Read: 6 Keys to Running a Global Restaurant Chain in India

The new agreement is the single largest IHOP development deal in the brand’s 61-year history.

Barry Richards, President and Chief Operating Officer, TravelCenters of America, stated, “When it comes to serving our customers, IHOP and TA's missions and cultures align. Adding such a highly regarded brand like IHOP to our restaurant group shows our commitment to bringing the best possible dining options to both professional drivers while they're away from home and to local families living in the communities we serve. An important part of our restaurant strategy is focusing on growing our partnerships with trusted brands like IHOP that appeal to broader audiences, and today’s agreement will enable us to accelerate that process.”

Presently, there are over 1,700 IHOP restaurants in the US and another 100+ restaurants globally.

Melt Shop, the pioneer of the Melted Sandwich Movement, has signed a multi-unit franchise development agreement to grow its brand footprint in Florida.

Melt Shop will open six restaurants in Orlando and surrounding counties including Osceola, Volusia and Polk, among others.

Melt Shop will partner with CFL EATZ LLC to develop six restaurants over the next three years with the first three planned to open within 18 months.

Bob Picerne, Principal of CFL EATZ LLC, said, "We were actively looking for our next franchising opportunity and became drawn to Melt Shop very quickly."

In addition to expanding in Orlando, Melt Shop is planning more than five openings later this year.

Founded in 2011 in New York City, Melt Shop is a melted sandwich restaurant that uses only the best ingredients.