• by Teresa Buyikian , April 19, 2024

Busy, busy busy: Things are heating up with lots of activity this week in QSR.

Locations

Cicis Pizza has signed a six-unit agreement in Texas. The new stores will be in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex market.

Bojangles, specializing in classic Southern style chicken, biscuits and tea, has announced its first entrée into the Los Angeles market with the signing of a new 30-unit agreement. The first LA county location is slated for completion in early 2025. Bojangles and Poulet Brothers, LLC, plan to open 30 new locations over the next six years.

Freshslice Pizza, the Canadian pizza franchise with over 100 stores, is branching out into the U.S. by announcing its first two franchise locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Metroplex.

Fatburger parent company FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has announced a new development deal across northern California. In a partnership with franchisee California Burger, Inc., Fatburger will be added to 40 existing Round Table Pizza locations over the next decade, with the first location set to open later this year.

Little Caesars signed several new multi-unit development agreements “to expand its presence across target markets in the U.S.,” per a release. The pizza company will open over 30 new restaurants throughout San Diego, Memphis, Tampa, Raleigh, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Antonio and Eugene as part of the new agreements.

Noodles & Company has signed a deal with DND Group Inc. to acquire six restaurant locations and open a total of ten new restaurants in the Portland, Oregon area. The first location is set to open in early 2025 and is part of a strategic growth plan targeting the Pacific Northwest.

Menus

Chili’s Grill & Bar is launching its own version of the popular Espresso Martini, swapping traditional vodka for reposado tequila. The new drink also contains Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Monin Agave Nectar, Owen’s Espresso Martini Mix and is garnished with coffee beans. Reality TV stars and ex Chili’s waitress, Scheana Shay, and tequila expert, Katie Maloney, promote the beverage in a new TV spot, seen here.  

Cold Stone Creamery has added a Strawberry Passion Cake for Mother’s Day. The ice cream dessert has layers of red velvet cake with strawberry purée, strawberry ice cream mixed with gram cracker crust and topped with strawberry frosting.

Subway has announced the return of Honey Oat Bread and Creamy Sriracha sauce. While the Honey Oat Bread is an LTO, the Creamy Sriracha is now a permanent addition to the menu. Additionally the chain has partnered with Miss Vickie's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips on an exclusive flavor based on Subway’s Baja Chipotle sauce. The new Miss Vickie's Baja Chipotle flavored chips are now available in Subway locations nationwide.