While the announcement offered no hint of how operations or personnel would shift here, Inspire Brands’ $11.3 billion purchase of Dunkin’ Brands will bring the ownership of two global brands to Atlanta, bolstering the city’s case further as a franchising powerhouse. Dunkin’ Brands comprises Dunkin’, the coffee chain that recently dropped the “donuts” from its […]
Arby’s Enters Mexico With Beer on Draft, Customized Menu
Atlanta-based sandwich chain Arby’s Inc., known for its focus on sliced meats, is entering Mexico through a mall location in Guadalajara with a customized menu and Modelo beer on draft. Honed with local input, the menu includes 10 new “stacks” with items like pulled pork, pork belly and avocados alongside classics like the beef N’ […]
Focus Brands Taps Former Starbucks Exec as New Head of International
Atlanta-based franchising firm Focus Brands has tapped a new head for its international business unit. The franchisor of concepts like Auntie Anne’s, Carvel Ice Cream, Moe’s Southwest Grill and other brands has promoted Beto Guajardo, who joined the company to serve as president of Scholtzsky’s Deli in 2019, to step into the role. Mr. Guajardo is […]
Commentary: Franchisors Must Serve, Sacrifice to Save ‘America’s Hidden Small Businesses’ During Pandemic
As we brace for the economic impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic, now is not the time for business as usual, especially when it comes to the franchising model at the heart of some of Atlanta’s biggest businesses. Franchising is a primary form of distribution in almost all sectors of the U.S. service economy, one […]
How to Do Business in Indonesia: Pointers Offered in Atlanta
Ask the pros, and they’ll tell you doing business in Indonesia is a lot like other international destinations: relationships and adaptability are key, and it may take awhile to land deals and get paid. But Georgia companies shared a few specific pointers on operating in the Southeast Asian nation, an emerging economy with more than […]
China Gets a Taste of Atlanta-Owned ‘Hot Dog on a Stick’
Atlanta-based Global Franchise Group LLC has launched the first Hot Dog on a Stick franchise in China as the California-born brand expands the reach of its decidedly American concept in Asia. Founded on a beach in Santa Monica in 1946, Hot Dog on a Stick has spent seven decades serving up its namesake item, but […]
Focus Brands Opens 1,500th International Store
Atlanta-based Focus Brands, franchisor of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Moe’s Southwest Grill and other brands, opened its 1,500th store internationally this week, more evidence that a strategy of pursuing ex-U.S. growth is paying off. The newest location is an Auntie Anne’s in a large outdoor shopping mall in Liverpool, United Kingdom, a country Focus also […]
