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Pappas Restaurants will buy On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina out of bankruptcy. The Texas-based restaurant group operates Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and other concepts. bit.ly/4miPiCZ

The second largest Crunch franchisee is harnessing the power of the brand and making its own intensive membership push as it seeks dominance in the high-value, low-price gym segment. bit.ly/3SoQjvO

KMO Burger, A Whataburger Franchisee, co-owned by NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, merged with an additional 16 company-owned restaurants in the Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri, areas. bit.ly/43J26dE

As a franchisee, Marc Cotone is in a position where he not only operates stores, but teaches others how to operate. bit.ly/3SropiO

It’s been a busy and productive past year for Jim D’Aquila and his hospitality group, which operates under Virentes Partners Group. bit.ly/3FohDHE

Planet Fitness ended 2024 with nearly 20 million members across its 2,722 clubs. The company reported it increased systemwide same-club sales by 6.1 percent for the first quarter of 2025. bit.ly/4dFzAhx

Today, Vik Agrawal is CEO and president of the Nitu Group, which has grown to nearly 100 locations across multiple states with several brands. This year Agrawal signed a 30-unit agreement with Shipley Do-Nuts. bit.ly/3FqQfc4

Magen Bynum created diaper cream and lotion for her child, and was already playing around with recipes for body scrubs, butters, soaps and salts. In 2018 she founded natural lifestyle brand Magnolia Soap & Bath. bit.ly/3FCcn30

Matt O’Neill, who joined the system last year, signed a seven-unit agreement with Barberitos to develop restaurants in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. The Southwestern-styled concept, part of the WOWorks portfolio, has 45 locations. bit.ly/43V6LZN

Ever wonder how consumers feel about your franchise? Franchise Times editorial staffers check out three brands in a different genre each month, and report back in FT Undercover. bit.ly/3HaJ3kD

Cassie, Matt and Lauren Hufnagel operate 37 Subway locations in upstate and western New York, making them the largest franchisees in the region. bit.ly/4kg2G9P

Guy Creamer opened his first in-home personal training concept GymGuyz in 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas, and within a few months the franchisor took notice of his success and reached out to him about taking over for an owner in San Antonio. bit.ly/3ZZaPXT

In her monthly "Grab Bag" column, Editor in Chief Laura Michaels asks the tough questions—What superhero power would you most like to have? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?—to show a side of franchising execs you don’t normally see. bit.ly/4kwGnMK

Hop on any “Sex and the City” bus tour in New York City, and you’re sure to visit the now-iconic Magnolia Bakery location on Bleeker Street in the West Village.The bakery served as a backdrop for a scene with characters Miranda and Carrie eating cupcakes. bit.ly/4l1ba4w

Children require variety and creativity to keep them engaged in school curriculum. That's where activity-based education franchises such as Snapology, The Little Gym and Code Ninjas come in. bit.ly/3FsqwzT

Will a calendar chock-full of attractive father figures convince you to order a salad at your favorite burger joint? Habit Burger & Grill, in partnership with UFC Gym, is betting it will. bit.ly/4jGv2sx

Reporter Alyssa Huglen asks what makes emerging brand leaders tick—and presents their edited answers in this column in each issue. bit.ly/3SmHiU3

Meet 4 kid-focused brands on the rise 1. Brooklyn Robot Foundry 2. KidStrong 3. Valhallan 4. Slime Kitchen Lear More Here: bit.ly/3SlzW37

After the signing of several executive orders by President Donald Trump eliminating federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs, some companies in the private sector followed suit. In franchising, some brands adjusted their stance. bit.ly/4l7ysG5

Michelin-recommended restaurants don’t often, if ever, expand via franchising. Keeping that top-tier quality in food, craftmanship and service can be a challenge. But Japanese concept Tonchin is ready to take the plunge. bit.ly/4jpEb8G