This week, we’re putting the spotlight on Jollibee’s (aggressive) expansion in the US.

Jollibee is a global quick-service restaurant brand best known for its fried chicken, burgers, and Filipino-inspired comfort food,

Backed by a global footprint of 1,700+ locations across more than 30 countries, the company is now targeting 500 U.S. and Canadian locations by 2030.

Since its first restaurant opening in 1998, Jollibee focused on company-owned locations, rather than franchising. In 2025, Jollibee had opened its 100th North American location - with about 75 in the US alone .

Over that period, it also achieved 50 consecutive months of positive same-store sales growth.

With that foundation in place, Jollibee has now launched a formal U.S. franchising program, signaling a strategic pivot toward faster, capital-light expansion.

With an average unit volume (AUV) of $4.4million, Jollibee is a large-scale QSR brand with a strong track record of unit economics.

The franchisor now targets 500 North American locations of which 70 percent franchised-owned, with a clear focus on experienced, multi-unit operators as it accelerates development across major U.S. markets.

Hand & Stone Closes Q4 With Strong Development Activity

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa finished Q4 by opening 13 new locations and signing 12 franchise agreements, closing 2025 with solid development momentum.

The wellness franchise continues to attract both first-time and experienced franchisees, supported by recurring revenue, membership models, and broad consumer demand for self-care services.

Hand & Stone’s steady expansion underscores the resilience of the wellness category, even as franchise buyers remain selective about capital deployment.

The brand’s performance reinforces why service-based franchises with predictable cash flow continue to outperform heading into 2026.

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Lola Beans Signs Major 120-Unit Development Deal in Texas

Lola Beans signed the largest development agreement in its history, securing a commitment for 120 locations across Texas as part of a long-term statewide rollout.

The agreement places experienced multi-unit operators in charge of development, with a phased expansion strategy designed to support sustainable growth across major Texas markets.

Initial openings are expected to begin in 2026, with a measured pace that prioritizes real estate quality, operational consistency, and brand awareness.

The deal highlights continued investor appetite for drive-thru beverage concepts that combine speed, convenience, and lower build-out costs with strong unit-level scalability.

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‍Birdcall Accelerates Regional Growth

Birdcall secured a five-restaurant franchise development agreement in Southwest Denver, signaling continued momentum for the fast-casual chicken brand early in 2026.

The deal reflects growing confidence in Birdcall’s unit economics and its appeal to multi-unit operators focused on regional clustering rather than isolated store openings.

Birdcall’s expansion strategy emphasizes disciplined market penetration, allowing franchisees to benefit from shared marketing, operational efficiencies, and stronger brand awareness within a defined market.

The agreement highlights how fast-casual chicken concepts remain attractive to franchise investors seeking scalable growth with consistent consumer demand.