Matthew Liedke

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Matthew Liedke

After hitting pause on growth around the time of the pandemic, Missouri-based Big Whiskey's is again making a push to open more units. As part of the effort, the brand signed a three-unit agreement with a Texas couple who will bring Big Whiskey's to Houston. The founders of Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar launched the concept to fill a dining gap in Springfield, Missouri.

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Matthew Liedke

Today's franchise marketing leaders must consider multiple audiences using a variety of channels as they work to get their brand's message in front of consumers. Integration is the name of the game, but experts say understanding the nuances of each group is crucial. Whenever acai concept Playa Bowls prepares a new marketing effort, the goal from the start is to connect with customers wherever they are—and on whichever app they’re using.

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Matthew Liedke

It may be a turbulent time for many publicly traded franchise brands, but pizza chain Domino’s is bucking the trend with continuous stock growth. On May 9, Domino’s had a closing stock price of $476.80, a 5 percent increase from its $455.23 mark the month before. It’s not just a recent jump, either. Year-to-date, the brand’s stock has risen 14 percent, with a closing of $438.08 to start 2025. It marks a rebound from the second half of last year, when the stock ranged from $402 to $429.

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Matthew Liedke

As a franchisee, Marc Cotone is in a position where he not only operates stores, but teaches others how to operate. A multi-brand franchisee, Cotone owns units in Eggs Up Grill, Dogtopia, The Bomb Bar, GarageExperts and Entrepreneurial Operating System. While he is an owner-operator with most of his businesses, Cotone acts as more of a coach with EOS, guiding other entrepreneurs on their journey, especially those taking the franchise route.

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Matthew Liedke

When Vik Agrawal’s father came to the United States from India, his dream was to own a business, and he achieved it with a single Subway location. Today, the younger 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, which will take Nitu Group beyond 100 units and into new markets.