Franchise expansion accelerates in India and beyond
Chicken Salad Chick, Wow! Momo, and McDonald’s are rapidly expanding their footprints in India and international markets, while brands like BLENDED and Shipley Donuts are growing nationally. Operators should watch for franchise opportunities but also prepare for increased competition in growing markets.
From the sources
- Chicken Salad Chick spreads into 5 new states, tops 350 restaurants
- McDonald’s reaches 500 restaurants across West and South India, targets 580 by FY28
- India is ready for global restaurant brands, but the bigger opportunity lies in taking Indian cuisine worldwide: Zorawar Kalra
- Restaurant funding must accelerate profitable growth, not become a survival strategy: Industry leaders at ET FoodXP 2026
- What this Wendy’s operator bankruptcy can teach franchisees
- Wow! Momo to Enter Sri Lanka by 2026 End, Eyes UAE & US Next
- Shipley Donuts expands national footprint in Q3
- Forget franchise brokers: Tahini’s recruits operators through YouTube
More from this week
All story clusters →AI and automation reshape hospitality tech and operations
AI is being integrated into menu planning, sourcing, and customer personalization (e.g., Wingstop, Shake Shack), while automation tools like TipHaus and Metafoodx improve efficiency. Operators should evaluate AI-driven tech solutions to streamline labor and supply chain decisions.
Regional and experiential dining gains traction
Concepts like Bountyful (regional Indian cuisine), Little Italy Reserve (Italian-Mediterranean fusion), and Quattro (premium vegetarian) are expanding, catering to niche audiences. Operators should consider localized or experiential concepts to stand out in crowded markets.
Menu innovation and value-driven strategies drive QSR growth
Chains like Popeyes, Casey’s, and Savvy Sliders are testing new menu items and value-driven promotions to attract price-sensitive customers. Operators should experiment with limited-time offers and menu tweaks to stay competitive without relying solely on price cuts.
Tech providers face scrutiny over hidden costs and transparency
POS providers like Toast are being sued for alleged hidden fees and misleading claims, while digital platforms such as Zomato are introducing features like price-masking to address consumer concerns. Operators should review their tech contracts closely and demand clearer pricing to avoid unexpected costs.