Friendly’s Franchisee Acquires Brix Holdings, Congress Pushes Franchisee Protections, Pet Supplies Plus Aids Flood-Hit Shelter and Chains Revamp Beverage Menus
- Multi-unit Friendly’s franchisee acquires Brix Holdings, whose portfolio includes the Friendly’s brand.
- Proposed federal law would 1) let franchisees hit back on franchisor infractions and 2) supports owners’ rights to form and belong to franchisee associations.
- Pet Supplies Plus donates goods to help dogs and cats displaced by devastating Texas Hill Country floods.
- Beverages make news at McDonald’s and Jack in the Box.
Former Friendly’s busboy Amol Kohli has acquired Brix Holdings, whose portfolio includes the family-centric restaurant chain. Dallas-based Brix Holdings was the parent franchisor for more than 250 restaurants – 100-plus Friendly’s along with Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Pizza Jukebox, Red Mango, Souper Salads and Smoothie Factory + Kitchen brands.
Kohli previously had been operating more than 30 Friendly’s in the eastern U.S., a Forbes article states. Kohli, who cleared tables for Friendly’s at age 15, is now chairman of Legacy Brands International, which acquired Brix. The magazine noted that his story reflects a trend in franchise news — franchisees becoming brand owners. Sherif Mityas, a seasoned executive, had served as CEO of Brix Holdings and will remain in that position, ensuring a smooth ownership transition, Forbes said.
The 90-year-old Friendly’s brand has been on the upswing lately, Forbes pointed out. In the first quarter of this year, entrepreneurs inked eight franchise agreements with Friendly’s. Additional franchise deals are in the works, Forbes said, and many new locations are currently under construction.
Congresswoman Pushes Franchisee Freedom Act
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., introduced a tweaked version of her bill, the Franchisee Freedom Act, which would permit owners to pursue legal action if franchisors violate the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule. There’s currently no federal right for such action if a franchisor violates FTC disclosure rules, although several states have such laws, according to Franchise Times.
A significant addition to Schakowsky’s original bill protects the rights of franchise owners to create and participate in franchisee associations without retaliation or interference from franchisors. The Coalition of Franchisee Associations and American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) are among the 45 organizations that endorsed the bill. AAFD spokesman Keith Miller welcomes the association protections. “I’ve seen multiple cases of interference, and it’s usually not the big boys,” Miller told Franchise Times. “You have smaller brands who don’t have as much experience, and I have seen where they make it hard to form an association. They spark fear in people’s minds that you shouldn’t join the association.”
In reintroducing the bill July 22, Schakowsky said, “Becoming a franchisee can be a lifeline for those looking to create their own American dream. Unfortunately, due to a weak rule and even weaker enforcement of the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule, that dream can turn into a nightmare, one in which they are under the thumb of a predatory corporation. That’s why it is imperative for franchisees that we pass this legislation.” Reps. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) are co-sponsors of the bill, which Huffman said will “put them [franchisees] on a level playing field with their franchisors.”
Pet Supplies Plus Aids Texas Pets
Pet Supplies Plus has sent products valued at about $5,000 to help the Hill Country Humane Society, a no-kill animal shelter taking in pets displaced by Texas’ devastating floods in early July. Pet Supplies Plus donated crates, leashes, harnesses, cat litter, collars and flea and tick prevention; Best Friends Animal Society assisted with distribution. Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus, said, “Our goal is to ensure these pets receive the care, comfort and stability they deserve during such a challenging time.”
Best Friends Animal Society, a longtime partner of Pet Supplies Plus, teams with more than 5,000 shelters and rescue organizations to save pets’ lives. During July, Best Friends has helped to fund emergency supplies and transported dogs and cats already in local shelters to shelters in other regions to make room for pets displaced by the devastating Texas floods. Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends, said, “We are so grateful to Pet Supplies Plus for their ongoing support in both good times and in challenging times. These supplies will provide much-needed relief to Hill Country Humane Society and the community as they navigate the coming weeks and months.”
Pet Supplies Plus has more than 730 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 40-plus states. The brand was founded in 1988.
Bottoms Up at McDonald’s and Jack in the Box
McDonald’s will test a new line of beverages inspired by its discontinued spinoff brand, CosMc’s, at some 500 restaurants starting Sept. 2, USA Today said in a Friday article. McDonald’s closed its CosMc’s locations this summer but in May had pledged to eventually serve some of that restaurant’s specialty drinks in its regular stores. McDonald’s said it will test about 10 new CosMc’s-inspired drinks, including Toasted Vanilla Frappe, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, Sprite Lunar Splash, Popping Tropic Refresher and Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew at restaurants in Colorado, Wisconsin and adjacent areas.
Competitor Jack in the Box Inc. welcomes back Coca-Cola Starlight as part of a limited-time Munchie Meal, Nation’s Restaurant News reported Friday. Reviewers have said the flavor of Starlight, which debuted in 2022, is similar to that of bubblegum and cotton candy. In addition to a 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola Starlight, the Munchie Meal contains a Double Junior Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger or Really Big Chicken Sandwich, and three sides: five Tiny Tacos, four chicken nuggets with ranch dip, and curly fries. The QSR space continues to experiment and evolve, making food and beverage innovation a constant feature in franchise news.
