Other Franchise News: Peet’s Coffee Acquisition, IFA Summit Reminder, Taco Eating Contest
Giant Ideas LLC will prioritize operational excellence and franchisee success over unit sales with its two mid-August franchise acquisitions, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness and KickHouse. “The mission isn’t just to grow. It’s to build something unshakable,” Giant Ideas CEO Rob Scott said in a news release about Giant Ideas’ two newest brands. “We’re building a system that lasts, one that works for our members, our coaches and most importantly, our franchise partners.”
Scott said franchises should emphasize outcomes more than they do. “Too many systems grow by selling the dream instead of delivering results. Our energy is focused on helping the people who already believed in us – by developing better products, smarter technology, stronger operations, and surrounding them with rock-star-level support.” Giant Ideas’ growth will happen naturally, he added, through word-of-mouth, licensing and the strength of the unit economics of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness and KickHouse and our other brands.
Giant Ideas, whose flagship brand is Legends, produces boxing gloves and related equipment that give franchisees “a significant margin,” Scott said in a Franchise Times article. Owners also benefit from recurring membership revenue.
Keurig Dr Pepper to Acquire Peet’s Coffee
In an estimated $18 billion takeover, Keurig Dr Pepper will acquire Europe-based JDE Peet’s Coffee and subsequently split into two companies, one focusing on coffee and the other on soft drinks. The all-cash deal, expected to be completed by midyear 2026, would unite Keurig’s namesake coffee pods and accoutrements with Peet’s products into one entity. Dr Pepper, Snapple and 7UP would head up the non-coffee business, The New York Times reported.
The Times noted that the coffee industry has become sluggish because of high coffee bean prices, causing that side of the business to ding Keurig Dr Pepper’s bottom line. The deal with JDE Peet’s would create “two sharply focused beverage companies with attractive and tailored growth propositions,” Keurig Dr Pepper CEO Timothy Cofer said in a statement. The new companies will be called Global Coffee Co., based in Burlington, Mass., and Beverage Co., based in Frisco, Texas, according to CNN.
So why does this deal qualify as franchise news? Peet’s, which was founded in 1966, has developed a franchise business model.
IFA Summit 2025 Coming Up Soon
There’s still time to register for the International Franchise Association’s Advocacy Summit being held Sept. 15-17 in Washington, D.C. In meetings with lawmakers, aides and regulatory board members, IFA attendees will have an opportunity to discuss franchise-centric policies, rules and laws.
The IFA will schedule all of the summit meetings and will also prepare attendees for them in advance. For more details about the 2025 IFA Advocacy Summit and to register, visit this IFA webpage.
Taco Cabana Hosts Taco Eating Championship
Taco Cabana teams with Dr Pepper and Major League Eating for the inaugural World Taco Eating Championship on Sept. 20 in Texas. Professional competitive eaters will compete with local amateurs for a $10,000 prize, RestaurantNews.com reported. A Guinness World Records judge will be on hand to certify a new record, if one is set.
Whichever competitor eats the most tacos during the 10-minute contest will be crowned the Taco Cabana World Taco Eating Champion. The contest menu consists of the 47-year-old restaurant chain’s bean-and-cheese tacos, each wrapped in a flour tortilla. The event will be held at the Taco Cabana location on Austin Highway in San Antonio.
Restaurant News
In other franchise news about restaurants:
- Burger King Offers Free Hash Browns, Mozzarella Fries: QSR Magazine gives the lowdown on Burger King’s new freebies: From Labor Day through Sept. 5, guests can score free hash browns with any purchase of at least $1 between 7 and 9 a.m. And from 3-5 p.m., the brand’s four-piece Mozzarella Fries are free with any additional purchase of $1 or more.
- Pizza Hut Launches $5 Crafted Flatzz Pizzas: In the United States, Pizza Hut’s new Crafted Flatzz (above) cost $5 as part of a promotion, according to Restaurant Business. Flatzz personal pizzas come in flavors such as Nashville Hot Chicken, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Three Cheese, Pepperoni Duo and The Ultimate. Each Crafted Flatzz costs just $5 until 5 p.m. in the U.S.; after that, prices may vary.
- Dippin’ Dots Partners with Urban Air Parks: Dippin’ Dots treats are now available at Urban Air Adventure Parks. Dippin’ Dots has been selling its flash-frozen ice cream beads, yogurt and flavored ice products since 1988, the company said in an announcement about the partnership with Urban Air, a 14-year-old family entertainment brand that offers trampolines, climbing walls, obstacle courses, go-karts and bumper cars at one destination.
- McDonald’s, BTS Return with Happy Meal Toys: McDonald’s, in a second collaboration with the South Korean band BTS, will provide two Happy Meal toys resembling the popular music group. Nation’s Restaurant News reports that there’s a Throwback Edition, with characters wearing outfits from the 2021 initiative with McDonald’s, and an Encore Edition that features each character in new attire. The Happy Meal fun starts Sept. 23 and includes a code to scan to access BTS tunes for a sing-along.
- Corner Bakery Supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Corner Bakery Café has pledged $1 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for every lemonade sold Aug. 20, QSR Magazine reported. The foundation supports childhood cancer research and care.
