Franchise

Popeyes Corporate Office

Popeyes was founded by Al Copeland in 1972 as Chicken on the Run. The first restaurant was located in Arabi, Louisiana. After initially losing money, Copeland changed the recipe to a spicier blend and re-opened the restaurant as Popeyes Mighty Good Fried Chicken. Copeland claims that the name he used did not come from Popeye the Sailor cartoon, but rather from the detective from the movie The French Connection, Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle.

The company has changed names several times, from the original Chicken on the Run to Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits to Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken and Biscuits to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, the last name being used since 2008.

By 1990, Copeland Enterprises was in default on more than $391 million. The company filed for bankruptcy. The courts approved a repayment program and the company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992.

The company is best known for its simple meal of fried chicken, a biscuit, and a package of honey, sold in a small basket.

In 1976, the first franchise location opened in Baton Rouge.

By 1986, there were 500 restaurants in the chain.

In 1989, Popeyes merged with Church’s Chicken under the AFC Enterprises umbrella company. AFC sold Church’s Chicken to Arcapita in 2004.

In 2008, founder Al Copeland died.

In early 2017, the company was acquired by Restaurant Brands International for $1.8 billion. The company now operates as a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands.

In early 2018, the company began to offer delivery service in limited areas due to high demand from customers.

In August 2019, the company introduced a new fried chicken sandwich. The product became a viral sensation with nearly all locations selling out quickly. One customer was so angry at his inability to obtain a sandwich that he sued the company of $5,000.

The CEO Jose Cil said that the company greatly underestimated the popularity of their new product and that he never expected it would “break the internet.”

Less than 1 month after being introduced, the company had to stop offering the sandwich due to demand but stated that they expected to reintroduce it next month when they reached new deals with suppliers.

Popeye’s Chicken began selling internationally in 2021, starting new locations in the UK.

Today, the company operates over 2600 restaurants in 40 US states and 22 countries worldwide. They are the second-largest chicken fast-food restaurant in the world, right behind KFC.

In September 2020, the company named Sami Siddiqui as its new CEO.

In October 2023, the company introduced yet another chicken sandwich, this time including a truffle-based sauce. The sandwich is called the Spicy Truff Sandwich and it isn’t getting rave reviews like the original spicy chicken sandwich introduced earlier.

Popeyes maintains a corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Popeyes

History

By 1990, Copeland Enterprises was in default on more than $391 million. The company filed for bankruptcy. The courts approved a repayment program and the company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992.

The company is best known for its simple meal of fried chicken, a biscuit, and a package of honey, sold in a small basket.

In 1976, the first franchise location opened in Baton Rouge.

By 1986, there were 500 restaurants in the chain.

In 1989, Popeyes merged with Church’s Chicken under the AFC Enterprises umbrella company. AFC sold Church’s Chicken to Arcapita in 2004.

In 2008, founder Al Copeland died.

In early 2017, the company was acquired by Restaurant Brands International for $1.8 billion. The company now operates as a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands.

In early 2018, the company began to offer delivery service in limited areas due to high demand from customers.

The CEO Jose Cil said that the company greatly underestimated the popularity of their new product and that he never expected it would “break the internet.”

Popeye’s Chicken began selling internationally in 2021, starting new locations in the UK.

Today, the company operates over 2600 restaurants in 40 US states and 22 countries worldwide. They are the second-largest chicken fast-food restaurant in the world, right behind KFC.

In September 2020, the company named Sami Siddiqui as its new CEO.

Popeyes maintains a corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hooters Corporate Office

Hooters was founded in 1983 by 6 businessmen in Clearwater, Florida, Lynn Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson.

Waitresses at Hooters restaurants are primarily young women, usually referred to simply as “Hooters Girls”, whose revealing outfits and “hooters” are played up and are a primary component of the company’s image. The company employs men and women as cooks, hosts (at some franchises), busboys, and managers.

The menu includes hamburgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood entrees, appetizers, and the restaurant’s specialty, chicken wings. Almost all Hooters restaurants hold alcoholic beverage licenses to sell beer and wine, and where local permits allow, a full liquor bar. Hooters T-shirts, sweatshirts, and various souvenirs and curios are also sold

In 1984, Hugh Connerty bought the company. Connerty was, in turn, bought out by a group of Atlanta investors led by Robert Brooks. Brooks would purchase the majority stake in the company in 2002.

By 1991, there were 50 restaurants in the Atlanta area. By 1993, there were 100 locations.

In 2006, the Hooters Casino Hotel opens in Las Vegas. Robert Brooks dies in 2006 and leaves control of the company to his son, Coby Brooks.

In 2011, Terry Marks replaces Coby Brooks as CEO.

In 2013, the company announced plans to remodel every restaurant in the chain.

Today, there are 420 Hooters restaurants nationwide. About a quarter of them are company-owned and the rest are franchised.

The company is owned by Chanticleer Holdings, an investment firm. Chanticleer plans to do a reverse merger with Sonnet BioTherapies, Inc., in a statement dated October 10, 2019.

Due to the coronavirus, many Hooters were forced to close, but they are slowly reopening, including the Las Vegas Hooters.

Many local franchises band together to create calendars for sale that feature local waitresses in bikinis.

Hooters

Hooters was founded in 1983 by 6 businessmen in Clearwater, Florida, Lynn Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson.

History

In 1984, Hugh Connerty bought the company. Connerty was, in turn, bought out by a group of Atlanta investors led by Robert Brooks. Brooks would purchase the majority stake in the company in 2002.

By 1991, there were 50 restaurants in the Atlanta area. By 1993, there were 100 locations.

In 2006, the Hooters Casino Hotel opens in Las Vegas. Robert Brooks dies in 2006 and leaves control of the company to his son, Coby Brooks.

In 2011, Terry Marks replaces Coby Brooks as CEO.

In 2013, the company announced plans to remodel every restaurant in the chain.

Today, there are 420 Hooters restaurants nationwide. About a quarter of them are company-owned and the rest are franchised.

The company is owned by Chanticleer Holdings, an investment firm. Chanticleer plans to do a reverse merger with Sonnet BioTherapies, Inc., in a statement dated October 10, 2019.

Due to the coronavirus, many Hooters were forced to close, but they are slowly reopening, including the Las Vegas Hooters.

Many local franchises band together to create calendars for sale that feature local waitresses in bikinis.

Del Taco Corporate Office

Del Taco was founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson. The first restaurant was called Casa Del Taco and was located in Yermo, California.

In 1966, Dick Naugle joined the founders to create Red-E-Food Systems whose purpose was to franchise the Casa Del Taco system. Naugle would leave 5 years later to start his own Mexican fast-food chain.

In 1973, the company dropped “Casa” and became just Del Taco.

In 1976, the company is purchased by a group of investors.

By 1978, there are 100 Del Taco locations. By 1981, there were 350 stores.

In 1988, Del Taco merges with Naugles under the leadership of Anwar Soliman.

In 1990, the management team purchases the company from Soliman. Kevin K. Moriarty is named as CEO.

In 2006, the chain is purchased by Sagittarius Brands, LLC.

In 2008, the 500th restaurant opens in Burbank, California.

The company was acquired by Levi Acquisition and went public on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol TACO in late 2015.

Today, there are over 560 Del Taco restaurants in the US, with 310 corporate locations and 241 franchises.

The company introduced a vegan, meatless taco in early May 2019.

The corporate office is still located in Lake Forest, California.

Del Taco

Del Taco was founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson. The first restaurant was called Casa Del Taco and was located in Yermo, California.

History

In 1973, the company dropped “Casa” and became just Del Taco.

In 1976, the company is purchased by a group of investors.

By 1978, there are 100 Del Taco locations. By 1981, there were 350 stores.

In 1988, Del Taco merges with Naugles under the leadership of Anwar Soliman.

In 1990, the management team purchases the company from Soliman. Kevin K. Moriarty is named as CEO.

In 2006, the chain is purchased by Sagittarius Brands, LLC.

In 2008, the 500th restaurant opens in Burbank, California.

The company was acquired by Levi Acquisition and went public on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol TACO in late 2015.

Today, there are over 560 Del Taco restaurants in the US, with 310 corporate locations and 241 franchises.

The company introduced a vegan, meatless taco in early May 2019.

The corporate office is still located in Lake Forest, California.

Pet Supplies Plus Corporate Office

Pet Supplies Plus was founded in Redford, Michigan in 1988 by Harry Shallop and Jack Berry. They designed their stores to be more like grocery stores than your average cramped pet store. Pets were also welcome in the stores. The concept was an instant success.

By 1993, there were 30 stores and Harvey Solway joined the company as the third partner.

In the late 90s, the chain began to franchise and grew even more quickly.

In 2010, the company is acquired by private equity firm Irving Place Capital.

In September 2017, True Leaf Pet significantly expanded the distribution of its popular True Hemp supplement line both online and in bricks and mortar stores, including most Pet Supplies Plus locations.

Pets are allowed to walk through the aisles of the Pet Supplies Plus stores. All stores provide treats, chew toys, and other such products, which are located on low shelves making it easy for dogs to reach them. In addition to offering brand name pet foods, the company also makes their own brand of dog and cat foods under the “Redford” name.

Despite the coronavirus and quarantine, Pet Supplies Plus reported strong mid-year growth in June 2020, with more than 12 new franchises created.

Today, there are more than 490 Pet Supplies Plus stores in 31 US states. Almost all locations offer dog grooming, self-service doggie wash stations, and some locations offer low-cost spay and neuter clinics on certain days of each month. Headquarters are located in Livonia, Michigan.

Pet Supplies Plus

By 1993, there were 30 stores and Harvey Solway joined the company as the third partner.

History

In the late 90s, the chain began to franchise and grew even more quickly.

In 2010, the company is acquired by private equity firm Irving Place Capital.

Despite the coronavirus and quarantine, Pet Supplies Plus reported strong mid-year growth in June 2020, with more than 12 new franchises created.

Jackson Hewitt Corporate Office

Jackson Hewitt began in 1982 when a group of investors bought 6 Mel Jackson’s Tax Service locations.

The company grew slowly until 1986 when they began to franchise. By 1987, they had added 22 new offices.

In 1989, the company partners with Montgomery Ward to open branch locations inside their stores.

In 1992, the company goes public.

In 1994, the company partners with WalMart to begin opening branches inside WalMart and Sam’s Club stores.

In 1996, John Hewitt leaves the company and is replaced as CEO by Keith Alessi.

In 1998, the company is purchased by the Cendant Corporation.

By 1999, there were 3,000 locations.

On April 3, 2007, the US Justice Department announced that the federal government had filed civil injunction suits alleging tax fraud by five corporations owned or partly owned by Farrukh Sohail, a franchisor. On September 28, 2007, the Department of Justice announced that it had reached settlements with each of the defendants in the case. Under the settlement agreements, the majority owner, Farrukh Sohail, of each of the businesses was to be barred from preparing tax returns for five years, and approximately fifteen of Sohail’s employees were permanently banned from preparing taxes other than their own. Jackson Hewitt states that an internal audit showed that none of their corporate employees knew about the scam which led to the filing by the Justice Department.

In 2011, the company was taken off the NYSE after defaulting on its debt. The company eventually filed bankruptcy and emerged as a private company.

CNet offered an unflattering online review stating that Jackson Hewitt’s low filing fee is attractive but that the bare-bones software leaves something to be desired.

Today, Jackson Hewitt is the 3rd largest tax preparation service in the US. The company operates over 6,800 locations.

Jackson Hewitt

Jackson Hewitt began in 1982 when a group of investors bought 6 Mel Jackson’s Tax Service locations.

The company grew slowly until 1986 when they began to franchise. By 1987, they had added 22 new offices.

History

In 1989, the company partners with Montgomery Ward to open branch locations inside their stores.

In 1992, the company goes public.

In 1994, the company partners with WalMart to begin opening branches inside WalMart and Sam’s Club stores.

In 1996, John Hewitt leaves the company and is replaced as CEO by Keith Alessi.

In 1998, the company is purchased by the Cendant Corporation.

By 1999, there were 3,000 locations.

In 2011, the company was taken off the NYSE after defaulting on its debt. The company eventually filed bankruptcy and emerged as a private company.

CNet offered an unflattering online review stating that Jackson Hewitt’s low filing fee is attractive but that the bare-bones software leaves something to be desired.

Today, Jackson Hewitt is the 3rd largest tax preparation service in the US. The company operates over 6,800 locations.