Restaurant Franchises Expand Across the U.S. and Canada

Angry Chickz, Melting Pot, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, JINYA Ramen Bar, I Heart Fries, and Potbelly announce new locations and growth plans.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Several popular restaurant franchises are expanding their footprints across the United States and Canada. Angry Chickz is opening a new location in Goodyear, Arizona, Melting Pot is targeting major Canadian cities for growth, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is accelerating its nationwide expansion with a new, smaller-footprint model, JINYA Ramen Bar has entered the Tennessee market with its first Nashville restaurant, I Heart Fries has opened a new location in Miami, and Potbelly Sandwich Works is debuting in New Jersey through a 15-shop development agreement.

Why it matters

The expansion of these well-known restaurant brands into new markets and the introduction of updated store models demonstrates the ongoing resilience and growth of the franchise industry, even in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. These moves indicate consumer demand for familiar dining options and the franchisors' confidence in the long-term viability of their concepts.

The details

Angry Chickz is opening its 35th national location in Goodyear, Arizona on March 6. Melting Pot is launching a strategic expansion across Canada, targeting major hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa for new franchise growth. Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is accelerating its nationwide expansion with a new, smaller-footprint restaurant model designed to enhance efficiency and scalability, with new locations planned for New Mexico, New Jersey, and beyond. JINYA Ramen Bar has expanded into Tennessee with the opening of its first Nashville location. I Heart Fries has officially opened a new location in Miami, marking the debut of a new breakfast menu available at all three of its Florida restaurants. Potbelly Sandwich Works is entering the New Jersey market through a 15-shop development agreement with PBNJ LLC, bringing its iconic neighborhood sandwich experience to the Garden State over the next eight years.

  • Angry Chickz is opening its 35th national location in Goodyear, Arizona on March 6, 2026.
  • Melting Pot is launching its strategic Canadian expansion in 2026.
  • Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is accelerating its nationwide expansion with new locations planned for 2026 and beyond.
  • JINYA Ramen Bar opened its first Nashville location on February 10, 2026.
  • I Heart Fries opened its new Miami location in 2026.

The players

Angry Chickz

A Nashville hot chicken franchise that is expanding its Arizona footprint.

Melting Pot

A fondue restaurant chain that is launching a strategic expansion across Canada.

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ

A restaurant franchise that is accelerating its nationwide expansion with a new, smaller-footprint model.

JINYA Ramen Bar

A ramen restaurant chain that has expanded into Tennessee with its first Nashville location.

I Heart Fries

A restaurant chain that has opened a new location in Miami, Florida.

Potbelly Sandwich Works

A sandwich shop franchise that is debuting in New Jersey through a 15-shop development agreement.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The expansion of these well-known restaurant brands into new markets and the introduction of updated store models demonstrates the ongoing resilience and growth of the franchise industry, even in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. These moves indicate consumer demand for familiar dining options and the franchisors' confidence in the long-term viability of their concepts.