Expansion Roundup: Brands Court New Markets, Franchisees

As March Madness gets underway, select restaurant brands’ teams also are making strategic moves.

Here are some of the latest announcements:

• Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants: Pushing into new global territory, Dickey’s recently opened a two-story restaurant in Manila, Philippines. Besides staples like brisket, ribs and sausage, the chain’s menu will aim to appeal to Filipinos’ appetites with rice, pork and pork belly dishes, and regional appetizers, notes the release. The Manila opening precedes several more planned for the area. It’s all part of Dickey’s push into Southeast Asia, following launches in Singapore, Japan and Pakistan. Worldwide, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands have more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries.

• Dog Haus: The Pasadena, Calif.-based chain inked a new five-unit franchise agreement covering two new markets: Columbus, Ohio, and Fayetteville, Ark. The first of the four Ohio units is expected to open by the end of this year. “Bringing Dog Haus to Columbus and Fayetteville is an incredible opportunity,” says franchisee Cherokee Rhoda, founder and CEO of Brooks & Truitt Specialty Group, in a release. “These cities have dynamic food scenes, and I know their residents—especially college students and professionals—will embrace Dog Haus’ innovative menu and welcoming atmosphere.”

Naf Naf Grill is set to open in Columbus, Ohio, after finalizing a new franchise agreement.

• Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill: This summer, through a partnership with Roma Patel Group, the first of four new units will open in the greater Columbus, Ohio area. Franchisees Roma Patel and Suresh Patel currently own and operate 20 Tropical Smoothie Cafes and other businesses across Ohio, Illinois and Texas. Chicago-based Naf Naf, with 41 units to date, also recently opened units in North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

Finally, Cousins Maine Lobster is keeping it in the family, lining up yet another rollout with existing franchisees and brothers Yunus and Thameem Shahul, who’ve worked with CML since 2018. The duo announced their 23rd CML food truck, which will help the brand make its debut in Albany, N.Y., as Cousins Maine Lobster looks to broaden its reach in New York, among other markets.