Master franchising has always traditionally been a franchisor’s preferred method of growth in the past, since it places a lion-share of the responsibility of development in the assigned area to the master franchisee, while the franchisor is left free to work on the operations and franchisee recruitment aspect of the business.
Master franchising is typically a global game. It’s a highly successful method of international expansion and growth and gives franchisors, master franchisees and sub-franchisees a piece of the pie as the brand grows.
School of Rock
This year, School of Rock signed two international master franchise agreements; one in South Korea and another with an existing master franchisee South Africa.
The South Africa agreement will bring eight locations to the country:
“The school’s performance-based education creates the rock stars of tomorrow while also investing in their personal growth. Leigh and I are very proud to be part of this inspiring international business that is perfectly poised for the South African market,” said Keith Taeuber, owner of School of Rock Claremont in Cape Town.
The South Korea agreement will bring 19 locations to the country:
“While most Taiwanese children learn either violin or piano, there is no system available for learning to perform with other kids, or to perform pop music and rock songs they actually enjoy. Now they will have that opportunity with the opening of our first School of Rock in Taichung City,” said John Caraccio, master franchisee of School of Rock and owner of SOR Taiwan Company Ltd.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven has continually pursued international growth, and has established itself in Cambodia, India and Israel in 2021 with master franchise agreements.
The Cambodia agreement will bring multiple locations to the country:
“It is always exciting to introduce 7-Eleven to a completely new country of customers experiencing for the first time the convenience, quality, freshness and highest standard of service we offer,” said Joe DePinto, president and CEO of 7-Eleven.
The Israel agreement will bring seven locations to the country:
“When looking to enter a new retail segment, we knew we wanted a company that had the experience and international reputation to deliver a first-class experience for Israeli customers,” said Electra Consumer Products CEO Zvika Schwimmer.
The India agreement will bring multiple locations to Mumbai:
“7-Eleven is among the most iconic global brands in the convenience retail landscape. The new pathways we build together with 7-Eleven will offer Indian customers greater convenience and choices within their own neighborhoods,” said Isha Ambani, director of Reliance Ventures Limited, 7-Eleven’s Indian master franchisee.
Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers pursued a master franchise deal in Japan, and came out of it not only with a master franchise agreement, but a partnership with Next Meats Co., a Tokyo-based venture dedicated to creating alternatives to meat products.
The Japan agreement will bring 60 locations to the country:
“We are pleased to officially announce our latest international partnerships with WBBA and Next Meats Co., which will create a tremendous opportunity to introduce the Wayback Burgers experience to both traditional and alternative burger lovers in Japan,” said William Chemero, chief development officer of Wayback Burgers.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
Happy Joe’s decided to expand into Middle Eastern and North African markets, regions with a rising affluent middle class and disposable income; making it prime for expansion.
The Middle East and North Africa agreement will bring 50-75 locations across the regions:
“Pizza delivery is widely popular in Egypt, and we’ll offer it, but nothing in this area compares to the magical dine-in atmosphere at Happy Joe’s. We’re proud to introduce this iconic brand to the Middle East and continue growing it throughout the region,” said Ahmed Elbatran, the master franchisee.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is a global brand with a presence in almost every region with its universally popular donuts. The donut brand decided to expand into Egypt, and opened its first location in the capital city, Cairo.
The Egypt agreement will bring multiple locations to the country:
“The joy and love shown for Krispy Kreme by people in Cairo has been truly overwhelming. Our team in Cairo is committed to serving the freshest and tastiest doughnuts on the planet to the millions of Krispy Kreme lovers there,” said Amarpal Sandhu, CEO of Americana Restaurants, an independently owned and operated franchise partner of Krispy Kreme.
Always Best Care
Care franchises are on a steady rise, and it’s been no different for Always Best Care. The senior care franchisor signed its first master franchise agreement in Canada this year with Ontario resident, Steve Kelly.
The Canada agreement will bring multiple locations to Ontario:
“When I lost my job earlier this year due to restructuring, I knew that in my next venture I wanted to work directly with people and make a positive impact on their lives. Always Best Care’s altruistic proposition and proven business model have equipped me with the tools to do just that, offering award-winning services that help individuals and their loved ones live their best possible life,” said Kelly.
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
On The Border signed one of the biggest master franchising deals of the year in South Korea, building on its already successful 12 locations in the country.
The South Korea agreement will bring 60 locations to the country:
“We’ve experienced great success with On The Border, so we’re excited to expand our partnership. This is just the first step in expanding across Asia and solidifying On The Border as the premier restaurant for Mexican cuisine in these markets,” said Suzy Park, CEO of JRW, Inc., the local franchisee for On The Border
Rumble
Rumble, a boxing boutique franchise concept was acquired by Xponential Fitness, a group of boutique fitness brands in March 2021. Xponential wasted no time in expanding the Rumble brand with a master franchise agreement in Australia.
The Australia agreement will bring 100 locations to the country:
“We are certain that Australians will embrace the results-oriented workout and immersive customer experience at Rumble studios. And our promotional collaboration with Matt Stafford will extend our reach as we continue to develop our network of franchise partners around Australia,” said Matt Gordin, CEO of Boutique Fitness Studios Pty. Ltd.
Muscle Maker
Muscle Maker is no stranger to the Middle East after having signed a 10-unit deal in Kuwait for Muscle Maker Grill in 2017. The brand is doubling down on the region, and has now signed a master franchise agreement with Saudi partners.
The Saudi agreement will bring 40 locations to the country:
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Muscle Maker, Inc. and to be the franchisor that develops the brand in Saudi Arabia. We were attracted to the brand for its ability to offer a ‘healthier for you’ alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste and have since opened two units in Salmiya and Mubarak Alkabir Governorate Kuwait. The brand is well received locally and we’re ready to make some moves in both Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Abdullah Kadhem Almatrouk, the Muscle Maker Grill international partner in Kuwait on behalf of his partnership.
Carl’s Jr
After initially entering the Australian market in 2016, Carl’s Jr. feels now is the time to sign a master franchise agreement and ramp up its presence in Australia.
The Australia agreement will bring 27 locations to the country:
“The board of CJ’s QSR Group are delighted with our appointment as master franchisor for Carl’s Jr. in Australia and we are committed to growing the brand aggressively over the next ten years. We are passionate about Carl’s Jr. and have been buoyed by the appetite that exists in the Australian market for our chargrilled burgers,” said Andrew Firn, managing director of CJ’s QSR Group Pty. Ltd, the local franchisee for Carl’s Jr.
Read our lists of the biggest acquisitions and multi-unit franchising deals of the year
