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Small chains accelerate franchise growth in H1 2026
25 Jul
Summary
- Several smaller chains expanded franchised operations in H1 2026.
- Jollibee signed three multi-unit franchise partners in the U.S.
- Layne's Chicken Fingers signed a 12-unit deal for California expansion.
Smaller and medium-sized restaurant chains significantly accelerated their franchised growth during the first half of 2026. These chains actively pursued new deals, sought additional partners, and targeted emerging markets and real estate opportunities.
Notable among these are Jollibee and Layne's Chicken Fingers. Jollibee, the Filipino chicken chain, signed three multi-unit franchise agreements in the U.S. during the first half of 2026, significantly enhancing its confidence in reaching 330 American units by 2030.
Layne's Chicken Fingers also sped up its expansion, signing a 12-unit deal in the second quarter of 2026. This agreement marks the Texas-based chain's entry into California, the nation's most populous state, as it aims to become a major national chicken chain.
