Global Franchise 10.3

70 GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 10.3 The latest expansions, mergers and breakout brands transforming the global franchise landscape WORLDOF FRANCHISE 1 NEWYORK, USA California Pizza Kitchen has changed hands once again, with an investor group led by Consortium Brand Partners agreeing to acquire the casual dining chain in a deal valued at just under $300million. According to Reuters, the transaction closed in December 2025 and signals a new growth chapter for the iconic pizza brand. While the brand filed for bankruptcy in 2020 amid pandemic pressures, it has since stabilized and repositioned itself for expansion. Today, CPK operates more than 120 restaurants across 10 countries and has developed a strong retail presence, with its frozen pizzas sold in over 10,000 grocery stores nationwide. The brand is also experimenting with new formats, including pizza vending machines in airports. The new ownership group plans to accelerate franchise growth, introduce new products, and further expand CPK’s retail and nontraditional footprint as it looks to usher the brand into what it calls a “new era of growth.” 2 LOS ANGELES, USA Mixue, a brand under MIXUE Group, has opened its first U.S. store in Los Angeles, marking the company’s debut in the Americas and a significant milestone in its global expansion. The store, which opened on December 19 at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, introduces Mixue’s value- focused menu of ice cream, teas, milk teas, lemonades, and coffee, with most items priced under $5. The launch was supported by street activations, giveaways, and appearances from the brand’s Snow King mascot. Founded in China, Mixue now operates more than 53,000 stores worldwide, including around 4,700 locations across 13 international markets. The U.S. opening follows years of overseas growth and reflects the group’s ambition to scale across the Americas, with additional locations planned in NewYork. 3 KENYA, AFRICA Choice Hotels International has announced plans to enter the African market as part of its accelerated EMEA growth strategy, signing three directly franchised hotels in Kenya and a master development agreement that will add at least 15 additional properties across sub-Saharan and southern Africa by 2030. The initial portfolio includes an Ascend Collection hotel in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, alongside a Clarion and a Quality Inn in Nairobi’s central business district, all expected to open in early 2026. The expansion will be led by existing U.S. franchisee Aniket Shroff and further strengthens Choice’s international footprint, which now exceeds 150,000 rooms outside the U.S., reinforcing Africa as a key growth market for the global franchisor. “CPK has extreme brand loyalty for something that’s been around for so long... and there’s an incredible amount of opportunity left” Cory Baker, founder of ConsortiumBrand Partner 1 2